Wholly Dependent

Years ago I started down this journey that has kept me (at least recently) from being part of your everyday lives.  I still remember the conversation I had with my dad, your grandpa about wanting to one day become a writer, lecturer and public speaker.  It never occurred to me at the age of 15, that I would need to contend with certain sacrifices, most notably, being away from you and your mom.

Had I known then what I know now, I probably would have made better financial decisions earlier in life.  It may not have changed the outcome of having to be on the road so much today, but perhaps it could have given us the opportunity to hire additional help for your mom during my extended absences.

I have to tell you both, that she is a remarkable woman.  Most people may think that I’m the rock, the foundation of our family, but as you both are aware, our family’s foundation is in Christ alone.

Even as a humble servant, who has submitted to our Lord and his rules, my role as the spiritual leader wouldn’t be complete without your mom by my side.  She is the glue to my structure.  If I could describe her in a word, I’d have to say, that your mom is my hero.

Not the ‘come in and saves the day when I’m in trouble’ kind of hero. She’s the always reliable, never thinks of herself, maintains control, self-sacrificing, real-deal, genuine all the time type of hero.

Woman today are portrayed negatively when you consider the role of an Ephesians wife or Proverbs 31 woman.  I’m humbled by God’s sovereignty and his blessings to our household that he provided for the three of us, a woman after his own heart.

I pray that he has the same grace and mercy in store for your own hearts.

The Woman Who Fears the Lord

Proverbs 31

10 An excellent wife who can find?
 She is far more precious than jewels.
11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
and he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good, and not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
and works with willing hands.
14 She is like the ships of the merchant;
she brings her food from afar.
15 She rises while it is yet night
and provides food for her household
and portions for her maidens.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
17 She dresses herself with strength
and makes her arms strong.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
Her lamp does not go out at night.
19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
and her hands hold the spindle.
20 She opens her hand to the poor
and reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself;
her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates
when he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
she delivers sashes to the merchant.
25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
and she laughs at the time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
27 She looks well to the ways of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
and let her works praise her in the gates.