What does that even mean? Virtuous?
Here's the dictionary definition:
*vir·tu·ous
ˈvərCHo͞oəs/
adjective
having or showing high moral standards.
If you're like me, you don't consider yourself to be in that category. Maybe you come close some days, but others...not so much. But being a virtuous mom isn't about what we do, it's what we are. And who are we? The best place to look is in God's word.
“Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
“Many women have done excellently,
but you surpass them all.”
Proverbs 31:25-30
This is a lot to unpack, so let's start with the first line:
"Strength and dignity are her clothing..."
Strength & Dignity
When was the last time you reminded yourself that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”? (Philippians 4:13)
Or maybe you have been reminded, but you’re thinking “easier said than done”.
Well here’s some more reminders to help you out:
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
1 Corinthians 10:13
But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31
*Strength – the power to resist force, strain or wear
*Dignity – a person who has a high rank or title
Funny how these two words go together in the verse above. The verse speaks highly of women, not to puff them up or to make us think we’re better than everyone else, but to remind us that God thinks highly of us. It doesn’t matter what role we play; mom, wife, daughter. He thinks we’re worth protecting, strengthening us to do what we need to do everyday, and to be elevated from our earthly circumstances which, at times, can seem to drag us down.
Let's look at the word "clothed". It means to be *covered. Did you get that? You're covered! Covered by strength and dignity.
When Adam and Eve committed the first sin, and they hid in shame, what did God do when He found them? He clothed them.
When you find yourself in those deep dark moments, and you cry out to God, He pulls you close and covers you, first and foremost with His grace and then covers you with what you need. That includes strength to carry on. As His child, you carry the dignity of a princess.
If you find yourself feeling drained, weak or small, let these words sink in – not my words, but God’s – because His words never fail. Ask him for the strength you need, even if it’s to change one more diaper, or mark one more paper, or get you through that last hour of work. He’s faithful – and you can always count on that.
You are strong, and you are beautiful, mama – wear them proudly!
*All definitions taken from www.dictionary.com