Gals-who-get-it

Her Life Inspires: Meet Lady Virtue

In Gals Who "Get" it, Her Life Inspires, Resources by Shannon Cochran

Gals-who-get-it

I know a lacks-nothing woman who earns praise, honor, and respect wherever she goes. On one hand, she perturbs me—a woman so genuinely noticed, so completely capable—but she pays forward gobs of goodness and I think, Maybe she’s onto something?

 

Now I’m not saying she’s perfect, but there’s something light and freshly different about her. So I take note, like the way she solves problems with such savvy. And the way she manages her home-work, work-work, and relationships-work. I doubt myself—I could never do that—but her balanced life makes me want to. And the way she speaks so gentle and sweet . . . makes me wish I didn’t hiss! And I wonder, How does she do it?

But what I notice most about this laudable lady is her confidence. Fully alive. Directed. Remarkable. Complete.

She’s memorable—a woman who lived centuries ago, but she still encourages contemporary women. And, I can’t shake this, she inspires me. When I see her steps—so purposeful. When I observe her passion—so powerful. When I hear her praise—so desirable, and see her influence—so far reaching, I want these things for myself. I want to be an unforgettable woman, a praised wife, an adored mother. I want to be a respected businesswoman. I want be a life-giver who blesses and encourages people. 

 

In audible words, aloud I say: “She’s the kind of woman I’d like to be.” 

 

Meet Lady Virtue

Her Name: I call her Lady Virtue. Shannon-log-200-x-200

Her Story: Lady Virtue’s 22-verse bio is preserved in the Bible–Proverbs 31:10—31. We’ll call this our signature passage. You should note that the biblical memory of Lady Virtue describes the middle of her life when she’s reached the pinnacle of her productivity. How do we know this? God’s word records nothing of her beginning. And we are curious, aren’t we? Was she from a broken home? An only child? Or did she have siblings? Did she grow up “in church” or in a pagan family? Did her mama teach her to sew or did the tragic death of her first husband force her to learn a skill to provide for her family? We don’t have answers to these questions; rather, what we do know of Lady Virtue is the fruitful life she lives in her “now.” Let’s read her bio.

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. 31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Prov. 31:10-31).

Her Qualities: Goodness, Trust in God’s Faithfulness, Servant-worker, Diligent, Industrious, Reverent toward God, and Wise. A complete woman without holes in her life that need to be filled. 

favicon I want her noble qualities.

Do you?

 

Shannon Cochran