Proverbs 31 Woman (Interpretation)

A woman of noble character, who can find?

    She is worth far more than rubies (or diamond rings).
Those who love her have full confidence in her,

(Even when she lacks confidence in herself-

which is far too often)
    And she is (more than) enough.

She does her best to bring good, not harm,
    all the days of her life (and when she messes up, 

she doesn’t let it define her forever).

 She works hard to show up for those she loves, 

providing them with whatever they might need- 

    a hand to hold, 

    a truth to be spoken, 

    a laugh to lighten the soul, 

    a holy space held 

    for grace to show up.

She sets about her work vigorously 

(because she often has no choice), 

     her arms are strong for her tasks, 

But when she is tired, she allows herself to rest.
She opens her arms to the poor
     and extends her hands to the needy 

(and is brave enough to allow herself to have needs too).

When winter comes, she (tries to) not fear, 

     for she knows that things must die to be reborn, 

and there is always new life waiting to be found in barren land

     if you can just wait and hope a little while longer. 

She is clothed with strength and dignity; 

    she can laugh at the days to come 

(because she knows they will be so much different 

    than what she expected or planned- 

and she can laugh at the absurdity of it all).

She speaks with wisdom 

that comes from the many times 

she has decided to rise up 

and brush herself off after falling down

and she is faithful to be vulnerable and honest and imperfect

with the women in her life 

so that they know they aren’t alone.

Children who aren’t her own call her all sorts of things- 

Auntie, Godmother, Momma, Pastor, Friend.

And she cherishes them as if they belonged to her, 

Because in a way, they do.

Many women do noble things, brave things, hard things, 

and I am grateful to walk beside you and be inspired by you. 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting,

but a woman who knows who she is 

in all of her beautiful messiness,

marvels at the person God has created her to be,

and doesn’t apologize for it…

She is a woman to be praised.

(International Women's Day, 2020)