Who do you model yourself on? Who do you admire above all others?

A strong woman is so secure that she sees no need or inclination to retaliate, save face or protect her goods or reputation. She walks so firmly and with such a giving attitude that nothing is too much or too unfair for her to give out, and she quickly bears the burdens of others. The second- mile mind-set is central to her thinking and practice, and nothing is too much bother, which shows itself in generosity of effort, time and belongings. These attitudes reap for her an eternal store of righteousness in the place where no one can take it away.

She fears no loss of status or any of life’s necessities, as she knows God is in total control and always oversees all events and happenings, so her faith does not waver in the face of any kind of adversity. The knowledge that God is the sovereign king over all, and his power complete, is the foundation stone of every day, making every encounter with other people, an opportunity to demonstrate the purpose and mercy of God.

The gifts she has been given are committed to Christ, using them to full extent for his sake and for the benefit of those outside His fellowship. All areas of skill and the wide variety of abilities God gives, grow and develop, so that she becomes a person of trust, obedience and love. Her family become blessed because of her, and there is plenty of room for those who are in need, so that all who seek spiritual nourishment and friendship, can shelter near her refuge in Christ. She has learned to relate to anyone who should come into her circle of friends and those who least seem to fit, become accepted and encouraged.

This woman’s lifestyle is after Christ, and only Him, and her eyes daily watch him, listen to him. Every prayer is a seeking after His likeness, so that all within her being, is conformed to His self. She herself is daily denied the cravings of selfish wanting, and those she interacts with in daily life recognize the likeness of Christ’s character in all her thinking, speaking and doing. All beliefs, attitudes and prejudices become subject to His perfect law and lifestyle.

No other person is worth following in comparison to the Master, and even those who are regarded as worthy or worth listening to, seem vacuous, inconsistent and flawed. To be like Him is her true and constant delight, but costs her everything in terms of this world. Yet the realization of the value and sheer delight of knowing the presence of Christ, renders everything devoid of joy without Him.

As she lifts her eyes to Him, looks into His gracious face of love, all human and earthly activity pales and fades away, leaving only love for Christ and love for others, with the certain hope that one day, she will see Him with her own eyes, and be truly like Him, showing His glory, in the clarity of peace, love and humility…

The woman of noble character…Proverbs 31

“She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

“O to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer
This is my constant longing and prayer
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of life’s pleasures
Jesus Thy perfect likeness to bear…
O to be like Thee!
O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art.
Come in my weakness, come in Thy fullness
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart…”
Thomas Chisholm (1860)