The Proverbs 31 Woman (Becoming a Beautiful Woman Part 3)

"Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,

but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised "

Proverbs 31:30

I have always been fascinated with the proverbial woman whom King Lemuel's queen mother described in the Bible (don't know who King Lemuel is? Please read it here ). As a young girl and well-acquainted with the Bible, I have forever been dreaming of becoming one. Of course, just like any other girls, it was also my childhood dream to become a princess. And I have an inkling that the Proverbs 31 woman was either a queen or a princess, you know why? Because it's the queen mother who characterized her to the king! How would she know? It takes one to know one, right? :)

Anyhow, going back to my fascination, I just remembered, while this idea was still brewing in my mind, two guy friends I had back in college. Both were special in one way or another; one of them was my friend since high school while the other one was a special someone during those days. My high school/college friend told me while we were casually chatting about his special someone that I was "one of the finest women" he had met in his life. Of course, I was surprised, no, actually I was elated! Hahaha! Imagine hearing that from a guy. I felt like a princess at that time being praised by a charming prince friend. The other guy, who once was a special someone (hahaha), on the other hand, gave me the verse above. He said he saw me as the Proverbs 31 woman. Again, ang haba ng hair ko, but that statement was not yet uso at that time, haha! Definitely, I was flattered (who wouldn't, di ba?).

Now I am writing this not to give you pointers or tips on how to become a Proverbs 31 Woman (or mom for that matter). No, I have not reached that status yet, I think I haven't even come close. Being that kind of woman seem impossible, she "looked" so perfect. But I believe, just like every human being or woman who has walked here on earth, she had her own share of imperfections although she (again, I would like to believe) focused on her strengths rather than on her weaknesses. I am writing this to inspire each one of us; that though this woman "lived" thousands of years ago, I would say that I still see this kind of woman these days. So, who is the Proverbs 31 woman today? She is the...

1. Faithful wife to her husband - vv. 11, 12.

Our wedding bands

Do you still remember these words? "I, (your name, please), take you (your husband's name), to be my husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part." Wasn't it exciting and blissful the first time you had said those truthful words? Well, I tell you, after 5, 10 or even 20 years, that statement should still remain true for you... in thoughts, in words and in deeds. A faithful wife is an excellent wife, the Proverbs said. It is even far more precious than jewels. I may not be able to wear costly diamonds or precious pearls but if I am faithful to the one God gave me to be my husband, then I know I'm more invaluable than any of those treasures. I am his priceless possession.

2. Happy homemaker (stay-at-home mom/domestic goddess or work-at-home mom) - vv. 15, 21, 27.

Me and baby at 1 month

 It's been my dream to be a happy homemaker. You know the kind that bakes the bread for her husband and kids so that her family would eat fresh bread everyday; putting flowers in different parts of the house so it would smell spring-y; sew simple clothes and curtains; knit jackets and make quilted blankets? Yes, I have dreamed of becoming like that. I haven't done any of those... yet. But I am happy. I'm a blissful stay-at-home mom (SAHM). It's also my desire to help my husband make ends meet, that is to be a work-at-home mommy (WAHM). I am hopeful that I'm getting there... slowly but surely.

Some of the beautiful WAHMmies I have met, my ka-"tribe"

3. Artistic and creative crafter and/or hobbyist - vv. 19, 22, 24.

iCreate: cross-stitch, DIY, origami... washi tapes? iLove! :) 

 I have seen a lot of very creative and artistic mothers. Just look at Pinterest and you'll understand what I am talking about. Aren't they all amazing? All I can say is, "W.O.W."!

4. Hardworking career/business/working woman/mom - vv. 13, 14, 27.

Alemars Nadia

My Alemars Mommy Nadia is a very hardworking woman/mom. She's not only working in a non-government organization, she also has a business to run (not to mention a household) and on her way to homeschooling her soon-to-be-3-years-old son. She's just one of the so many diligent women/mothers who would do everything for her family and "looks well to the ways of her household".

5. Ingenious mompreneur/momtrepreneur - vv. 16 - 18.
I don't know about you but I noticed that these days more and more moms are carving out a reputation as successful mompreneurs/momtrepreneurs. And this new, how should I call it, "title" is not just another feather in the cap, but also a proof that mothers are resourceful and skillful.

6. Gracious philanthropist - v. 20.
Philanthropists are people who give or donate their money and time for the welfare of others.They could also be individuals who willingly volunteer and through this volunteering deeds greatly affect others. We, moms may not be able to give large sum of money but as long as we render our time and support to the needy, I consider that as act of philanthropy. I remember a friend who donated her breastmilk to some of the kids affected by the Haiyan typhoon. I believe it's not only my friend who extended that kind of help, there were other gracious philanthropist moms who did that as well.

7. Honest politician - v. 25
With all the hullaballoo going on right now in our beloved country which involves politicians and their pork barrels, I would like to believe that somewhere in the Philippines, somehow, there is still an honest Filipino leader or legislator (that happens to be a woman or mom too!). Let's just keep praying and believing. Who knows? One day, it could be you... and me! :)

8. Passionate teacher - v. 26
This could be, well, a teacher whom we see in the schools. Have you ever noticed? Majority of  teachers, specially during my time (I'm not that old, heehee), are single women or mothers. Nowadays, a teacher could be a mom who doesn't have to go to school or doesn't even have to earn a licensure exam for teachers. She could be a mom who passionately homeschool her children. And I have seen awesome moms like that, homeschooling her 7 children! How could she do that?

I am desiring to home educate my precious daughter too. I'm so thankful that there are other home school advocates and also moms in this country. I know I am not alone. My desire for this type of education for my daughter was beefed up when I got to attend homeschooling conference and workshops sponsored by The Learning Basket . Those events were really very helpful and encouraging. I believe in their mantra: I am my child's "first and best teacher".

9. Woman who fears God - v. 30
The last chapter of the Proverbs said that a woman who fears God is to be praised. I believe this is the best part of being a Proverbs 31 woman. She loves God above all and because of that, her beauty from within radiates, surpassing the physical appearance. And I can't think of any other women who epitomize this characteristic more than my mother and mother-in-law. They may not be the prettiest (according to the world's standard) but for me, they are simply the best!

My mom, or Mamu (that's how I call her) is the bravest and strongest woman I have ever met. I'm not talking about the physical capability here but the emotional and spiritual strength. With all the challenges and hardships she had been through, I couldn't admire her more. She's just awesome and the nice thing is she doesn't take the glory. She would always give the praises back to the Lord. You'll always hear her say, "Glory to God."

My Mamu

My mother-in-law is the other woman who exemplify the "woman who fears the Lord". Whenever negative issues arise, she's quick to say, "Leave it to the Lord and let Him take care of it." Instead of dwelling on the hurts or pains caused by other people, she would say, "Pray for him/her. Forgive and just let the Lord do His job." Isn't that something?

My MIL holding our li'l fashionista at 1 year old

Becoming a beautiful woman physically is not bad. It is rewarding, actually. You get a lot of "oohs" and "aahs";  people's heads turn, not just once but twice; men become gentle (as in gentlemen) and give you their seats or their spots; there's a lot of perks. However, the Proverbs say that it is fleeting, it doesn't last long and it is deceptive. This book of maxims admonish us to seek that kind of beauty that lasts, which comes from within; that is a life that reveres, honors and loves God. It is still possible to become a Proverbs 31 woman in our time. We may not be "all" that she is, but I'm sure, in one way or another we fall under one of her characteristics.

How about you? Do you also desire to be this kind of woman? In what way/s are you like her? Please feel free to share your thoughts. :)