Living in the Spirit

September 13, 2021

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 31:10-31

A capable wife who can find?
   She is far more precious than jewels.
The heart of her husband trusts in her,
   and he will have no lack of gain.
She does him good, and not harm,
   all the days of her life.
She seeks wool and flax,
   and works with willing hands.
She is like the ships of the merchant,
   she brings her food from far away.
She rises while it is still night
   and provides food for her household
   and tasks for her servant-girls.
She considers a field and buys it;
   with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
She girds herself with strength,
   and makes her arms strong.
   Her lamp does not go out at night.
She puts her hands to the distaff,
   and her hands hold the spindle.
She opens her hand to the poor,
   and reaches out her hands to the needy. –Proverbs 31:10-20

The above scripture was read at my mother’s memorial service. We selected it because it describes her perfectly. She was a hard worker. We lived on a farm, which meant everyone had their responsibilities. Mom was an ardent gardener. When we produced more than we could eat or store, she gave the extra away. She was also a Deaconess in the Methodist church before she married and, at times, a schoolteacher and a social worker.

This scripture describes women who buy fields and sells merchandise. It suggests the equality of role responsibilities in a family. Unfortunately, we live in a world where the work done by women is less valued than that of men doing the same work or work of equal importance. We need to correct that.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the role models in our lives who serve as examples of living your Love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved