A Worthy Woman.

I believe there is a yearning in peoples’ hearts to do the right thing; to be part of a society that cares and nurtures, and therefore makes it a better place for all of us.  And so, in true “blogging” style, I am throwing a few thoughts your way and would love to receive some feedback.

I am using an illustration from the Bible because it helped me to formulate my thoughts.  However,  the sentiments are true for anyone, regardless of what your faith may be, or even if you have no belief in any god.

This verse was thought to be written by Solomon, a wise king in Old Testament times.

It comes from Proverbs 31.

She is like the merchant ships, loaded with treasures.

She brings her household’s food from a far country. 

Most Bible scholars agree that, in this passage, Soloman is thought to be musing on the qualities of a worthy woman. However, I have used the passage here to illustrate that all of us can be worthy women ( and men, of course), each of us carrying our own treasures.

So who is “She”?

“She” is the Mother (or Father)  who shows kindness, patience, self-control, acceptance, unconditional love….

“She” is the daughter (or son) who, once dependent on parents for everything, now finds that the tables are turned.

“She” is the sibling who, despite many differences, stands side by side with family through thick and thin.

“She” is the carer who strives for the good of the weak.

“She” is a friend………

“She” is a neighbour…..

“She” is a member of a society, amongst people she does not even know.

So, my questions are

Who do we identify with in the list above?

What treasures are we carrying?

Do we distribute our treasures fairly?

Parents. For most parents ( but sadly not all) it is relatively easy to give our children what they need. It may be hard work at times, but we find the strength. We are, generally speaking, selfless.

For most parents ( but sadly not all) it is relatively easy to give our children what they need. It may be hard work at times, but we find the strength. We are, generally speaking, selfless.

Siblings.

My siblings and I sometimes have rivalries of one sort or another, but heaven help anyone wh0 tries to come between us! However, for some, the giving away of kindness, acceptance, forgiveness etc is exceptionally hard.

Children. Even adults are still someone’s child. How easy is it for us to bring love, respect, forgiveness, kindness, honour?

Even adults are still someone’s child.  We have grown up and formulated our own ideas and ethics (which may or may not be a long way off theirs) and yet our parents still deserve our love, respect, forgiveness, kindness and honour.

Caring for your own parent is a sad and stressful time for both parties. At times like this, there is a need for a thorough search, to find the really treasured cargo – hope, discipline, respect, gratitude-  to name a few.

Friends.

Friends are great people to have around us. They don’t judge and they help us to be ourselves. We find it quite natural to give them encouragement, laughter, a listening ear. Unfortunately, some have struggled with friendships that have been spoiled over the years, but we do have a rich cargo of forgiveness on board, so maybe now is the time to seek it out and give it away?

Neighbours.

What of our neighbours? Do we even know them, or their needs?

Maybe it’s time for kindness, good works, and wisdom too.  I have recently moved to a new neighbourhood, and have been very touched by those who have offered me friendship. It’s not that hard. I dare you to try it!

Strangers. 

Society! People we see daily but know nothing about at all. And there’s so many of them! Challenging isn’t it? Because if we are a great merchant ship, stuffed to the gills with great things, don’t we have a responsibility to deliver to all members of society? After all, it’s easy to give to those who are closest, those we love more. But what of the unloved, the homeless or just the complete stranger? If we only give to those we know and love, and everyone lived by this principle, society would break down irrevocably. Maybe that’s why one of our greatest sayings is “treat others as you would like to be treated.” In my view, this is the most challenging.

She is like the merchant ships, loaded with treasure.

Look inside yourself. What treasure do you have?

She brings her household’s food from a far country.

Who is “your household”?

Who will you give your treasure away to?

 

written by Debbie Anne Winn.