PROVERBS 31

Proverbs 31:25-26, 30-31 (NLT)
“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.”

I have a friend I’ve known for nearly 25 years. We met at The Naz just a few months after my husband and I were married, and shortly after she and her husband had experienced the devastating loss of their four-year-old son. It wasn’t a coincidence that the four of us came to know Jesus around the same time and found ourselves in a new believers class together. We became fast friends, and over time, we all grew in love and in relationship with our Lord Jesus.

My friend has endured more than her share of heartache when it comes to her children and family—losing a toddler, caring for a grandchild born addicted, and walking through many other life crises too numerous to name. And yet, she has come through it all with the love of God and His grace deeply rooted in her heart.

I’ve seen her remain faithful to the Lord through it all. She prays constantly—for her children, for her family, and for anyone else in need. And God has been faithful to her. Through her and her husband’s witness, most of their family has heard the gospel and many are now following Jesus—or are well on their way.

My friend is truly clothed with strength and dignity. Her words, even now—whether written on an erasable pad or sent through a text—are always wise and kind. Her laughter is contagious. And there is no fear in her short future, because she reveres her God and praises Him all day long.

My friend has ALS. Though she can no longer speak, and though she grows weaker with each passing day, her message remains loud and clear: “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37–38)

This woman—my friend—exemplifies the beautiful heart, mind, and soul of the woman described in Proverbs 31.
She is the most beautiful woman I know.

PRAYER

My Jesus, I thank You for my friend and for the care and love you show her every day.  Lord, she gives You all the glory for her life.  I pray for this wisdom, strength and grace to be cultivated in my own life and to be rooted in an always deepening relationship with You. May I love with a heart that honors and reflects You to those around me above all else.  Help me to always trust You for the future, knowing You hold every minute in Your hands.  In Your name, Jesus, I pray - Amen