Eleanor Reid-White in her book “The Proverbs 31 Woman” discusses self-confidence from a very different and yet interesting perspective - one that too many of us overlook once we get married.
On this subject, she based her discussion on Proverbs 31:22 which says:
“She makes for herself coverlets, cushions, and rugs of tapestry. Her clothing is of linen, pure and fine, and of purple [such as that of which the clothing of the priests and the hallowed cloths of the temple were made].” (Amplified Bible)
In Eleanor’s words: “this woman keeps herself at her best. She never looks unseemly but always puts her best foot forward.”
She goes on to talk about how the Proverbs 31 woman takes the time to make her home clean and comfortable especially for her husband. Ok – let’s hold up here. This can be a challenge you know, especially when it seems like everyone else is messing up what you’re tidying up. Much as I don’t like a mess, I’ve come to a point where I “appreciate” it as evidence of a home versus a house. This is also where what I learned from Emilie Barnes’ book “More hours in my day” kicks in. I’ve taught my children to clean up as they go on, in fact as they grow older, they seem to enjoy being involved in doing household chores except when I hear the “not again” moan. And on top of that, I’m so blessed to have a husband who insists and makes sure that our home is clean and organised even when I don’t feel up to it.
Eleanor also delves into what we wear and how we look. As women, we need to be clean and neat. Some of us are no longer as fit or attractive as we were when we were still hoping to be married…ever asked your husband how he feels about it? Warning: You may not like the answer.
The Proverbs 31 woman’s choice of clothing indicates both self-respect and royalty. She knows that as a child of the most High God, she needs to demonstrate her self-confidence in her clothing and her carriage.
A healthy body is a happy body, in addition to being nicely dressed, we need have good personal hygiene.
According to Eleanor, “our bodies are the vehicles we use to do those things which God has purposed for us. If we destroy our bodies or fail to take good care of them, we inhibit the Spirit from working through us to the fullest extent.”
It cannot be overemphasized - a healthy body is key in pursuing our purpose with passion and I daresay it also makes walking on water a bit easier.
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