Sunday, May 13, 2018

Mother's Day 2018 - Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Sweet Pea is like the proverbial* wife of noble character. She is strong in her quiet, steadfast support of Uncle Bubba. On this Mother's day, we should consider such things of each mother in the mindset of love and forgiveness. Mother's day began in the United States, at the initiative of a peace activist, Ann Reeves Jarvis who came to regret the commercialism and expressed views on how that was never her intention; she believed a mother is "the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world". Well, we all know that not all mothers are cut from the same mold, but we all came here through labor and birth. In Bubbie's view, we are commanded by God to love and forgive so it the responsibility of each of us to find honor in each of us and on this day, our mother.


*(Proverbs 31: 10-31)