Last night in Bible study we reviewed Proverbs 31. It immediately reminded me of my maternal grandmother. We call her "Memaw" :) She has five children, thirteen grandchildren (ranging in age from 4 months to 30 years) and soon to be four great grandchildren. My grandfather "Papa" was a Baptist preacher. They moved around the state and finally settled in Valley Mills until he retired. My grandparents were involved in an auto accident exactly a week before Papa was to perform our wedding. Memaw was in the hospital for months.
(Memaw with her two oldest grand girls - both turning 30 this year!)
She now lives in the Lubbock area so we don't see her as often as we wish, but the kids and I were so blessed to have spent a few days with her while she was staying with my parents last week. Owen became especially fond of her and would drag her all over by her pointer finger! I loved listening to them interact. She has endless patience and love to give. Memaw is a wonderful example for me and I will continue striving to become even an ounce of who she is. She was a homemaker and was the backbone for Papa and his many endeavors. Family has always been of utmost importance. Among many things, she is an amazing prayer warrior, bed maker and cook. She has the most contagious laugh and is very uplifting in whatever she says. Her coin phrase is "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)
(E&O with Memaw - I am so thankful that they get to spend time getting to know her!)
Proverbs 31: 10-31
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.
