Kristen Grossman Prose

Our family lost a mom this year when Bill’s mom went to Heaven. And, as I write this, my grandma has good days and bad days on hospice.

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Life feels very fragile. But also, I am seeing more clearly how celebrations and hardships, hopes and fears, labor and respite, pain and beauty intertwine to make up the rich and beautiful tapestry of life. This weekend, as we celebrate mothers and the women who encourage, nurture, support, and love us, I am so grateful for the role model God gave me in my own mother.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

Proverbs 31:10-31

Mom, Thank you for being my best teacher, most faithful friend, staunchest supporter, and greatest prayer warrior. Thank you for the example of how to be a faithful wife, devoted mother and grandmother, creator of a beautiful and welcoming home, steadfast follower of Christ, and just plain fun lady to be around. I love you!

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Dear Lord, I see in your Word how you love and honor women. Thank you for the beautiful examples you give of strong, wise, faithful women. I ask your blessing on the special ladies in my life and in the lives of those reading this prayer. Amen.