by Alicia Jones - May 15, 2019
Of Strength and Honor
Clothes shopping is so much fun! I’m sure you all would agree. After all, you’re here at a boutique site! I love clothes shopping for myself, for my boys, for my nieces, for sweet babies at church—for pretty much everyone. It’s so fun to pick out just the perfect outfit for a special person or for myself. I like to think that the Proverbs 31 woman liked clothes, too. After all, her household was clothed in fine scarlet clothes and she dressed herself in silk and purple. She even made clothes, specifically belts, for a living.
However, the Proverbs 31 woman was also known for another kind of clothing. She was known as someone who possessed so much strength and honor that it was recognized like a garment on her. She took these character traits with her wherever she went. Strength and honor are two powerful characteristics to possess, and we could write book after book with examples of how to cultivate strength and honor specifically in our lives. Strength can be mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual. It’s that little voice that encourages us to try again tomorrow. It’s that push that keeps us going when physically worn out. It’s that power under control that keeps our lips sealed in moments of anger or opened to speak gentle, lovely things. It’s that presence that helps us rise up against temptation and speak truth over ourselves.
She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. - Proverbs 31:25
Honor is found in graciousness; in the careful way we choose our words. It’s found in the presence of the help we give to others. It’s in the love we bestow, especially on those considered the “least of these” or in tough situations that are anything but love-inspiring. Only Christ can work strength and honor into our lives in such a way that others recognize these traits as a type of garment upon us. Without His Holy Spirit, we can do nothing. Our own efforts to become strong, honorable women fall short without Him. Today, allow me to encourage you to call upon God to radiate His strength and honor through you.
Comment the ways in which you see God working His strength and honor in you.
Alicia A. Willis is a Christian Historical Fiction author, mother of two sweet babies (one in heaven and one on earth), ministry wife, and coffee connoisseur. When not doing research for her novels or teaching piano, she enjoys water colors, playing with her dogs, singing, and adventures with her hubby. Join her on social media or check out her website to learn more about her books and the ministry the Lord has called them to. http://www.aliciaannewillis.com/