SNOW
«She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed» (Proverbs 31:21).
My experience with snow has not been pleasant. Once my car slid, and when I tried to brake, I crashed into a wall. My oldest daughter totaled her first car because of snow. How am I not going to be afraid of the snow? And yet, I have seen many prayers about snow answered.
Not being afraid of the snow is mentioned in the chapter about the virtuous woman, referring to the appropriate clothing for those cold days of the year. Learning to dress properly during a cold winter comes with experience. «But our clothing, while modest and simple, should be of good quality, of becoming colors, and suited for service. It should be chosen for durability rather than display. It should provide warmth and proper protection. The wise woman described in the Proverbs ‘is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with double garments’ (Proverbs 33; 21).»—The Ministry of Healing, ch. 22, p. 288.
Today’s text, Proverbs 31 :21, is part of an acrostic composed with the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet in honor of the virtuous woman. Verses 10 to 31 describe a woman of firm character, great wisdom, many skills, and great compassion. This description has been misinterpreted, because some interpret «virtuous woman» as servile, domestic, and isolated, but if you read without gender stereotype, you will note that it describes a businessperson, an excellent wife and mother. She handles a manufacturing business, imports products, takes care of the finances, and even deals with real estate. It is a colorful, vibrant, competent, intelligent picture of the pinnacle of God’s creation. Her strength and dignity derive from reverencing God. Like that woman, you were created to have a profound impact on those around you: husband, children, clients, friends, and society in general. Being a woman is a blessing, but cultivating wisdom and dignity is an even greater blessing.
Cultivate the qualities of the virtuous woman, but don’t feel anxious if you don’t possess all of her attributes. The woman in Proverbs 31 does not describe one woman in particular; each one has their own personal qualities. One is an expert seamstress; another is particularly compassionate; some are very skilled at acquiring what they need; others know how to work at a challenging job with great patience. Let us all be trustworthy, of good judgment, creative, and unselfish.
Remember: you live each virtue in the gerund form—you are doing it—not in the past participle.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate