A few months ago, I was in a time where I was overwhelmed and felt I couldnt do it all – Be the Proverbs 31 woman while intensely pursuing a passionate relationship with God. I didn’t know what to do, so I reached out and asked a question to some of my beloved mentors from my youth to the present. It was such an honor to receive their responses. I pray on this Mother’s Day, you are impacted by these words of encouragement as powerfully I was. As we cherish and honor the wisdom of those who have poured into us, not only will we be impacted but also the next generation.
Rachelle Layzell Posed this Question to some of the women I look up to. A few responded back as seen below.
” MY GENERATION of mother’s & wives NEED YOUR WISDOM: “How do you PURSUE with INTENSE passion the face of God (I mean spend as MUCH time pressing in as we can/need to) while at the same time balancing all the responsibilities of a Proverbs 31 woman?”
Sharon Damazio (Wife of Frank Damazio, Senior Pastor of City Bible Church) – Looking at life from a holistic point of view really helps, rather than trying to segment or separate the spiritual and the practical … when the kids are little it’s so easy to get stuck on what I DIDN’T get done TODAY … don’t stress yourself out over a 24-hour period of time … pull back and look at the bigger picture, this week, this month – and make sure there’s balance in there! I believe the Prov 31 woman is a summary of an entire life span … not one day!
Carla Nunez (A mentor & mother of a close childhood friend of mine)- Many times in those busy days of raising children and keeping a home, the words of a song “He walks with me and He talks with me”, reminded me that in everything that I needed to do, He was there. There were the quiet times with the Lord ( when I could grab them), some short, some long, but knowing that God walked with me and talked with me every step of the way gave me grace and strength each day. Loving God and loving what He has called you to do sets the example of the Proverbs 31 woman into motion in your everyday life. Enjoy being who you are, love the life He has given you and love those very special blessings (people) He puts in your life.
Libby Louman (Mentor & Powerful Woman & Wife of the late Jack Louman on staff at City Bible Church for over 25 years)- Seek FIRST the things of God and everything else will find its place!!! Seems there is a supernatural exchange when we keep our priorities in alignment with his will for our lives. God FIRST and that Prov 31 woman will blossom!!!!
Glenda Malmin (Mentor / Author/ Teacher at Portland Bible College)- Walk and talk with Jesus throughout the day. Don’t get bound by a set routine when it comes to ‘sit down’ time with Jesus and really meditating on His Word in His beautiful Presence. Definitely do make your set time but just don’t get into a rigid ‘law’ mentality about it.
Dawna De Silva (Speaker/Author/SOZO Pastor at Bethel Church)- My favorite prayer, “Come Holy Spirit”. Doesn’t take long for Him to answer and can be prayed all throughout the day
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She’s like a trading ship that sails to faraway places and brings back exotic surprises.
She’s up before dawn, preparing breakfast for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it, then, with money she’s put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work, is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She’s skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, diligent in homemaking.
She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn’t worry about her family when it snows; their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing, and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them, brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant, and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her; her husband joins in with words of praise:
“Many women have done wonderful things, but you’ve outclassed them all!”
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades. The woman to be admired and praised is the woman
who lives in the Fear-of-God. Give her everything she deserves! Festoon her life with praises!
Live Life Out Loud For God 