Scripture: Proverbs 31: 10
An excellent
woman [one who is spiritual, capable, intelligent, and virtuous], who is he who
can find her? Her value is more precious than jewels and her worth is
far above rubies or pearls. (Amp)
Who
can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.
(KJV)
A good
woman is hard to find, and
worth far more than diamonds. (MSG)
A wife
of noble character who can find her? She is worth far more than rubies.
(NIV)
Wie
sal 'n deugsame vrou vind? want haar waarde is ver bo korale. (AFR53)
A woman of noble
character is a woman who follows the biblical principles of Proverbs
31:10-31 we heard this morning. She is virtuous, capable, trustworthy,
hardworking, generous, wise, and God-fearing. She is also more
precious than rubies/ diamonds.
Today, these
qualities are hard to find among women, but when you find one, you must cling
to that person. Why? So that her character can rub off on you and you can
become like her, a woman of noble standing.
On Saturday, I
took part in the perseverance walk at the SAP, CPF event for women. We walked around
the rugby field a few times (4). During this walk, I noticed one small yellow
flower still blooming. I cannot say how many feet trampled over her. But here
was this little flower, so minute in the larger scope of the field, still
blooming her heart out.
At that moment, I
recognized her strength and tenacity. She was not willing to bow her head amid
adversaries. She held her head high, and she bloomed. She fulfilled her
purpose.
Do you know what
is your purpose?
Do you have goals that
would bring you closer to your purpose?
Now, you will tell
me, you don’t know my story Lynelle, and you are right, I don’t. But I know my
story. I know about desperation and poverty; I understand about lack, and the
depression and fear that follow it. I can write books about the unfairness
dealt to me, bitter stories of discouragement and disillusionment, but I choose
not to focus on that. I choose to bloom where I am planted.
One lesson I have
learned during my life walk is this: No One Will Believe In You If You Don’t
Believe In Yourself. If you do not make a conscious decision to lift your
head and bloom where you are planted, no one will reach out or help you.
Ruth, the woman
from the Bible, was a noble woman. A Proverbs 31 woman. A woman I can relate to.
She chose to follow Naomi. This led her to the fields of Boas and today her
name is still mentioned hundreds of years after her death. Why? Because she
made an intentional decision to stick with one woman.
How
can you do this? Living with Intent Journal is created to help you to
formulate your plans and stick with them. Use the journal like a tool.
Right at the beginning of the journal, it begins with Self-Love. If you cannot love yourself, no one else will.
Ø Don't Compare Yourself to Others.
Ø Grow
Your Positive Vibe.
Ø Do
An Activity You Love at least once a month.
Ø Find
A Place That Makes You Happy.
Ø Clean
Your Room and Environment.
Ø Don't
Forget to Take Time to Relax.
Ø Eat
healthily and exercise. Your future self will thank you one day.
Ø Enjoy
the little things.
Ø Keep
your chin up, shoulders straight and let your smile speak for you.
Ø Get
into the Word of God, study it and find your North. You cannot find it without
God.
Remember: Diamonds
are born under immense pressure. A noble woman is not born like one. She is planted,
pressed, sometimes forgotten, but when she immersed from the ground and cleaned,
she shines.
But it all starts with one decision. A decision only
you can make.
If you need guidance, support, or an ear, reach out to a life coach or counsellor near you. It is your choice; I cannot force you. But if you don’t,
you will still be here next year, in the same position.
I was where you are right now, eleven years ago. I
understand the difficulties and the problems. I understand the fears and
worries. I know what it is to feel alone, desperate, without hope. It is only
when I reached out that I could find the way forward. For each of us, it is
different, but when you make an intentional decision, you can encourage others.
Position yourself, get a Naomi in your life. Follow
and learn. Nobility is a seed that needs water. Water gives life. Once you
water that seed, it will grow and you will become like that little flower that
blooms where she is planted.
Contact me at lynelleclark@gmail.com if you want to connect or in need of a life coach.