Clothed

Proverbs 31:25

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future."

It is one of the first verses I remember memorizing as a teenager.  My mom showed it to me like it was a hidden treasure--an oyster revealing its pearl. She pressed her bible into my hands--warm, worn, buttery leather folding over itself--and there among the tattered and crinkly pages, "She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she smiles at the future." She traced it carefully with her hands, pressing its truth into each fingertip. Smiling brightly, she gave me the gift of Proverbs 31:25, praying it over me.  

The same verse hangs cheerily on Caroline's walls. Her very own pearl to treasure. Such wisdom in each word for our children, for ourselves.

The virtuous woman wears strength and dignity. She is robed in it.  Clothed and joyous in betrayal, bewilderment, brokenness, emptiness, weakness, illness, death, fear, and uncertainty. Beloved, whatever your struggle is in your home, your marriage, your life--it is covered.

The putting on of it. Is any garment more lovely than STRENGTH and DIGNITY?

Wearing strength and dignity is a decision. Willful.  Purposeful. Powerful. A blessing to our husbands, our children, ourselves. An act of worship in the way we live--especially in a culture that has traded strength for tolerance and dignity for exhibitionism.

Want the best version of yourself for your husband? Fumbling for the key to fill your home with joy and faith? You need only step into your spiritual closet and put on the garment of strength and dignity . . . not only does it lend confidence for tomorrow: it is far more timeless than anything you'll find on Pinterest. 

Now go get dressed!