No Cookie Cutter Excellence Here!

Proverbs 31:10 -12 reads "Who can find a virtuous wife? For her worth is far above rubies. The heart of her husband trusts safely in her; so he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life."

So what does virtuous mean? A quick definition is "having or showing high moral standards", but the phrase here literally translates to "wife of valor". Another word for valor is excellence. See being a Proverbs 31 woman is not being a perfect woman. It is about being an excellent woman. And not excellence compared to someone else but excellence with the gifts and abilities He has given me. When I wake up every day and do my very best for that day I am a woman of valor. It isn't about the cleanest house or having all of the laundry done. While I believe those things are important, God is not really impressed by them. I know He appreciates them, but the Bible says He looks on the heart. He is impressed when my heart longs to care for my man, raise my babies and serve my sweet sisters in Christ with excellence. And not cookie cutter kind, but the kind of excellence that is unique to me. Excellence, Amy style!

When I truly desire that, the rest just flows.

So as we move forward, don't become discouraged. Keep in mind that this isn't about doing every single little thing the Proverbs 31 Woman does. It is her heart that gives her husband full confidence in her and causes him (and consequently her) to be successful in life. It is your heart that matters to your Savior. And if excellence is a muscle that needs to be strengthened, girl, you are not alone! I'm in that group too! And just like working out our bodies' muscles, it may get uncomfortable and maybe even a little overwhelming sometimes. But don't quit. We can do this! We can do all things through Christ. Even things like this. We don't have to turn into Stepford Wives either! We can be excellent and unique all at the same time! And don't compare yourself to others. Remember, you have talents too! They may be different than your sisters, but they are just as useful and just as wonderful! You are loved my dear. Recklessly and passionately and deeply loved!