Blessings to you, loved ones.  My prayer for you this week is that you have an awareness of God’s presence and his care for you.  I hope to share with you soon what I think He said to me this morning, but this Sunday we have set aside to celebrate our wonderful mothers, so if He is willing I will deliver a message in keeping with the occasion.

Proverbs 31 is probably one of the better known passages of scripture for it’s glowing description of the “excellent wife.”  I’ve heard women speak of this passage with dread as a standard they could never meet.  The whole of the scripture sets a standard we can never meet.  That’s why Jesus had to come.

There’s more here than a depiction of “God’s Wonder Woman.”  The book of Proverbs often personifies wisdom in feminine form.  Here at the end of the book, it goes a step further and depicts a life governed by this wisdom, specifically the life of a wise woman.  It’s actually pretty radical, especially for its time.  This woman is Trustworthy, industrious, strong, kind, confident, and optimistic.  She does the families business, takes care of their needs, dresses them like royalty, and gives to the poor besides.  Little is said of her husband, except that he is a leader in the community, apparently by way of his wife’s reputation.  We’re told that she should be given her due.  (Proverbs 31:28-31)

We probably don’t know anyone who checks all the boxes, but I’ll bet most of us can find our moms’ qualities in this list.  Don’t wait for Mother’s Day.  Let your mom know how much you appreciate her at every opportunity.  It’ll do you both good.

Last Sunday was pretty sparsely attended, but we were all glad to be together.  Cathy says that Ruth is doing better and she sounds good when we talk to her, so we can hope to see them back next week.  Edith was out with back pain and we surely miss her when she is gone.  I know Priscilla will be back as soon as she is able.  Keep each other in prayer and stay connected.

Love y’all!

Larry