Finding Contentment

Does the Biblical woman dress well?

I just read a blog post over at C.F.O. Moms that really caught my interest. It caught my interest because it spoke to me - because I, also, am guilty of trying to be a homemaker and forgetting that I am a wife.

The more stressful things get in life, the more I neglect myself. Proverbs 31 is a Biblical description of what I can only call the perfect wife. I will never be perfectly like that wife, but it is something many Christian homemakers, including myself, continuously strive to be.

In Proverbs 31:22b, it says (NIV), "she is clothed in fine linen and purple." The King James Version reads, "her clothing is silk and purple." And The Message version says, "Her clothes are well-made and elegant."

I am none of these things. Since becoming a homemaker, I have given myself a license to be "dumpy." I have gained weight and have taken to wearing shorts, my brother's old t-shirts and flip-flops all the time. My husband has told me continuously to try and find the funds to go buy myself some new clothes, but I have always found reason not to. It wasn't as important as some of the other things we needed. Or is it?  Dressing in clothes that are "well-made and elegant" is important - to my husband. He loves me no matter how I dress, and never makes a big deal about the way I look or dress - but I have a need to make him proud to be with me.

Proverbs 31:23 (NIV)  "Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land." Will my husband be respected if his wife is a dump? Would he be proud or embarrassed to have me by his side "at the city gate?"

It's time for a change. With Christmas and buying our house, I am financially unable to go clothes shopping (even at thrift stores) right now. But I can start wearing natural-looking make-up, putting on a bit of perfume and in general take better care of myself.

Honey, I kind of hope you don't, but if you do read this... just realize these changes will take time. I have taken the very hard path of being honest with myself so that I can return to being more than just a homemaker... I can be a woman. The woman you married 13 1/2 years ago...

Good for you!

11:05 PM, Sunday, December 9, 2007 .. Posted by blessedmomof10

What a sweet post and a very honest one. I admire your honesty. Years ago I felt the same way as you wrote tonight...... 10 kids later I felt frumpy ~ I decided to do as you have shared, and it has made a big difference! Just on the way I feel about myelf ~ now I am never embarrased if some one comes over...... just today our church pastor ( bishop) came over, unnanounced, and I was not concerned. I had on a nice black skirt a lovely Red sweater, tights, hair done, etc. years ago I would have run for the hills, but no more. It's also nice because if you have to run and go somewhere, you are ready to go at a moment's notice! I also find when I am dressed nicely I take my role as educator to my children more seriously. School teachers do dress for work, and so should I! I have never been one to wear sweats and t-shirts..... but now I usually am found in casual skirts, and pretty blouses or sweaters. Plus it's nice to feel feminine and it sets a good example to my daughters. :)

Good for you!
gloria

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12:54 AM, Saturday, December 22, 2007 .. Posted by Secret Sis!

Been missing you on the blog ! Hope the housing situation is going well. I'm keeping you in my prayers. Be on the lookout for package number two. And hoping you have received the first one by now!!!

Have a very merry Christmas Sister!