"Many women have done wonderful things, but you've outclassed them all"

The Virtuous Woman

A good woman is hard to find, 

   and worth far more than diamonds.

Her husband trusts her without reserve, 

   and never has reason to regret it.

Never spiteful, she treats him generously 

   all her life long.

She shops around for the best yarns and cottons, 

   and enjoys knitting and sewing.

She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places 

   and brings back exotic surprises.

She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast 

   for her family and organizing her day.

She looks over a field and buys it, 

   then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.

First thing in the morning, she dresses for work, 

   rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.

She senses the worth of her work, 

   is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.

She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth, 

   diligent in homemaking.

She's quick to assist anyone in need, 

   reaches out to help the poor.

She doesn't worry about her family when it snows; 

   their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.

She makes her own clothing, 

   and dresses in colorful linens and silks.

Her husband is greatly respected 

   when he deliberates with the city fathers.

She designs gowns and sells them, 

   brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.

Her clothes are well-made and elegant, 

   and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.

When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say, 

   and she always says it kindly.

She keeps an eye on everyone in her household, 

   and keeps them all busy and productive.

Her children respect and bless her; 

   her husband joins in with words of praise:

"Many women have done wonderful things, 

   but you've outclassed them all!"

^28
29 

Proverbs 31: 10-29 ~ The Message

When I think of my Grandmother, my mind immediately jumps to the Virtuous Woman described in Proverbs 31. Many of you may not have known her, so just read the verses above and you'll get a pretty good picture of who she was. 

When preparing for her funeral, we were all asked to share memories and characteristics about her that we loved. I shared that Proverbs 31 seems like it was written about Donese Davis. The Pastor must have agreed because he shared Proverbs 31:10-29 during the service today. As I listened to him read these verses and personalize them for her and my grandfather, I was just amazed! Now, more than ever, I realized that she truly was a life-sized, walking, talking example of the noble woman the scripture describes. 

Today I am thankful for my grandmother, for the amazing example she gave us, and for the precious memories I have of her. She was so elegant and poised, respected and loved, organized and prepared, a hardworking and selfless, kind and soft spoken, and an amazing homemaker. Many women have done noble things but she has outclassed them all! I am grateful to have had such an amazing example of the virtuous woman as my grandmother! 


Grandma,  I want to be just like you!