My friend Rachel wrote on her blog about Proverbs 31:
The ancient acrostic poem celebrating the virtuous woman was never meant to be a standard women struggle to meet, but rather a blessing that celebrates the accomplishments they’ve already made. [Jewish] men recite the poem to their wives at the Sabbath meal, and Jewish women often praise one another for accomplishments in homemaking, career, boldness, and justice by declaring “eshet chayil!”—woman of valor!
Today is my mom's birthday. She is 76. I can't tell you what a treasure she is. She is a "woman of valor." I declare this blessing upon her:
Irene, woman of peace,
Gifted with mercy,
Your children rise up to bless you.
Faithful to your husband,
You have brought him good all his days.
He has “confidence in you
And trusts you without reserve.”
Always diligent in all your tasks,
You “do not eat the bread of idleness.”
Your home is immaculate and inviting.
You work in the garden and put up
Stores for the winter.
We reap the benefits of your labor.
Generous and kind, you set a feast before us.
All those who gather at your table find
Love and hope in the conversation there.
Always ready to fight for your offspring,
You battle for us daily in prayer.
“Many women do noble things,
But you surpass them all.”
You have lived your life
In the fear of the Lord.
Today we lift up praise to the Lord
For the blessing He gave us in you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!
