Like a Merchant Ship

             Two days ago, we spoke of how precious a woman of noble character is. Today we will look deeper into this Proverb 31 woman and just see how she is a captain of her household. Again, using New Living Translation, here is Proverb 31, verses 13-15:

She finds wool and flax

    and busily spins it.

14 

She is like a merchant’s ship,

    bringing her food from afar.

15 

She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household

    and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

            Looking at verse 13, the woman is described as making clothes for her family. It is her duty as a mother and wife to make sure all those that belong to her household are warm, secure and healthy. Therefore, as a woman it is our responsibility to take care of those around us. And, don't look at that like it is the "woman's duty" with a bad connotation. As a nurse, I have had it said to me multiple times that it takes a "special" person to care for others. You see, God gave woman this special ability to care and nurture those around her. We have the natural ability to do this; to shield, protect and nurture.

             Going into verse 14, Solomon describes this noble woman to be like a merchant's ship. A merchant ship would equate to a cargo ship of today. A ship must have a captain, a compass, carry precious goods and weather storms on the great seas. Don't overlook this. We as the mother and wife of a household are the true captains. We navigate the home and how life is portrayed in it. We can control if the home is peaceful or full of chaos. However, by utilizing our compass who would be Jesus and the Holy Spirit, we have the opportunity to wield it in God's direction. The goods that we carry are to be "from afar" meaning that we look for the best for our families. Whether that means most affordable or most healthy, it is our jobs as "merchant's ships" to bring in the best for our families. Also, a merchant ship never keeps any for herself portraying that this noble woman is selfless. And finally, ships must be able to withstand the greatest storms. We all know that life has its storms and the woman is equipped to handle these with grace and without sinking because God gives us the grace to do so. Therefore, see yourself as the captain of your home who has the ability to navigate how it will go, what will brought into your home and one that is strong. 

             Finally, verse 15 which I would consider my least favorite and most difficult is that this woman would rise before her family to not only take care of her "own," but also those that served underneath her. It is her that plans her family's day and because of her that the family had something substantial to eat in the morning. Again, an act of selflessness. She gives up and sacrifices to prepare food and time which both are needed to be productive and to be vital. This noble woman is prepared, thoughtful and purposeful. She isn't wasteful, but understands how precious time and money are.  

           I would dare to say that many of us mothers and wives are doing what is stated above in our own ways. We as women have the innate desire and ability to be selfless, loving and giving. All of these characteristics describe what this woman does in these few verses. Believe in yourself today. Don't read these and feel guilty if you feel short of this. Read it and breathe.  Ask for grace. And remember, every day is full of new mercies. Push yourself to recognize that you are capable and are most likely doing each of these things. However, I would venture that sometimes we don't believe that we have such a stronghold in our households. Think again. Remember, you are the captain of your ship. Bring peace, the Holy Spirit and find strength in Him alone. 

Love, 

Lauren