Monday, June 6, 2011

P31W: Building Up People

I love this quote. Sadly, I don't know who to credit it to. If anyone knows, please tell me.
"Behind every great man is an even better woman."
Okay, I don't believe that is true in all cases, but I it is something I like to think about. Can women be the people who build others up in such a way that the subject of their encouragement's accomplishments can almost be credited back to them? Can we, as females, have that much influence?

Yes. 

Proverbs 31 gives a description of the P31W's husband in verse 23:
"Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land."
Now, keep in mind that the chapter is talking about the Proverbs 31 Woman. She is the one the chapter is zeroing in on. So, this random verse about her husband, seeming "tossed" in there, is probably more about her, than the husband. The woman, in a marriage relationship, is the help-meet. She helps, loves, cares for, supports and respects her husband. If a woman does that successfully, it isn't far fetched to believe that that man will do well in the world, will be respected by others, and be successful.

Now, lets take this idea out of the context of marriage, since 90% (or more) of us aren't married. How can we, as Proverbs 31 Teens, be a supportive "back-bone" to other people? How can we encourage and inspire people to be all they can for the glory of God? How can we be a side-kick for others who need help? Is there any way our actions can be the type that some people will later claim they wouldn't have made it without?

Interesting to think about, huh?

In the case of a sibling: the P31W would probably be the type of sister who would go out of her way to help her sibling with homework, chores, or even talk when he or she needs a listening ear.

In the case of a sister or brother in Christ: She would be one who lifts up, encourages, prays for, and helps those in the family of God. She would minister to people and disciple younger, newer Christians. She would be one that people always new they could come to for help, anytime.

In the case of the church: She is on who would be okay working "backstage" and is always there at the drop of a hat for any kind of service...cooking meals for families, nursery, music ministery...or whatever....

See the pattern? We don't have to be married to be reliable women who build others up. We can be support to whoever, all the time. And the rewards for being that type of friend, or sister, are great. Sometimes on earth, but always in heaven.

Challenge: Pick someone you can support today. Who around you needs a helping hand or just a word of encouragement?   

1 comment:

Jessy said...

Gd post asha!!! Btw daddy says he's pretty sure that Nancy Reagan was the one who said "behind every great man is an even greater woman" :)