Her Price is Far above Rubies

Prayer Without End
info on this painting below*

All week -- the week following Mothers Day --  my mother has been a strong background note to my week. So here's my tribute. The following is a paraphrase using several favorite interpretations -- including a paraphrase by a woman -- with a few of my own choices of words.

Of course in each particular case and for our time there will be various versions of this well-rounded

woman. Yet, there's still an abundance of the highest qualities which can be an example for any era, background or variation of talents.  ( Not a bad set of traits for the selecting of a spouse as well!) 

Interesting that my mother's name is RUBY... She certainly comes to mind whenever I read or ponder this rich and wonderfully evocative poem full of metaphors and realities for us all. 

(originally this was an acrostic poem with twenty-two verses, each beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet starting from the first in order.)

Proverbs 31 beg. vs.10    

Who can find a ^]virtuous woman whose price is far above rubies?

Her husband trusts in her confidently from his heart...

She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.

She seeks out wool and flax and works with willing hands to develop whatever is given her to do.

She is like the best of  merchant ships -- bringing home quality items; she brings her household resources carefully chosen from various places.

She rises while it is yet night to prepare her work both spiritually and practically.

She considers a  field  (which she may plant or buy -- whether land or opportunity) carefully. Yet she does not court nor neglect  her current necessary duties.

She girds herself with strength (spiritual, mental, and physical) and makes her arms strong and firm.

She tastes and sees that her work is good and so is the fruit.

Her inner and outer lamp does not go out  -- no matter the situation or weather...

She opens her 'hand' to the poor (whether in body, wisdom or simply from spirit to spirit.)

Yet, she fears not the snow for her family -- whether of weather or challenges -- for her household is ready...

Due in part to her care, her husband is also known with respect by all -- by leaders and common folk alike.

Strength and dignity are her clothing and her position is strong and secure; she rejoices over the future... 

She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness. The bread of idleness (gossip, discontent, and self-pity) she will not eat.

Her children rise up and call her blessed (happy, fortunate, and to be envied); and her husband boasts of and praises her, [saying], "Many 'daughters' have done virtuously, but YOU excel them all."

Charm and grace are deceptive, and beauty is vain, but the woman who reverently and consistently loves and respects the Creator of all -- she shall be praised!

Let her own works and who she is praise her in the gates... 

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Thank You. Dearest Mother, for your lifetime of consistent faith and devotion.  Nobody else I know -- or know about --  exemplifies the spirit and practical wisdom of this scripture-poem any better!

With Love Forever,

Your Connie

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Although this painting is of an older-looking woman -- it symbolizes for me a woman who puts her 

devotion to God and practice of prayer above all.  This painting is called " Prayer Without End" and comes from the dutch tradition . My mom Ruby came from Mennonites who were originally farmers and teachers from the Netherlands.  Link to painting here or simply put "Prayer Without End" in a search engine.