I’m a pinner… Sometimes, it can be a problem.
During a recent pinning session, I came across a pin that outlines the “10 virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman” and the second virtue:
“Marriage”
Now, yes, in proverbs 31, she is married;
but my heart grew angry.
So, marriage is my only option to be virtuous? No, it’s not!
I’ve written on the Proverbs 31 Woman before. I’ve also written in the context of waiting for that partner, becoming that woman in the waiting.
Yet, this is the idea: in order to be a good Christian woman, we have to be married. We each have that pressure around us at all times.
I have two sisters younger than me, and both seem closer to the alter than I am (& one of them is still in high school)…
So, now, we single women (especially as we get older), are left to feel convicted.
I’m somehow not living up to potential, because there hasn’t been anyone in my life who can be that Godly leader in my life & home, who have been ready for a relationship or commitment.
Does that really mean I can’t be the virtuous woman?
Absolutely not…
As a matter of fact, it conflicts with what Paul says about the gift of a life of singleness:
“Now to the unmarried and the widows I say: It is good for them to stay unmarried as I do. But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” – 1 Corinthians 7:8-9
So, as a single woman, striving to live out God’s plan, what do I do?
Which verse do I follow?
Do I patiently remain single; or seek to marry, so that I can be virtuous?
Yes. Both.
I get to decide to serve God where I am, with what I have.
And, I pray.
I pray for myself in the waiting. And, I pray for whoever God may bring into my life.
I pray for wisdom & strength in the temptation about my passions & desires. And, I pray that I would be of use in the time of waiting.
In the waiting, I become that virtuous woman. (Which, by the way, means “force” “valiant” & “valor”). I can bring good to those I love and those who love me. I develop my work ethic & my service for the Kingdom. I can strengthen myself, and in Christ be bold & powerful.
In Christ, my character develops, and from there my beauty comes through.
And, in this way, I bring good to my husband, even before I meet him.
Thus, I am that virtuous woman…
Even if I am single for another 5 years…
Even if this man comes into my life near the end…
Even if God never brings a husband into my life…
Even if I am called to a life of single service…
So, lets stop shaming the single woman, making her feel as if she must have a man to serve God; instead teaching and encouraging one another to be that virtuous woman even before he comes along. (How much better would that make our marriage when/if God does bless us that way?)
So, my friends, single or married: Go forth & Be a virtuous force!
With this week’s Five Minute Friday.
Author Candice Jenee’ 