The following passage is from the book of Proverbs. It is about being a virtuous woman. I want you to notice that she is always busy, always doing something with her time. She’s helping others who are in need. She is healthy and confident, joyful and wise.
The Virtuous Woman
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.” Proverbs 31:10-31
What’s stopping you?
Although this type of woman is one that we should all strive to be, many times we have a hard time being virtuous and joyful and productive. For many women, depression can interfere with their ability to become a Proverbs 31 woman.
According to depression.com, women are almost twice as likely to become depressed as men. The higher risk may be due partly to hormonal changes brought on by puberty, menstruation, menopause, and pregnancy. It is normal to feel “depressed” occasionally; however, depression is a much more serious problem. Review the following list and consider how often you experience any or all of these thoughts or feelings.
Depression symptoms:
- constant feelings of sadness, irritability, or tension
- decreased interest or pleasure in usual activities or hobbies
- loss of energy, feeling tired despite lack of activity
- a change in appetite, with significant weight loss or weight gain
- a change in sleeping patterns, such as difficulty sleeping, early morning awakening, or sleeping too much
- restlessness or feeling slowed down
- decreased ability to make decisions or concentrate
- feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
- thoughts of suicide or death
Although we all tend to experience some of these feelings from time to time, for many people, these feelings and thoughts are constant and debilitating. If you think that you suffer from depression, seek help from a doctor or a therapist. Talk to a parent, friend, or school guidance counselor about it first, if that helps.
Food of the Month: Pumpkin
Pumpkins have a lot of beta-carotene, which is a form of vitamin A. According to Pumpkins and More, “current research indicates that a diet rich in foods containing beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancer and offers protection against heart disease. Beta-carotene offers protection against other diseases, as well as some degenerative aspects of aging.” So, help yourself to another slice of that pumpkin pie!
To find out more, visit Color Me Pumpkin or Pumpkins and More.
By Megan Skinner
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