I feel like, personally, this is such a cool week to deep dive into and reflect on. I know I personally meet so many women (people in general) that feel in their heart they are meant to do something, and yet, don't know what it exactly it is.
This week I love that we get to reflect on what our craft might be. While I do believe in the context of the Biblical timeframe meaning physically doing something with a woman's hands, may have meant something like sewing, cooking, etc... I don't want to put God in a box that that's only what woman's hands are meant to do. Because God has given us beautiful talents and gifts, that translate when we physically use our hands.
So, what is your craft? (Plz comment and let us/me know!)
Or, what are your hands supposed to be doing that you're letting fall wayside?
Those are the first questions that come to mind for me. I know I'm being called up to write, even though that's a scary one for me because I'm not naturally good at it.
Which makes me think of my sister-in-law/bestie that told me something last night that resonated so much for me:
Could it be that I don't want to put the work into what my calling is, because it's actual work?
And then, it gets me thinking on how Proverbs 31 truly is a calling to woman to be hard workers. That's even a bullet point we will reflect on in week seven. Our craft may be something organic and natural for some of us, while for others it may be something we have to work on with intention.
(Or, as a multi-passionate person, I may not have the clarity on which I should go after...)
For those who don't know what their meant to do with their hands, I invite you to pray about it this week. Really pray and lean into having faith that the LORD is going to answer that prayer. He tells us throughout his Word that we are meant to work with our hands, he actually urges it (1 Thessalonians 4:11).
This verse really inspires me to think about when I'm working with my hands, whether that be tap-tap-typing and writing, or creating my candles, I don't have time to focus on my own inner temptations. I don't have time to gossip, to worry, and now thinking about it, it actually gives me more hope that I don't need to worry (especially financially) because I'm helping to contribute in some way, even if it's a very small contribution in this season.
Working with my hands keeps my mind busy from the world and focused. It helps me from feeling restless, and often, I don't know about you, I have huge revelations while letting my mind focus on a task at hand (especially a craft such as candle making or crocheting - writing my brain is quite focused on story plots).
Legitimately, it helps me keeps to myself. Also not to modernize it too much, because I believe that this verse is really speaking to "minding your business when you work with your hands" but also, it reminds me to tend to my business.
So to keep my nose in my business but also nurture my business. Keeping my hands busy and working with them, it all around nourishes my family. Even if it's not for profit, if I'm cooking and cleaning, I'm physically taking care of my family - too busy for nonsense. If I'm using my hands for my specific craft, I'm helping to contribute to my family.
Therefore, a PV31 woman is not idle. She does not idolize idleness.
Proverbs 31 womanhood can also be seen through the lens of Ephesians 4:28:
"...doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."
A PV31 woman is someone who is generous. When we have a craft we can work, even if it's something you profit off of, it gives us the ability to offer it to someone in need. Whether that be baking, candle making, photography, cleaning, fashion, make-up, painting, even writing... the possibilities are endless... we then have something we can offer another who may need it.
Even if that comes in the form of teaching someone something new.
I know this past week at a pop-up I had the chance to meet a new candlemaker. And it was funny because it really made me proud of myself. Not in a way that was like, "oh man I'm so much better than her..." But in a way that made me feel like, "wow, I have been on such a long candle making journey." I was reminded where my first market was and how much I've learned since then. To be able to answer questions for her, it was so special for me that I wanted to keep sharing with her all that I've learned to try and make it easier for her own journey.
Lastly, is that God has specifically given us the promise that when we obey his call and work with our hands, whatever that may look like for you, he will bless all the work of your hands.
"The LORD will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands."
Deuteronomy 28:14
And woman, if this isn't just the greatest promise I can take away for the current financially strapped season I'm personally in! Because I know that even though, I've felt like a failure in many ways, I know I've been trying my hardest to work on my craft. When the season is right, God will surely open his good treasury, the heavens, and rain on my land, which is truly a blessing of all the work I've done with my hands.
To be honest, that might not necessarily be a financial blessing, but maybe it truly has kept me out of trouble. Or kept me in a close connection with Him... Only God knows the truth.
However, it's such a holy, holy, holy blessing to be revealed. That working with our hands as Proverbs 31 woman, in the way God has called us up to do, will be blessed. We shall feel rained on by heaven itself.
Questions I'm asking myself this week:
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What can I do with my hands right now that I feel God calling me up toward?
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Have I truly been focused on this craft? And where does the enemy distract me from it? If I haven't been focused on it, how can I challenge myself to become more focused and put the work in it that I need to?
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I'm personally a multi-passionate person, so if you are too, I'm also asking the LORD to reveal to me plain and simple, which craft should take precedence over another so I have clarity of mind and heart to do his will over my own desires.
I'd personally love to hear what your hands are working on and where you are feeling called and if you've been feeling focused or not. Also, anything else that's come through for you in this weeks Proverbs 31 womanhood deep dive, Bible Study! Totally here for it!
All the blessings to you and yours.
