I see you, as the sun sets over your home, chasing your seven children (or how ever many they are), exploring every nook and cranny in the name of a game. “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with,” you call out. And then, almost out of breath, you stop dead in your tracks and lean your back against the wall.

What’s your intentional interpretation of that scenario? A home filled with chaos, or a home filled with laughter, living energetic voices, loving siblings, and vibrant intelligent children who have become accustomed to valuing play, education, or arts & crafts over screen time?

I can start writing about all kinds of scenarios, but deep in your heart, you know what your interpretation has been of your own home and family choices. I woke up this morning and the first question that came to my head was “what’s my intentional interpretation?” And right there, I just knew the Holy Spirit wanted me to write about it. So, this one is for you, if you haven’t been seeing your life the way God wants you to see it.

1. Stand for Something

You know that famous quote, right? It says,

“If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything.”

To understand this quote is very important for the Proverbs 31 woman. You have to understand that you are unique in the eyes of God. You were born with a mark. So, it’s up to you to step out in faith and do what you are called to do — the purpose that God has orchestrated for you to be a wife to that husband, and a mother to those children. Fulfilling this purpose will involve some fearless grit. A rather stubborn trait to refuse to be like everybody else in a world where a “wholesome work-life balance” is continuously being put in the back seat.

Do you remember Hadassah (Esther)? It’s funny how I can see her identifying with Proverbs 31 right now. She never cowered in fear. From the time she was placed in a candidate race with so many other women to the time she rose in ranks, she never became less of who she was inside. She found favor at every level because she was “different” — in an excellent way. Meanwhile, some of us women are afraid to be different. Some of us are afraid to step out in faith. Afraid to do what Proverbs 31 requires of us. Why? Because it may not seem logical in the 21st century.

I want to encourage you to stand for something. I can’t tell you exactly what you need to do, that’s the leading of the Holy Spirit. But whatever His direction is, stand tall and strong and do it. You can’t go wrong. Esther found favor with Hegai, who was in charge of all the women, and she was given a preferential treatment. In addition to the regular allowance of beauty treatments designated for all the women, she was given extra plus seven choice maidservants and the best room in the women’s quarters.

I say this to say that you don’t have time to look at other people before you decide what you need to do to step out into the waters of Proverbs 31. Time is of essence. First, study God’s Word to see what He says about you as a wife and a mother. Then, you will have the wisdom to make Godly choices as to “who” you want to look up to. Stand for something, so you don’t fall for anything.

2. Interpret Your Life According to God’s Word

Isn’t it obvious that during their time in the wilderness, the Israelites saw their cup mostly as half empty as opposed to half full? After God provided manna, the next question was what would they drink? After they had ‘almost’ reached the promise land, the next question was how on earth would they conquer the giants? But you know, as women we can sometimes identify with the Israelites. It may sometimes seem that you are giving life all you’ve got only to NOT get any rewards out of it.

If only you can continue your hard work, and not give up, your husband will be known at the gates and your children will be for signs and wonders.

Today, dear Proverbs31, I want to encourage you to stop for a second and look at yourself through the eyes of God who sees the Vantage point of everything. He has seen the end while you’re still pulling through the mud at the middle of the race. He has seen the reward while you are still scratching the surface. He has seen that, if only you can continue your hard work, and not give up, your husband will be known at the gates and your children will be for signs and wonders. But you, my dear, have to start changing your earthly perspective to the perspective of the Wind Stopper.

Are you ready for this? I will leave you with these words, from an original photo by VolunteerSpot. As a Proverbs 31 woman, words like these (below) should be your intentional interpretation.