Seashell

The Modern Woman

Proverbs 25:17 Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house lest he become weary of you and hate you.

I met this friend of Jesus, a raven hair beauty, in the early spring after moving to the small Southern community I would call home for more than 40 years.  During my short time in Maryland I had learned some valuable lessons about friendship. I had learned NOT to expect the neighbor to bring goodies to welcome me into the neighborhood.  To have a friend you must be a friend AND be willing to step out of my comfort zone!

Proverb 31 Woman

I was doing just that on this spring morning by attending a gathering at the home of a neighbor I barely knew.  My nine month old firstborn was on my lap as I sat next to this stunning woman who was entering her last trimester of pregnancy! She literally glowed like pictures of the Madonna: Halo and all! Her speech was honey, her smile radiant, and her love for the Lord oozed from every pore of her svelte blossoming body! I was envious (umm, yes, I know this is wrong) and yet I knew she was someone from whom I could learn much. I was not wrong! Over the years this exquisite creature has taught me a great deal. I have said many times, “I want to be like her when I grow up!” She is a role model of the Proverbs 31 woman if ever I have known one!!!!

Stay At Home Woman

It was to be a treasure from heaven that she would wash up onto the shores of my life. As a stay at home mom in need of friends, she was always so gracious. I could EASILY have become a barnacle on her backside because I wanted to learn from her; but, as we were talking one day she made this statement: “I don’t want a steady diet of anyone other than DW (her husband). I like most people at a distance.” This was NOT, I repeat NOT directed at me! It was simply a statement of her need for privacy and the preservation and sanctity of her home.

Faithful are the wounds of a friend

When I reflected on her statement, I realized I had been showing up on her doorstep pretty frequently. This scripture from Proverbs hit the bulls eye. I did NOT want to lose this priceless human from my life! Therefore, I stopped then and there from my tendency to be a needy friend but began a quest to be the friend another would want to have; like she was! I did not want her to grow weary of me and hate to see me coming. It was the LORD who used her words not to hurt me but to begin molding me into the woman He wanted me to be and I desired to become!

Modern Woman-A servants heart

Our lives have long since been separated by time and space. I miss her presence more than words can convey to this very day, but she left an indelible mark on my soul for eternity. God uses this modern woman in a mighty way not only in my life but the lives of countless others for His glory and our good. She has a servants heart.

A Modern Proverbs 31 woman? You better believe it! Her words, “fitly spoken are apples of gold in settings of silver. Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.” (Proverbs 25:11-12)

Like a seashell held close to your ear and you can hear the distant waves; her words have remained in my ears on many occasions guiding me on how to be a good friend. Thank you will never be adequate to express my gratitude! She alone would have made the move to our small Southern town worth every sacrifice. She has been the vessel the Lord used to teach me many a lesson! One day I hope my words will be as “apples of gold in settings of silver” to another.

Others I would meet that spring morning would also become precious friends. They too admire and adore this raven hair beauty for to know her is to love her. She is like a pied piper for Christ! If you know her, you WILL see Jesus and He always gathers a crowd! People need the Lord and share Him as she does in her every waking moment. Thank you Father for this living lesson of grace and servant hood. Thank you for the friends of Jesus who teach lessons to this very day. Proverbs 27:6

Friends by Michael W. Smith and sung by Friends at 34th Dove Awards

Think of the FRIENDS who have impacted your life in big and small ways and say,
“Thank you Lord, for friends.”

Do you know a friend of Jesus? Would you like to tell our merry band about how God used them in your life and the lessons you learned? We would love to share it! Email us!

Yvonne Jones