Embracing the Proverbs 31 Princess - even if she's tardy. . .

I had the honor and pleasure of following up the concepts of the Proverbs 31 Princess for the ladies of Flourish.  Additionally, they allowed me to speak about how the Lord developed this concept in me via a video interview.  I've just taken a little too long to post it.  Be sure to visit their website!  You are sure to be encouraged!

Should you feel so inclined to watch you can view the video here.

The article can be read below (and found here):

Embracing the Proverbs 31 princess

Earlier this week, we discovered that we are royalty. I pray that you have been able to meditate on and embrace this truth and your spirit has rejoiced! While we focused on Psalm 45:10, there is ample Scripture to verify that indeed our spiritual lineage is that of a royal family line.

1 Peter 2:9 tells us, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” (NLT).

Isaiah 62:3 says “You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.” (ESV).

And finally, 1 Timothy 6:15 declares that our triune God is “. . . the blessed and only almighty God, the King of all kings and Lord of all lords.” (NLT)

For many, accepting that we are a Proverbs 31 Princess is an act of faith, in and of itself. It’s contrary to the way we think. The majority of us have never been told that we are royalty, let alone that we’re worthy, beautiful, intelligent, and so-on.

Ladies, it’s time to see ourselves differently! You and I must take hold of the fact that God’s children are not like everyone else. We aren’t supposed to be! Deuteronomy 14:2 tells us, “You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (NLT)

Still, just as our five Disney princesses yearned for affirmation of who they were on the inside, we must seek that affirmation from God in His Word. Being a princess can be a wonderful thing, but if you don’t know who you are without the crown, the crown has no worth.

In the early part of 2016, I personally wrestled with this truth. To be honest, I still struggle. I have the knowledge of who I am, Who my Father is and in Whose image I was created, but living that out proves to be difficult at times. It takes daily effort to remind myself who I truly am and not allow the world to define me.

As we dig a little deeper into our truth, I’d like to share with you some excerpts from a blog post I wrote last year:

“If you are anything like me, you want to be more than you are. We are always comparing ourselves to another woman who seems to have it all together. What we don’t see is that none of us really has it all together. Impeccably dressed, well-manicured, flawless makeup, charming children and handsome husbands all seem to indicate a perfect family life. But, we’ve all heard the cliché, ‘You can’t judge a book by its cover.’”

Behind all the outward perfection, there is likely to be a woman who is a complete and utter mess. Beautiful jars on the outside, but shattered pieces on the inside. Many of us don’t want to admit it, but we feel like failures for failing to live up to what we perceive should be the epitome of womanhood. We are a far cry from the woman whom we are called to be.

Many of us struggle with the notion of the Proverbs 31 Woman. I know I do. I have often thought that she was a woman of myth, a fictional character that could never materialize in the here and now. Even ladies of days past strove for the perfection that we have come to believe the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies.What we fail to see is that the Proverbs 31 Woman is built into our DNA. We just have to learn how to tap into her.

It has been my own unwillingness to embrace that which is within me that has caused me to fail.

In my quiet time I asked God to help me understand. He told me this:

“Your worth is not measured by your ability to cook or clean. Your worth is measured at the Cross. I know you by your name. Not the dirt and the grime. But, I have called you to a purpose. To love Me above all else and follow My commandments. In loving Me, you will find your true worth measured by the cost of My Son’s very life, given for you.

“In serving Me, you will find joy, hope, peace, contentment and affirmation in knowing that you have pleased Me. Your family will feel loved and cared for. You are My vessel through which I can care for My son and My little child. I can perform many miracles, but I still need you to see that you are here on purpose; for such a time as this. . . .

“Do you see? You are more than what you believe yourself to be. . . . You are more than what you see in the mirror. You are more than what you see around you. Take hold of your destiny and purpose in ME first and the desires of your heart will be fulfilled.”

My dear friends, our lives must be a reflection of the One Who created us. We find ways to reject this truth, citing a traumatic childhood, failed relationships, negative influences and a myriad of other excuses. And, the crux of the matter is that I can share Scripture upon Scripture with you, but if you don’t desire to know who truly you are and reject the Word as it is given, it will be like seed scattered on rocky ground.

You and I have been given so much more than a magic pumpkin turned coach or a charming prince to woo us.

No, our Prince gave His very life for us at Calvary’s Cross to ensure our place in God’s kingdom was secured. Our worth can be seen in the nail-scarred hands of the One who loves us beyond measure. Ephesians 1:4 tells us that “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” (NLT)

Proverbs 31:10-31 provides with a model for being a Christian woman. This woman is set in the context of the culture of that time, but you and I can still aspire to be called “virtuous and capable.” Living in the modern age does not disqualify us nor does it nullify her. As I said earlier this week, it doesn’t matter what season of life you are in, you are the embodiment of the Proverbs 31 Princess.

God gave me a list of attributes that the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies. They are not merely adjectives, but qualities which can truly become our identity. I created a word art printable that I would like to share with you.

Place it in a prominent place so you can encourage yourself when you don’t feel like you measure up. Feel free to share the printable with others as you partner together with sisters in your walk.

As we come to a close, my prayer for you is simply this: Embrace who you are.You are not defined by your past hurts or mistakes. You are not defined by your family strongholds. You are not defined by your career or your financial status.

You are precious. (Isaiah 43:4)

You are unique. (Psalm 139:14)

You are favored. (Proverbs 8:35)

You are called. (2 Timothy 1:9)

You are redeemed. (Isaiah 43:1)

You are loved. (John 3:16)

So, wear your crown with dignity. Serve the Lord with excellence, using the unique gifts and talents He has given you in the season and position to which you are called. Dress your heart with the royal robes of the Father’s love and embrace your status as the Daughter of the Most High King.

In His service,

Download a beautiful printable copy of the Proverbs 31 attributes HERE.

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