A Mother's Day Tribute to a TRUE WOMAN OF GOD!

GOD SKILLFULLY MADE WOMAN
The Bible says that mankind was 'created' and 'made'. The inner being which is spirit was created and the outer being which is flesh was made. The Hebrew word translated 'created' in the Old Testament is BARA. There are two Hebrew words translated 'made' ASAH & BANAH. The word 'ASAH' is used in most scriptures where God says he makes things and makes man; however, when God makes woman the word used is BANAH. Woman was not ordinarily made but extraordinarily so.

“And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man.” (Genesis 2:22)

The Hebrew word BANAH, pronounced bä•nä, literally means 'built' in the sense of building a temple, 'skillfully formed' as well as 'to cause to prosper'. When I think on this I reflect on the most elaborately built cathedral in existence and then think that God's work of making woman supersedes this infinitely. Adam called himself ISH (man or husband) in Genesis 2:23 and calls Eve ISH SHAH (she-man, wife or womb-man). Woman was elaborately and skillfully built by God; she is help for man and is to cause him to prosper.

God's elaborate design was made from a rib from man’s side, not to be ahead of or behind him, not to be above or beneath him, but to be beside him, loved and protected by him and to be equal to him. She was not a mere physical help but an intellectual and spiritual help, as well as God's gift to man so that man will prosper.

THE PROVERBS 31 WOMAN
Having been made so skillfully by God, woman must be guided by HIM spiritually as well. A woman completely led by God is the ideal woman and a blessing to the man of God. The scripture tells us about the ideal WOMAN. It says first of all that she is virtuous:

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." ~ Proverbs 31:10-31 (KJV)

Woman was made by God with purpose and with 'A' purpose. The Proverbs 31 woman, having been BANAH by God, is genuinely led by God in everything she does. The scripture says SHE IS: Full of virtue and priceless (v.10); reliable and trustworthy (v.11); naturally good and true (v.12); inspired and gifted (v.13); economical and industrious (v.14); loyal to her household and thoughtful of everyone (children and servants) in it (v.15); resourceful and sensible (v.16); untiring and in good physical shape (v.17); well-organized, professional, alert and cautious (v.18); frugal and skilful (v.19); generous, compassionate, kind and merciful (v.20); unafraid and visionary (v.21); clever at selecting her clothing as well as sophisticated in taste (v.22); respected and popular (v.23); hard-working and wealthy (v.24); steadfast, straightforward, secure and optimistic (v.25); wise, diplomatic, kind and understanding (v.26); sensible, realistic, vigorous and always active (v.27); honoured by her family (v.27-28); an ideal wife and mother who is praised because of it (v.28); abounding in virtue (v.29); God-fearing and humble (v.30); commendable, successful and praised by the public (v.31).

She also has an effect on her husband. He has absolute confidence in her faithfulness and he does not need to rely on spoils, that is, prey, plunder or uncertain gain to supply his house (v.11). As long as he lives, he is blessed by her relentless industry (v.12). The elders (his community leaders) consider him a ruler (a leader as well) and exalt him (v.23). He continuously praises his wife’s virtues and blessings especially by telling others about her (v.28).

GRANDMA 'LEE
In my life I have been blessed to know at least one such woman. She was my Grandma ‘Lee. She was a true woman of God who epitomized every one of these virtues listed above. I may seem biased uttering this because she was my grandmother but there are thousands whose lives have been impacted by hers, directly and indirectly.

Grandma 'Lee was a counselor and a praying woman. After accepting Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1939 through the ministry of the man who eventually became her husband, she never looked back. For 70 years she dedicated herself to the work of the Lord, her family and her community.

Aunt Gloria testifies that Grandma 'Lee had the unique gift of prophecy through the Spirit of God in her and would give counsel as she was led by the Spirit. Grandma 'Lee used the gift of prophecy to direct the affairs of the Church of the Living God co-founded by her husband. Young Christians who came into the church were counseled by her in how to walk the Christian walk. Other believers were encouraged in the way. Grandma 'Lee's house was a house of prayer. Every Monday night there would be a gathering, lively singing and prayers would be heard near and far.

As a mother, Grandma 'Lee was a strong person. When her husband died in 1962 she was left with 8 children, 5 of whom were still in school. She did not falter or faint when faced with the awesome responsibility but with the help of her eldest son, managed the family business and saw to their care. Even with the added pressure of raising a family as a single parent she managed to find the balance between church and home and neither place was neglected.

She was a stalwart of the community. She was a seamstress by profession and many families still tell of the many dresses and shirts she made for them sometimes free of charge. She believed that people should better themselves through education and true to her belief she did her part to ensure that the children of the district (not just her own) were not left behind. Many benefitted from her kind donations of books and pencils for school and she unselfishly fed those who had no lunch. Grandma 'Lee spent her long life extending a hand to help others as we are all called to do as followers of Christ.

Countless numbers can attest to the fact that she openly lived ALL of these things listed in Proverbs 31 and influenced and transformed an entire District by her life alone. It was her scripture readings that soothed my soul as a child and her prayers that led me to Christ. I am honored and humbled to have known her, to have been known by her and to be her grandchild.

To a true Proverbs 31 Woman of God: Grandma 'Lee, who passed away peacefully as she slept on January 3, 2010, at the age of ninety-four, having completely fulfilled her purpose.