I am Thankful for all Things but especially my Proverbs 31 woman

I have started paraphrasing scripture while recovering from Guillain Barre Syndrome. It has helped me practically apply the verses that speak out to me. Proverbs 31 came to mind when thinking about what my wife, Dottie. Her support has been incredible over this last year and our marriage is stronger now than ever before. Here is what her sister shared about Dottie being a Proverbs 31 woman.

Dottie epitomized the proverbs 31 woman before you were sick. While you were sick she perfected the role. Dottie has always showed her strength of character as a wife and mother. Family first always providing and sacrificing for them.

Food… for a skinny girl who really does not like to eat she plans and prepares nutritious food for her loved ones. Food for you was a priority for Dottie when you were in rehab and coming home.

No idle hands… sewing lettering reading studying

She is clothed in strength and dignity…Dottie  always can handle tough situations Stronger than she knows

She speaks with wisdom… Listens and speaks wisdom Dottie thinks about what she is going to say and how it should be said Takes notes to help her remember what to ask the dr’s therapist when you were in rehab

She has the support, love and admiration of her children and husband.

She fears the lord   Studies and prioritizes her relationship with God

What follows are verses from Proverbs 31 with quotes in bold type from others who watched and wrote me about how God has made Dottie into someone quite special.

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.  She allowed her heart to love you more through adversity. She dug deep. She allowed herself to entertain the worst possibility “What if he dies” and then moved on and fought each day. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.  She stayed in the moment and was determined not to let her thoughts get ahead of her, knowing that being present for Michael would best serve them both — a most generous and loving illustration of “in sickness and in health.” 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. I saw that same adoring face many times. Now, along with that face I witnessed her strong faith-filled, gracious, clear thinking advocacy and encouragement for Michael. the gift of faithful presence. Sitting. Watching. Holding space for God to do his work.  13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.  She also read and entertained herself in those long days. She adjusted to each change in venue. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.  Dottie was organized at the hospital and at home an delegated when she could not be both places 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers but Dottie allowed love ones to help her care for you and her 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.  She loved on each staff member. She shared you with your family and with your friends. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.  Dottie’s tenderness, grace, and love shone brightly but beneath that surface was a fierce and determined protector. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  Dottie used her keen mind to listen and learn all things medical pertaining to you 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  she kept the unknown future at bay by  savoring each of Michael’s accomplishments no matter how small it might seem and focusing on the immediate needs of the coming day She did it really well-with grace and mercy. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  She believed her God for good. She stayed in high alert mode for months. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; Dottie allowed the kids to deal with Michael”s illness in their own way. She never made them feel they weren’t doing enough. her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” She was intentional in caring for her own primary needs, sleep nutrition and spiritual encouragement from friends.  30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.  Most of all Dottie kept her focus and trust on God. She continually gathered and processed available information — through the daytime and in the quiet of evening. I treasure the moments we spent together during our visits especially our evening talks, reviewing the day’s milestones and looking ahead to what might unfold during the next day or weeks.   31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. My words now. I honor and cherish her for every day giving me peace and a the words from her friends say, her care for me brought praise from all who witnessed it.

17 Replies to “I am Thankful for all Things but especially my Proverbs 31 woman”

    1. Thanks for your part in making it happen. Dottie is the real hero in this story. 🙂 We love you both.

  1. Such a beautiful tribute, and so true. I love how you changed to the third person point of view. Your journey suddenly became more compelling and real. Because of GBS, I have the privilege of knowing Dottie in a way that was lacking before. Thanks to you both, and thanks be to our God for providing you everything (and more) in times of adversity.

  2. Michael, what a wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman. It’s so encouraging both ways — that is, that Dottie took such great care of you, and that you are so thankful for her that you want to make much of her love by writing this. And, you both have wanted to learn all that the Lord has had for you in this trial.
    Skip (and Barb)

    1. Thanks Skip. You have been a great encouragement to me especially with the support you have given me about my doing this blog. We love you all.

  3. It does not surprise me. Dotti ‘s vow is pure love and truth!!!
    This is beautiful. Your faith and hope carried you both through this.
    You both are a lesson of Gods love.
    This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

    1. Thank you. You were certainly played this role in Mabel’s battle. Dottie is the real hero in my story 🙂

  4. AWESOME –
    The significance is that it is from God‘s word. His word is always good. The way that Dottie has been woven into and reflected In this proverb is truly a testimony to her character. They have always been strong together through and with the Lords provision – it is through storms that many rise to the occasion.
    This is a reflection of Michael and Dotties togetherness and strengthened by their trust and hope that only he can provide.

    From the gospel of John 15 : 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.

  5. AWESOME –
    The significance is that it is from God‘s word. His word is always good. The way that Dottie has been woven into and reflected In this proverb is truly a testimony to her character. They have always been strong together through and with the Lords provision – it is through storms that many rise to the occasion.
    This is a reflection of Michael and Dotties togetherness and strengthened by their trust and hope that only he can provide.

    From the gospel of John 15 : 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you ask whatever you wish and it will be done for you.

  6. Michael, Your Dottie is amazing! Your faith in each other as well as your
    spiritual beliefs have brought you through this, as well as your doctor’s and caregivers. So happy you have shared and know that if the tables were turned you would be her rock. The seasons of our lives lift us up to conquer whatever’s life brings. All the best to you both. Sandy

    1. so beautiful Sandy. Thank you so much for the encouragement as this is definitely out of my comfort zone 🙂

Comments are closed.