The Woman I'd Like to Be

'An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels' (Proverbs 21:19). One of my dreams in life is to be a wife and a mother. That may sound silly seeing as many people do not consider this to be anything abnormal or worthy of dreaming, but for me it is not merely a right of passage or an ordinary job. It is an honorable role, one that prides itself on selflessness and philanthropy. 'She opens her hand to the poor and reaches her hands out to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet' (Proverbs 21:21-22).

I have had many motherly figures in my life, aside from my own mother. These mothers have taken me in under their wings, have nourished me with wisdom and assurance, and have provided me with a security in myself that I would have been lacking if not for them. That is the kind of woman I would like to be, one who constantly reaches out to others, who makes them feel special and safe and loved. One of my absolute favorite passages in the Bible is Proverbs 21:26, saying 'She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.' I picture The Mother. The woman who encourages, nurtures, and criticizes with kindness when necessary. This mother is not focused on vanity or material things, but it is her beautiful spirit that shines through, for the Bible says, 'Do not be concerned about the outward beauty that depends on fancy hairstyles, expensive jewelry or beautiful clothes.  You should be known for the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God' (1 Peter 3:3-4).  This mother is soft-spoken and never gossips, 'for their wives are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.' (1 Timothy 3:11).


I want to be the mother who has warm cookies on the table when the children get home from the first day of school. I want to be the mother who has matching hair ribbons for her daughter's dresses. I want to be the mother who makes signs and posters for her son's sports games. I want to be the mother who takes her daughter for a drive to get ice cream when she first discovers how cruel the other girls can be. I want to be the mother who encourages her children and who is firm and steadfast. I want to be the wife who respects her husband. I want to be my husband's best friend. This is the woman I would like to be.