Lesson 17 - A Creative Professional / The Birth of a Business "Just as the pattern in a piece of wood repeats itself in cut after cut, so weaving is ingrained in the soul of the Proverbs 31 woman. It’s definitely her “thing”! Just look at the number of times the little prince’s mother mentions our beautiful woman’s weaving: she seeks wool and flax for her fabrics (verse 13); she sits up late processing her raw materials by candlelight (verses 18–19); she gives her warm handmade garments to the poor (verse 20); and she regally decks out her family, her home, and herself with her handiwork (verses 21–22). Now young King Lemuel’s mother points once again to the dignity and beauty of the Proverbs 31 woman’s skills as a weaver: “She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies sashes for the merchants” (verse 24). Moving systematically through this poem of praise, you and I have watched this woman who is so beautiful in God’s eyes expand her sphere of influence and industry. Now we realize that her efforts have overflowed the banks of hearth and home and crossed over the boundaries of community. She has created a full-fledged industry that reaches to the markets of the known world. Her handiwork—originally created at home from a heart of love for those near and dear to her—is now at the heart of a thriving business. The beautiful work of her hands is carried by merchant ships and camel caravans to the ends of the earth. In case you were bothered by her not being a “career woman,” you can see that she is—and is she ever! The selling of her items to foreign markets speaks of the quality of her work, explains her prosperity, and proves that she is a creative professional.1 Something personal became something professional!"
Posted on: Tue, 06 Aug 2013 01:26:02 +0000