Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Chapter 17 ~ A Creative Professional ~ Her Industry

Proverbs 31:24 "She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles (sashes) unto the merchant."


Whenever you hear/read about a woman's success story, it's usually that "she developed something personal into something professional." I can't help but think of Paula Deen. You may have seen her programs on the Food Network channel. I call her the "Butter Queen" because almost everyone of her recipes begins with a stick of butter. If not, you can probably assume it will be deep-fried or made of cheese. That's why I love her so much! A gal after my own heart! Her success story is very interesting. After the death of her parents, a bout of depression and a failed marriage, Paula budgeted $200 to begin a catering service called "The Bag Lady" to support herself and her two sons. She grew from that business to preparing meals at the Best Western, and finally her own restaurant, "The Lady and Sons". She wrote cookbooks based on family recipes handed down to her from her grandmothers, and simple Southern-style cooking. Of course, we know her as a down-home, wise-cracking, everyone's "Mama" that brings fun and delight into the kitchen.
We, too, can turn our something personal into something professional to better the lives of others. God's given us the skills, talents, and knowledge to do so ~ we just have to find out what that something is!

The Birth of a Business:
Our Proverbs 31 Lady is no exception. Remember all the references to her weaving? She seeks the wool and flax, (vs. 13) she stays up late processing them and spinning them into yarn/thread, (vs. 18-19) she gives warm garments to the poor, (vs. 21) clothes her family regally, (vs. 21) makes exquisite coverings for her home, and dressed herself richly. (vs. 22)
This ancient woman was, in fact, a modern-day "career woman"! She was such a professional that her items were sold to foreign markets!

The Expression of Creativity:
"She makes linen garments." We've already discussed how much work went into making the linen. Our lady had to do it anyway, but she went the extra mile for her family, remember? Her linen was so soft and so fine, it was costly! She made extra to sell, as well as "sashes for the merchants." The linen sashes were more attractive and costly, "woven with gold and silver thread and studded with jewels and gold."

The Enrichment of Estate:
"For the Proverbs 31 woman a business was born when something personal to her became something professional. Her business grew out of her personal creativity and her personal desire to enrich her estate. So 'she makes linen garments and sells them.' God's beautiful woman merchandises her goods, producing them for the specific purpose of economic trade."

The Proverbs 31 Project:
Mrs. George encouraged in an earlier chapter to begin thinking of a "Proverbs 31 Project" ~ something that you do well and love to do that can bring in a little something financially for the family. Remember God's two guidelines, outlined in Proverbs 31:
1. Your family is first! Don't neglect your responsibilities to build your home to pursue your own interests. Remember our Lady's example ~ everyone is cared for, and everyone benefits from your project.
2. Give it time. A little time each day adds up over a lifetime. "Fifteen minutes a day devoted to one definite study will make one a master in a dozen years."

The How-To's of Beauty:
1. Alertness. Keep up with what's happening in your field. Stay on the cutting edge of your "thing". You'll continue to grow creatively if you stay alert and aware of what's going on around you.
2. Planning. Don't just set aside special time to develop your skills and plan your projects. Plan and create in your mind, too. Take that time driving, waiting in line, and even showering to think about how to do what you do better.
3. Initiative. The Nike phrase, "Just do it" seems to fit perfectly here. If you don't take the initiative, who will?
4. Hard Work. "She works willingly."

I'll end this post with a quote from Mrs. George.
"Our society focuses so much on self-fulfillment, self-image, and self-esteem. But the good news in Proverbs 31 is that GOD provides all that you need in these areas. After all, there is no greater fulfillment than knowing that you have loved and cared for your family and home. When you (and I) take care of your 'something personal' first ~ the people at home ~ and do it well, God can grow you personally and even propel you into 'something professional', something creative, some avenue where you can express the creative gifts and talents He has given you."

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