Ever had a hug from one of those rare individuals who know how to wrap you into their bosom and speak love to your soul? You just want to sink into their embrace and absorb their affection.

But, you, O Amazingly Average Proverbs 31 Woman, have an immense capacity to stretch your heart, to stretch forth your arms of mercy and love, to be the hands of Jesus, reaching a hurting and lost world. You be the comforting arms, that welcome the lost into the safety and comfort of the haven of home.

Basically the Proverbs 31 Woman purposely prepares for hard work, and she makes a conscious effort to bravely bear the burden, reaching out to effectively meet the challenges of life, without fear of the consequences — or at least not afraid enough to keep her hands to herself.

Don’t be caught unaware, or sleeping, or off guard. Watch the door! Make your arms strong. Gird up your loins! Be prepared. Heads up! No matter which words I use, or how it’s translated, it means the same thing — Get Ready!!! You have a powerful job to do, and you need to be at your best, your strongest, your most effective. Get your game face on! Watch the door!

While women are soft and pliable, adjustable and flexible, God did not intend for you to be weak and helpless, a double-minded leaf, blown along with the wind of whims tossed about in a sea of circumstances. He gave you a beautiful picture of a strong woman as a mentor and role model in Proverbs 31!

You’ve heard it said that it takes money to make money, and that is very true. It is like priming the pump. You have to have something to invest before you get a return! Here’s another truth: It takes money to SAVE money!

Sometimes you have to make yourself brave. You might have to actually clothe yourself with strength. Stand up, stretch out your arms, and intentionally pull on the garment of praise, the mantle of the Spirit, and the covering of peace and joy. Everything within you might want to curl up in a little ball and cry, but that is not your role (at least not permanently:). You are called to be a strong woman, a woman of noble character, so wipe your eyes and strengthen your arms!

If you live long enough, there will be a time when you are called on to be the strength of your family. Your husband might be absent, or ill, or unable to bear the burden for a season, and you might have to rise up, O Deborah of a woman, and fight for your family.

A wise and virtuous Christian woman will look into all ventures with a considerate and careful plan. When she determines that it has potential to yield a profit, then she acquires and takes possession of the opportunity — she reaches out, grasps the knob, turns the handle and opens the door when opportunity knocks!