Role Models of America
The Pro31 Woman
Lesson 5
Proverbs 31:19-20
She layeth her hands to the spindle and her hands hold the distaff.
Sewing is the ability to take care of the clothing needs of ones family. A sewing machine to a woman is the same as a set of tools for a man. She needs to have this skill so that when simple things come apart – she can fix them without being dependant on someone else. Or having to re-buy something because a tear or a rip makes the garment unusable.
Sometimes women confuse this skill with talent. “I just don’t have that talent”, she may say. But this is not a talent – it is a learned skill. It’s the same as knowing how to drive a car.
What woman today would say, ‘I just don’t have the talent to drive’!
In the centuries gone by, women did not assume that they could do some things and not others. The responsibilities that she carried required her to develop each skill and do it well so that her family would be cared for. There were no ready- made clothing stores. No cleaners, no alteration shops, not to mention no department stores. In many cases not even a fabric store. So the skill to handle fabrics and cloth for the purpose of clothing ones family was completely on the woman’s shoulders.
So the idea that ‘talent’ is something you just are good at – is a modern term that up to this century was unheard of.
Of course a greater desire will determine a greater knowledge. Every necessity has a development within it for greater skills if explored. To become a short order cook is necessary at home, but to become a gourmet chef would be taking cooking to the zenith degree. We all know a woman who becomes a wife and a mother, needs to be able to cook.
Sometimes we take this same concept to the extreme when we talk about sewing. ‘Oh I can’t sew ‘ - and in our minds we see the haughty couture walking down a fashion show walkway.
I am not talking about making designer clothing – this is taking a simple skill to the highest level, but making simple pillows and curtains and napkins any woman should be able to do. Have you priced a pillow these days? Or how about a set of napkins and a pretty tablecloth? Do you realize how many cloth items are in your home that at sometime or another will need some maintenance – all cloth will break down and need some repairs.
And yet making these simple project are nothing but straight seams on a sewing machine.. If our great great grandmothers could hear the reasons we don’t know how to sew – they would be scandalized! And sad to say, probably ashamed of us.
The abilities that she can develop will not only bless her family with beauty, but also save money. Let’s use a example:
How valuable are homemade cloth napkins?
1. Cloth ones are rewashed each time so no money is needed to re-buy .
2. Even a 3 year old can fold napkins out of the dryer and put away.
3. They save the environment, paper comes from trees
4. It saves the landfills!
5. It teaches quality, value, excellence, and special care to family members
6. Long lasting – the savings are enormous over a lifetime!
7. Your children will learn a valuable skill for their future family.
8. Your own personality and creativity can shine!
Or how about the simple sewing on of buttons, or re-hemming that pair of pants. Many people just throw them out or give them away, not having the skill or the desire to repair something simple.
It’s just easier to spend more money. Easier and if we are honest – easy can also mean lazy also.
But a wise woman saves money. She does not spend it freely and wastefully.
Sometimes the excuse is used – “I just don’t have time” I understand this, but really think about it.
Surely the couple of hours spent watching that video movie or the latest DVD, could have had some other uses as well. We have the time, it’s the way we are using it that shows us the value of a single hour.
Last time I checked – time is still ticking away 24 hours at a time. It’s HOW we use that allotment that causes us a lack of time.
While we are spending time on the phone – it could also be spent with sewing repairs.
While that movie is playing or the tv show is on – you can also hem those pants!
Busying ourselves with 2 things at once.
This useful sewing skill will teach:
· independence
· thrifty savings
· quality care
· added value to our families.
Start by finding someone who sews and ask them to teach you how to. It’s just a machine that can be conquered. Then ask and believe God to send you a machine for your own usage. And if you have a daughter make sure she learns this important skill.
Verse 20
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Taking care of the needs of the poor is a very important responsibility to God.
The poor are mentioned 197 times!
Psalms 41:1
1Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
Proverbs 28:27
27He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
We have the ability as women, to help the poor. On a daily basis the poor are cared for here in Role Models of America.
Family Client Services is a ongoing program that takes care of the needs of families.
The RMA thrift store is always in need of goods. Instead of having that garage sale – donate your things to help others. It benefits in 6 ways!
· Family Client Services provides free vouchers to families in need, to shop for clothing and shoes, and furniture, and house hold goods.
· Our food pantry provides wholesome meals for the needy in our community!
· Those items that are bought by the community – it provides the funding for the overhead of the store (so we CAN give to the poor)
· Gayla’s Closet provides clothing, shoes and accessories to those getting a better job and need the right clothing for that first impression.
Why would one not want to give ?
Study the poor in your Bible and see if God is not serious when He tells us to take care of the hurting. Every righteous woman has a responsibility to do her part in helping others in need.
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Time may not allow you to volunteer your time – but we all can donate in various means and ways.
Acts 9:36-42
36Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which by interpretation is called Dorcas: this woman was full of good works and alms deeds which she did.
37And it came to pass in those days, that she was sick, and died: whom when they had washed, they laid her in an upper chamber.
38And forasmuch as Lydda was nigh to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him that he would not delay to come to them.
39Then Peter arose and went with them. When he was come, they brought him into the upper chamber: and all the widows stood by him weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them.
40But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning him to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.
41And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.
42And it was known throughout all Joppa; and many believed in the Lord.
What will you be known for after your passing?
Written by Gayla Holley
All Rights Reserved 2007
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