Role Models of America
The Pro31 Woman
Lesson 7
Proverbs 31:22
She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
Many women put themselves last on the list of care, but a woman's appearance can affect her relationships.
The woman who walks into a room and commands attention by everyone there, is the woman who understands impressions are made by her personal image.
She has made the investment in herself and paid careful attention to the way she will appear before others. And the women who wants to be taken seriously will certainly take careful note of how she looks before appearing in public.
The average women may not be striking in looks nor be the overwhelming beauty above others. But her appearance can certainly add to her appeal or remove the respect of others who see her. Clothing makes a statement about the women inside them. Clothes do speak volumes about her. Understanding where she is going out in the community determines what she is wearing. Clothing speaks in these clear communicative ways. In what way are your clothing speaking about you?
1. I am in work mode. I am wearing things that say I am working outside in the yard. Or I am working in a warehouse setting. Or I am cleaning house today and the smudges and dirty fingernails represent my labor. And those who find me in this condition will understand.
2. I am shopping, maybe in the mall or the grocery store. I am relaxed and my clothing is smart and upbeat in fashion. Whoever I see today will see confidence and respect my appearance, and I don’t mind who I might run into.
3. I am going to church today. My clothing is respectful and courteous towards others and does not serve as a distraction to other worshippers. Church is about God not me.
4. I am on a date with my husband. My clothing may be flirty and fun. His eyes will be upon me and not others. I will be eye candy for his eyes only!
5. I am at work dealing with serious subjects. My clothing is appropriate and professional, and does not distract nor give the wrong impression to others about who I am. I will be taken seriously by how I appear before my boss or co-workers.
As you can see the variety of areas of life that each woman deals with determines how she dresses. But sadly many women attract only lower level thoughts of others about her reputation and character because of the ‘cover of her book’. We all say the statement ‘don’t judge a book by it’s cover’, but a women who dresses in the wrong manner at the wrong time will send a message about herself clearly to all who see her.
Dressing oneself in tapestry meant that she spent many hours preparing a garment of beauty for herself. Tapestry is a painstaking process of creating a design and fashion. Tiny stitches of colored threads are woven into a designing picture of exquisiteness. Once made, she would have cared for this garment and paid attention to it’s upkeep as it was a valuable piece of art. And the wearing of silk and purple meant the finest fabrics and colors she could find!
And how do we apply this verse to our present world?
· Buy the best quality garment possible Our society of instant and throw away clothing wastes many finances and is costly to a family budget. Yet a well made quality garment that costs more to purchase will outlast both in value and style all of the fads and cheaply made clothing. This if she will learn, will bring her beauty and confidence in her appearance.
· Learning what to wear when is the most important lesson a woman can learn about dressing herself in society. Every woman has watched other women pass by whose clothing is inappropriate for where or what she is doing. Watching a woman at a grocery store who is careless and unkempt, slopping along with her hair uncombed and her clothing ill worn does not command respect. Never wear your shopping clothes to work or church. Or your date night outfit to a business function. It’s easy to understand once categories of clothing are created in her mind.
· Make sure clothing fits comfortable and modestly on the body. Or the woman who is wearing clothing several sizes too tight makes other women cringe and become embarrassed as to how she looks. And we all think … ‘does she not realize how bad she looks from behind’? What is her message?
· Choose hues of color that compliment the natural coloring of the skin. A women dressed in a color that does not suite her will look washed out, or tired or it can even enhance the lines of aging! Always choose colors that add vitality to ones skin tone. If you are unsure of your color type – ask someone who is trained in this field. It really does make a difference in how it affects ones appearance.
Contrary to public opinion, retail stores who are selling all sorts of clothing - not necessarily complimentary to the female body – are selling them to make money pass from her purse to their cash register. It takes a wise woman to navigate the tricky waters of poorly fitting clothing and bad fashion choices. She must have a clear picture of why she is buying (for what purpose and event) and choose well the store for monetary values in her budget. Pay attention to color, style and fashion.
· Research and read to stay abreast. Pick up a magazine once in a while to see what is currently in fashion to stay current. One never does well when wearing something that is far out of bounds in style. Every eye may be upon her, but the words scooting through their minds will not be complimentary.
How well are you in tune with yourself? Dressing oneself in pretty clothing will affect the mood and confidence of every woman.
1. What she wears influences how she feels. When a woman wears rumpled, unkempt, and shoddy clothing she also feels rumpled, unkempt and shoddy. She also may act in ways that are in keeping with how she looks!
2. What she wears affects her message. Questionable attire that draws attention to a certain area of the body, may give the wearer unwanted advances as someone will misunderstand the statement she is making with her lack of dress!
Dress yourself with careful respect as a Proverbs 31 woman, and others will notice and also give you honor. What you wear does say who you are!
Written by Gayla Holley
All Rights Reserved 2007
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