Why Beyond Proverbs 31

Welcome to "Beyond Proverbs 31," where we explore the blend of traditional values, modern business, and spiritual growth. If you're like many of us, striving to be deeply rooted in biblical truth while managing a business and not sacrificing your family might seem daunting. Perhaps you find yourself wrestling with guilt over extending client calls or feeling less professional when life's unpredictabilities, like a sick child, force you to reschedule meetings.

Hi, I'm Jena. Through my own trials, I've grappled with maintaining balance between business and family life. The external pressures and the internal guilt made it seem impossible to keep my family first while nurturing my business. But I've found liberation in turning to the truths in the Bible, allowing me to shed the expectations placed upon me by the world.

This podcast is dedicated to offering you strategies for running your business guilt-free, maintaining your traditional values in the contemporary world, and discovering freedom through scripture and practical strategies.

For a long time, I steered clear of Proverbs 31. It felt overwhelming and misaligned with the reality of our modern world. The chapter painted a picture that seemed unattainable with my level of faith at the time. Moreover, the portrayal of the Proverbs 31 woman burdened me with unrealistic worldly expectations — to always appear perfect, manage a pristine home, and serve beautifully plated meals.

As a self-described "feral housewife," rather than a traditional domestic one, I initially felt a disconnect from the Proverbs 31 ideal. My background as a teacher and later as a business owner working from home contributed to my feeling that this biblical archetype wasn't meant for contemporary women.

If you're nodding in agreement, I urge you to stick with me through this episode. My journey over the last decade, especially intensified in the last five years, has brought me closer to understanding that God was nudging me toward reexamining this piece of scripture I had long ignored.

My mentors explained that Proverbs 31 describes what one woman achieved throughout her lifetime, not in a single day. This realization made the scripture seem more attainable. It's not merely a checklist but a guide to the virtues of strength, wisdom, and industriousness.

Proverbs 31 has often been misconstrued by today's "tradwife" movement, which emphasizes an outward, aesthetic portrayal of womanhood. But the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman is about more than just appearances or domestic accomplishments. It's about embodying honor, faithfulness, wisdom, confidence, love, and strength.

While the world may focus on what the Proverbs 31 woman does, we delve into the unseen inner qualities that truly define her. Being connected to Christ, as John 15:5 reminds us, helps lighten our burdens and empowers us to handle daily tasks with grace.

Hear me when I say this: You don't become the perfect Proverbs 31 woman overnight, whether you're stepping into marriage or motherhood. It's a process of sanctification that takes time, understanding, and growth.

I hope today's discussion uplifts you. If it resonates, please share it with a fellow faith-filled working mama who could use some encouragement. And if you're inclined, drop us a review; your feedback is incredibly motivating!

Keep your Bible handy and your coffee warm, and I'll see you next week for another enriching episode of Beyond Proverbs 31.