that we are able and that we will succeed. Guided by prayer and a close relationship with God, the Proverbs 31 woman demonstrated the kind of impeccable judgement that elicited her partner's unwavering pride and confidence in her.
The speech emphasised the responsibility entrusted to women who are, after all, "the world's first teachers" as mothers, teachers and parents. She also highlighted the inherent leadership involved in being the guide, protector and nurturer both in the family and in society at large, then praised the great versatility that women possess in being able to multi-task and occupy multiply roles which serve as the lynchpin of our society.
I sat in the audience, both impressed yet simultaneously overwhelmed by what appeared (at first) to be the picture a perfect paragon. Fortunately, we were quickly reassured that the woman in Proverbs 31 was one who "paces herself and prioritises" which meant that she was not a 'superwoman', daily; nor are we required to embody all of those qualities simultaneously - which is
an impossibility. Rather, it was a question of being judicious and focused - of picking and choosing, of juggling and drawing on our different skills and abilities and exercising them when required. Although the focus of the conference was on the role women, we also took time to address the character of the ‘Proverbs 31’ man. (best known as the founder of the Wedding Network) headlined the conference, opening with a prayer of her own then following it with an articulate and succinct delivery that examined a woman’s role in a committed Christian partnership. We carefully pored over Proverbs 31 Verses 10 through 31. This proved to be a pertinent speech for so many of us who seek partners on IMVU or off-line. Lyburtii presented the biblical ideal of an affectionate and companionate partnership based on mutual respect, trust and a complementary equality. Indeed, the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ was a force to be reckoned with.
exercising them when required. Although the focus of the conference was on the role women, we also took time to address the character of the ‘Proverbs 31’ man.
He proved to be family-oriented man and in the words of the speaker was one who "will share himself in earnest and confide his secrets". Partnership was key and as Lyburtii humorously noted: "...he's not Al Bundy sitting down on the sofa with his hand down his pants as she scurries about trying to get everything done." What struck me the most, however, was her emphasis on the regard this companionate pair had for one another. He adored his partner and lifted her without restricting her to the kind of pedestal more often reserved for a decorative, but ultimately useless trophy. He chose instead to journey with her and share in the responsibility of building a life together, hand-in-hand.
EmpressMCocoKnight3t (better known as 'Coco') was then introduced and, like Lyburtii, an impressive list of her accomplishments ensued before she took the podium. In a fitting and logical progression we moved from examining the dynamics of a healthy and successful partnership with “another” and, in an introspective turn, closely studied the idea of a strong and healthy relationship with the “self”. 'Self-esteem' is a term that is often bandied about but is seldom understood. In an act of solidarity with the other speakers, Coco invited us to pray that the words of all the speakers would be effective and reach those who heard them. After opening with Psalms 19:14 as a
benediction over her own words and the entire event, Song of Solomon 4:7 followed: “You are altogether beautiful, my love: there is no flaw in you.”
(best known as the founder of the Wedding Network) headlined the conference, opening with a prayer of her own then following it with an articulate and succinct delivery that examined a woman’s role in a committed Christian partnership. We carefully pored over Proverbs 31 Verses 10 through 31. This proved to be a pertinent speech for so many of us who seek partners on IMVU or off-line. Lyburtii presented the biblical ideal of an affectionate and companionate partnership based on mutual respect, trust and a complementary equality. Indeed, the ‘Proverbs 31 woman’ was a force to be reckoned with.