One of the most popular biblical quotes floating around mugs, t-shirts, posters, and journals is Proverbs 31:25, “Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.” (Original King James version) which has been interpreted for modern times to be, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” So what does this mean? How can we find comfort in it’s relation to living and parenting with a chronic illness?
This was one of my favorite quotes, even before it gained its recent fame among the inspired crowd. But, I believe it to be of great comfort while living with chronic illnesses. Many chronic illnesses, like psoriatic arthritis, are not visible on the outside. To the untrained eye, we look perfectly normal. We go to great lengths to look this way. It takes me twice as long to get ready, twice as long to start the day.
We muster our strength and drape it around ourselves like a well loved sweater. We don our dignity with each carefully planned ration of energy. We use our strength to fight off the stares of those who don’t know what we live with. We use our dignity to hold our heads high when other judge us as weak or lazy.
What about parenting? How does this apply?
As parents, even those of us with chronic illnesses, it is our job to show our children this gift within themselves. We need to show them that no matter what society or anyone else tells them, they are strong, they have dignity, and they have worth. I can’t think of a better message to instill in both my son and daughters. We show by our example everyday that yes, sometimes life is hard, but no matter what, we are blessed by God with the strength and dignity to overcome all of our trials.
Is this message only meant for those of us who suffer with chronic illnesses?
Heck no! We are all gifted from God with inherent strength and dignity needed to not only survive, but thrive from the challenges that life throws our way. We clothe ourselves in these as our armor to fight off moments of self-doubt and weakness.
Click here to download a free 8 X 11 black and white printable to remind yourself that you too are clothed with strength and dignity. Print it out, pick up a handy frame at your local Dollar Store and pop it up on the wall. You are Clothed with Strength and Dignity (1020 downloads)
Love it so much you want a full color printed poster in your choice of sizes? Check it out in my store, Simply Inspired Designs.Boutique
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Sending gentle hugs and lots of Smiles,
~Leanne
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