Friday, December 23, 2011

"Show me what you working with"

Matthews 9:29, "Then He touched their eyes saying, "According to your faith let it be to you."


Matthew 9:27-31, discusses two blind men who followed Jesus by their faith, not by sight. The men had to walk by their faith because they lacked the physical capacity to do so. The men had to utilize their spiritual eyes to get to Jesus which required them to activate the substance of their faith. Hebrews 11:1, now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The blind men had "BIG FAITH." BIG FAITH creates BIG BLESSINGS. The men's faith took them into an unknown place that positioned them for their miracle. When we are placed in situations and circumstances that we can't "see" our way out of, we have to walk by our faith and not by what we see in the natural eye. We have to seek God without expecting anything besides for Him to show a little mercy on us. The blind men didn't go expecting a healing of their eyes, they simply said "Son of David, have mercy on us!" They knew Jesus was able to do exceedingly and abundantly above all they could ever ask or think-Jesus reminded them that it was according to the power that was activated within them-not Him! Jesus is telling us that it's a 2-way street and He ain't in the business of proving Himself, we have to prove ourselves to Him! 


Similar to the blind men, God will place us in unfamiliar territory to show us who we are-not who He is. We have to walk by our faith and believe that He already knows our situation and will heal us of our short-comings. The blind men came expecting mercy, but because Jesus is all-knowing, He went on and hooked them up with some 20/20!!  Jesus is still able to perfect those things which concern us, He is just waiting on us show Him what we working with. Be blessed!

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blessing Blockers

1 Kings 3:26, "Then the woman whose son was living spoke to the king, for she yearned with compassion for her son; and she said, "O my Lord, give her the living child, and by no means kill him!" But the other said, "Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him."


King Solomon's first spiritual assignment came soon after he asked God for wisdom and knowledge. Two harlots had birthed children and one of the women laid on her son while she slept and the child died. She switched the babies in the middle of the night and the woman whose child was living woke up to nurse her baby and after examining the child she noticed he wasn't hers. King Solomon was faced with the difficult task of determining who the biological mother of the child was.


Similar, to King Solomon and the two women in this story, there will come a time in our lives where our enemies will make us question our "baby" which is our destiny. The Bible says, the real mother examined the baby she birthed, she didn't focus on the baby being lifeless. When God places us in difficult situations and trying times, we can't focus on if our baby is lifeless, we have to examine the situation spiritually, not physically. Only you know what God has birthed in you and no matter how others may try to take credit for your baby, it's yours and God will not allow your enemies to abort it! The real mother of the living baby stay calmed under pressure and didn't go toe to toe with her enemy, she remained firm , held on to what she knew to be true, and she spoke directly to the King-not her adversary. The real mother used wisdom and stood on the word of God-if God be for you, who can be against you! And she stood still and saw the salvation of the King. When we are going through and our baby's life is on the line, we have to walk in our integrity and don't disservice our enemies by playing into their games and foolishness! The Bible says, the real mother out of compassion for her baby was willing to give it to the other woman out of her love for her baby to live in spite of  the circumstances. When God has birthed purpose into you, you have to be the bigger woman or man and allow the King's will to be done in spite of what it may look like in the natural to you. The King will honor your "baby" and ensure it remains in your care. According to the Word of God, King Solomon recognized the REAL from the FAKE, and He immediately returned the real mother's baby back to her care. When God has taken you through the fire and is assured you are REAL about going forward even if He leaves you EMPTY HANDED, He will present you with what is rightfully yours! All things work together for the good of them who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

Under Construction

Jeremiah 18:6, "O house of  Israel, cannot I do with you as this potter? saith the Lord. Behold, as the clay is the potter's hand, so are ye in mine hand, O house of Israel."


Jeremiah 18 are life lessons that God taught Jeremiah at the potter's workshop. A potter during Jeremiah's time would spin the lower wheel with his foot and would work the clay on the upper wheel in a process. The lesson that God showed Jeremiah is applicable to us now. God is willing to do the work as the potter had in our lives if we are willing to allow Him to mold us and take us through a process. In our molding seasons, we have to allow the Potter to lower the wheel and put His foot down on our issues and short-comings. As the Potter puts His foot down on us, we have to be mature enough and spiritually ready for Him to crush those things which concern us and allow our Potter to move folks and things out of our clay that are hindering us from solidifying into the form that God desires us to be in. As the Potter spins the lower wheel, we have to be willing to lay low and allow God to work out the kinks and be receptive to criticism and folks questioning the integrity of our mold. As the Potter works on our "deep down" issues, He is simultaneously working the clay on the upper wheel, which means He is bringing you out!! Don't believe the hype-we are all works in progress and those whom God humbles, He exalts. Press down, shaken together, running over-expect good measure!! God has His Hands on you and will ensure that others hands stay off of you and your situation while He is perfecting you. 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Giddy Up !!!

2 Kings 4:24, "Then she saddled a donkey, and said to her servant, "Drive, and go forward; do not slacken the pace for me unless I tell you." 


The Shunammite woman was at a crossroads of where she could either accept what she saw in the human or she could walk by faith and not by her sight. In reality, her only son had died in her lap and she and her husband would have to prepare to bury him. The Shunammite woman didn't concern herself with what she saw in the physical, she immediately got on her "grown woman" and had a "little talk with Jesus" and asked her husband to send her a servant and she requested a donkey. She hid her son along the journey and folks questioned her motivation. Similar to the Shunammite woman, we have to be wise and not tell folks our business. Every time she was approached she simply said, "It is well," even to her husband. When she got to the man of God, he took her son in a room, closed the door behind them and they prayed to God. The child sneezed 7 times and opened his eyes and she praised God and went out with her son!


 Like the Shunammite woman, God places us in impossible situations and circumstances to show us that He is a Possible God. When we are presented with reality, we have to close our door as the Shunammite woman had, seek God for direction and understanding, and then take the necessary steps to move forward along our faith walk. God will provide provisions for us and people who have a sense of direction to lead us to our destinations. When we are placed in stressful circumstances, we have to be like the Shunammite woman and hide our pain and be reserved. Those who are closest to you may not understand your motivation and goals and it's okay! Simply say, "it is well" and get connected to God for your blessing by any means necessary! Drive and go forward and understand that you set the pace of your journey! Giddy Up!!

Monday, December 12, 2011

"On the Rocks"

Matthew 26:42, "Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, "O my father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done."


We all have heard folks say, "I will take my drink on the rocks." This term usually refers to a straight drink on ice. The Scripture discusses Jesus being at the cross roads of His life and He had gotten to the point where it was time to swallow a shot that was not so pleasant . The scripture says, Jesus went away and prayed concerning the matter and He had gotten to a place where His Spirit man said, I will take this shot for the team to ensure that God's Will could be done in His life. When God places a cup before us, we have to be still and think through the situation and Pray. Prayer should always be the first reaction when  we are faced with difficulty. The Bible says, Jesus told His confidants to stay put while He went away to pray. God will separate us from those who are closest to us to ensure we are seeking Him and able to receive clear instruction from Him-not them. When Jesus came back, He was very clear on His purpose and the directives God had given Him. We have to allow God's Will to be done-and not our own to ensure that we aren't hindering ourselves from getting to the next level. His Word says, thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. God wants to bless us right here on earth with heavenly blessings! He wants us to receive the goodness of His glory on earth as He performs the same miracles in Heaven. Be mindful, when God gives us a Cup to drink, He will send us some  "ice" to cool down the heat that He takes us through.  His "ice" is His grace-the unmerited favor of God. Be blessed!

Sunday, December 11, 2011

"And they Lived............."

Ecclesiastes 7:8, "The end of a thing is better than its beginning; the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit." 


As a little girl, I enjoyed reading fairy tales and I would often go to the last page to see what the ending would be, as usual, "And they lived happily ever after." As a young lady, I quickly learned that the real world doesn't operate in this fashion and sometimes we don't get happy endings to tragic beginnings. The scripture tells us that the end of a thing is better than its beginning. For us to fully appreciate and embrace this word, we have to look with our spiritual eyes and not our carnal minds. God's Word clearly tells us that the last shall be first and the first shall be last, meaning that if we are steadfast and not easily moved by light afflictions and setbacks and press forward-we have a justified reward. The Bible says, " He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." We can't allow life and our current situations to punk us out and make us come to a "standstill" or get writer's block in the middle of our breakthrough! If we stay focused and press through the pages, we will make it to the ending of a not so good season. His Word says, He is not the author of confusion.  He is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end! Trust the penmanship of Our Creator.

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Tis' the Season

Ecclesiastes 3:1, "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."


We live our lives seasonally based and similar to the nature seasons, some seasons we don't look forward to embracing. Every season is a season and when we decide to walk for the Lord, we have to simply take the bad with the good. The Bible says, to everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven. Meaning, in each season of our life there are transitions that have to transpire to bring forth the purpose of the season. In our "winter" seasons, we should expect stand stills and for growth to come to a closure. Our winter season is necessary to allow us to reflect on the things that couldn't withstand the heat in our lives and we should use the winter seasons as a personal time to seek God for understanding on areas we need to work on to ensure that we have a productive spring. Our Spring seasons are those seasons where we are most productive and the seeds that we planted in spite of seeing fruition in other seasons come forth and  we are renewed spiritually and physically. In our Spring seasons, we have to cherish the moments and embrace the blessings and people that God has called forth to bless us. Spring seasons are also seasons where we should ensure that we are growing properly and are cultivating the gifts that God have rooted inside of us and share our "pollination" with those who didn't fall on good soil as we had. Our Summer Season, are the seasons where God takes us through the fire and forces us to separate from heavy baggage. Our summer seasons require us to pull from a "Source" that is able to rejuvenate us and protect us from the heat of our enemies. The Bible says we all have access to the Secret Place of the Most High God-a place where we can find protection under the "SON" of God. Psalm 91. Last, but not least, we all have to endure the Fall seasons, where it is difficult to withstand the storms and the separation of deadly leaves from our vines. Our fall seasons are necessary because they provide us with the expected harvest that those who live for Christ are owed. Harvest seasons are the surprise gifts that God bestows on our lives for planting ourselves on fertile ground and for enduring the seasons of heat, lukewarm folks, hurricanes, and human parasites. Embrace each season in expectancy mode of all that God has to give you according to His riches and Glory! Every season is a season and a purpose for God to equip you with His heavenly direction.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Hide Your Kid, Hide Your Wife

Luke 2:16-19

Luke 2:19, “But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.”

Mary was pregnant with purpose at a time where it was unacceptable for a woman who was unmarried to have a baby. Mary was faced with public scrutiny, shame, being sent away from the only home she knew and having to explain how she as a virgin became impregnated with a purpose larger than humanity. Often times, God impregnates us with purpose and we run and tell it without seeking counsel from God and instructions from those who are wise. Because Mary saved herself for the One who would come and save us, God sent her an earthly man of order-Joseph who "manned up" and protected her purpose. The Bible says in verse 17 that the people made haste to see the “Child” and they had already been advised of what the Child would be, what His name was, and His purpose.  When God impregnates us with purpose, we have to be mindful of understanding that folks recognize our power, gifts, and abilities before we understand them and learn how to utilize them. We can’t allow folks to name our purpose and define how we are to operate within them. Verse 19 states, “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Meaning, we have to be wise and hold and fold accordingly. Everybody ain’t gonna want to see you go to your next level and you have to protect and recognize the power in hiding your “purpose” from outsiders and those who mean you no good. Hold your purpose in your heart and allow God to cultivate it and equip you for the time of your delivery.

Monday, November 14, 2011

"Embrace your Now"

Esther 4:14, "For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

We live in a society where everyone is running rampant and most don't recognize the voice of God or His will for our lives. There isn't partiality on God's part, but we often are impartial to the calling on our lives. We often are in expectancy of the "next big thing" in our lives and don't take the time out to embrace "our now." There are many lessons to learn and things to appreciate in our "now." Don't focus primarily on what God is going to do, instead thank Him for what He has already done and sit down and meditate on His Word and not the words of others. Esther had one year to prepare herself to fulfill the task God had predestined for her and she recognized the grandness of it. If she hadn't taken the time to humble herself and take heed to the counsel and instruction of the people God had placed in her inner circle-she faced being killed and her kin folks would have perished. "Now seasons" can be very trying times and you may not have much to work with or quality people in your inner circle to carry you through the tough trials and "stand still" situations, but I assure you God is there and is a very present help in times of trouble. Esther embraced her "now" in spite of her lack and short-comings. Because of her obedience and willingness to be used by God, according to Esther 4:17, the King did according to all that Esther commanded. Remember, preparation is never time wasted.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

" After all these Years"

Proverbs 10: 27-28, "The fear of the Lord prolongs days, But the years of the wicked will be shortened."


I am sure everyone is familiar with the term, "she/he sure is looking good after all these years." Living a life of order and decency is an option we all have to make. Fearing the Lord is the first step. Life is easy, living is hard, but that doesn't mean one has to live a "hard life." Living a godly life prolongs suffering, setbacks, and one "looking their age." Living a life of order brings about abundance and allows God to breathe on us daily. God can't operate in trash. Living in the streets takes a toll on one's body and shortens their longevity. I was taught that ain't nothing opened after dark but legs and this has been a driving force in my life. My folks taught me that a woman's role is to maintain order and the spirit of her household, ensure her children are "kept", cleanliness, and most importantly serving God. This generation has gotten away from the "old-school" or as we say in da country, "grandmama nem" ways, folks want easy lives, but make things difficult for themselves. Some stuff we bring upon ourselves by not doing what we know to be right. Living a righteous life "long-term" makes a difference in our appearance, health, and personal relationships.  When we think "short-term", we are "short-changing" ourselves. 

"Do it from your Heart"

Colossians 3:23-24, " And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord  you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."

Growing up, I often was the spectacle of criticism and I took things people did and said to me "to the heart." I would often go to my grandmama in confidence with issues of my heart and she would always say, "did you do it from your heart or for man?" We have to be mindful of  our decisions and actions and our motivation behind them. If God isn't at the core of our decisions and intentions, we simply haven't done it from our heart. God is love. When you do things from the heart, you don't have to concern yourself on whether your words or actions were received and if they will bring you validation. When our works are done from our heart, we understand that sometimes others will receive glory for our efforts and that true power resides in effectively knowing how to hold and fold and not make a scene. When you do things from your heart and not for others' validation, the Bible says we will receive our reward of inheritance from God. Meaning, God takes notice of our efforts and works for Him and He will promote, validate and ensure we receive our kudos from Him! Everything we do should be for the glory of God. God will use our story to get His Glory if we humble ourselves and ensure we are an open vessel that is willing and capable of being used by Him-not them.

Monday, November 7, 2011

Pass the salt please

Matthew 5:13, "Ye are the salt of the earth but if the salt have lost his savour wherewith shall it be salted it is thenceforth good for nothing but to be cast out."

Salt simply speaks for itself when it is poured out into portions that lack substance. As daughters and sons of the King, we are the salt in a bland world and stand distinctly from others. God entrusts us to use our anointing, gifts, talents, and blessings as He deems necessary. As salt of the earth, we don't have to go around saying who we are, people we encounter and have dealings with will know who and whose we are by our "substance." We have to use our salt in moderation and recognize the "favor of our flavor."  Everybody along your journey will not appreciate your salt and that's fine. We have to understand that "our salt" is an aquired taste and it won't set well nor be included into everyone's daily spiritual intake. As salt of the earth, recognize that there is power in being an "aquired taste."  The scripture teaches us that if we don't use our "salt" appropriately, it will lose its savor and not be beneficial to anyone including ourselves. I encourage you to cultivate and nurture your "salt" and find a balance that allows you to favorably use your "salt"  to bring savour to those who desire to feast on it.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Walking the Walk

Psalm 26:1 "Vindicate me, O Lord, For I have walked in my integrity, I have also trusted in the Lord; I shall not slip."


Being a woman of integrity is as limited as "myrrh" and is power to those who utilize it effectively. A woman who has the ability to step out in her faith and walk in integrity should understand that it is difficult and will cause one to be secluded from most, but the reward of "doing what you know to be right" is righteous and God will use your story to get the glory. Psalm 26:1, tells us that we have to seek God to vindicate us-which means we shouldn't be seeking the world to solidify our honor, only God has the power and capacity to do so. Seek God for Vindication. Vindication brings forth Validation. A woman who walks in her integrity knows that God promotes those who are humbled and it is long-term. Man's validation changes with the season, however a woman of integrity is seasoned. As women of integrity, we have to trust God at His Word and know that He won't allow us to slip. The Bible tells us that the laborers are few, but the harvest is plenty. Not many women in today's society want to be used by God, many desire to be, but the effort to do so is lacking. Since God has informed us that the laborers are FEW, we should take the opportunity to allow God to cultivate us and sharpen our gifts so that He-not a man, can use us at full capacity. 

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Daddy's Home

1 Timothy 4:8, "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


Statistics show that over 50% of African-American households lack fathers in the home. It is amazing and disheartening because less than 30 years ago Black Men were the staple of their households and lead with tenacity, discipline, and Christian upbringing. Black men took pride in being providers, husbands, and fathers and now unfortunately, it is an "old-school" recollection. Being raised in a single-parent African-American household was a complex upbringing and the absence of a father in my rearing had an affect on me tremendously. I was nurtured by my grandfather, uncles and elders in my church, but the void of not having a father was very prevalent in my heart.  My great-uncles provided for 10 plus children and they never complained nor did their wives work outside of the home. Black men took their children to church on Sundays in starched clothes and ensured they knew what the Pastor's "text" was upon their return home.  To put it in basic terms, they feared the Lord and had a solid understanding in their faith and knowledge that God honors family and "will make a way somehow." In today's society, the bulk of men leave women to "fend" for themselves and fear of the Lord and His correction is uncommon.  Sadly, the burden of providing for children in their most critical years have left the "wallets" of men and have fallen into the "lap" of the government. Prayerfully, children of this generation who lack fathers will be nurtured and find confidence in knowing that our Heavenly Father is the only Daddy they need and He will and shall supply all of their needs according to His riches and glory. 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Depreciation of Appreciation

1 Timothy 6:7-8, "For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."

As a little girl, I often hung with the "old folks" in my family and listened intently of their stories of making "do" and how imperative it was for me to always appreciate what God had blessed me with. My folks taught me that any blessing from God was "BIG" and my Uncle Jimmy Milton would always tell me that "pride will make one suffer."  My folks may not have had much, but they gave me and those in my generation lineage a few items that were sustainable: Jesus, cleanliness, and to always make an "honest living." The women in my family, like most American families had a few valuable items they carried through generations, such as a photo album, few pieces of china, a ring, and clippings from history. The "value of the item" was not important- the lesson was to "value the item." My kinfolks taught me to always have the basic necessities in my home-Dawn Detergent, Pine Sol, Bleach, extra sheets, "spreads" and towels and something in the "fridge" for unexpected company, or at least a pound cake on the table and Folgers Coffee in the cabinet for visitors. Our generation has gotten so "caught up" into what the world says we should have and be doing that we have lost focus on the authenticity of living a simplistic life. The bulk of women in our society are unaware of how to "press" a dress, make a decent meal, nor stitch a button on a t-shirt. A lot of men are unaware of the power of  knotting a tie, understanding the concept of wearing a belt, and being committed to one woman as being powerful and God's Way. One thing is for sure, we brought nothing into this world and it is for certain that we cannot carry anything out. Embracing "simplicity" doesn't have to be "complicated."

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Are you in the right room?

Proverbs 18:16, "A man's gift makes room for him, And brings him before great men."

We often struggle with the idea of not feeling we measure up in a society that demands "the next big thing" in repeat mode.  God didn't create us to live "background worthy" lives. Diana Ross, Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson, Katie Couric, Dr. Booker T. Washington, etc....are held as frontrunners of their era because they utilized what God had given them and cultivated it. God ain't gonna give us anything that He knows we will waste. People who use their gifts effectively allow their gifts to orchestrate them into greatness. If you are the most intelligent person in the room-get out of there! When King Solomon was preparing to take the throne of His father-King David, he asked God for wisdom and knowledge. Solomon recognized that titles have their rightful place, but if he didn't have the gift that God granted him, his reign wouldn't be effective. According to the Word of God, there wasn't a man as great as Solomon during his reign nor after. Solomon allowed his gift to make room for God's abundance to flow in.  Don't  focus on the doors men shut on us, but find solidarity in the notion that our God-given gifts are sufficient and will lead us into the doors that only God can open and close. Knowledge can get us in many doors-but wisdom shuts them.

What's in a Name?

Luke 2:21-"And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb." 
  In our society when a woman conceives, the fascinating dilemma she has is what will she name her child. In biblical times, families named children names that had purpose. Hannah named her son Samuel because it meant "Because I have asked for him from the Lord." The angel who appeared to Mary gave her instruction on naming her "Child" and the Scripture tells us that the name was given before she conceived Him. Preparation and much thought went into the name of the Savior who would come down from Heaven and take the penalty for our sins. There is POWER in the name of Jesus!! If God took time out to choose a name for His Son that had purpose and power, why are we selling our children short and giving them names that are "thrown" together from our favorite cartoons, songs, foods, and places?? We have to be ever so careful and give our lineage names of power and purpose and names that they are not tormented with in their childhood that will carry into their adulthood. My children names were strategically given. Kenzie means "bright light" and Marie-is Jason's grandmother's name. He wanted Kenzie to carry on the name of the woman who cultivated him. Jason means "Mighty Warrior" and can be found in Acts 17. There is POWER in the name of Jesus!! What's in your name??

Friday, October 28, 2011

Imitation is a Limitation

Being raised and cultivated in a small town called Loxley, Alabama in Baldwin County, AL was a blessing and the foundation of my "acquired taste" in everything from men to ziplock bags. My grand-mama taught me from an early age that I couldn't go "cheap" on items that I needed long-term. It's always "best to invest" in quality products and men. For example, to cut out on replacing shoes every few weeks, she invested in buying me "keds" remember, the cute little white shoes with the blue label? She shopped at Gayfer's which is what we call "Dillard's" today to purchase me clothes that could "sustain a washing."  We should never allow our circumstances and class level to determine and manipulate us from making "quality" decisions and choices and incorporating "good folks" into our circle. Examine yourself and determine what you are willing to "go cheap on". We all deserve to have "quality" friends, associates, relationships, marriages, jobs, etc... "Compare to" selections have their rightful place and as Children of the King we have an inheritance to the "good life."  Never allow imitations to be a limitation-it's a disservice to you. Always get your money's worth!

Proverbs 31

Proverbs 31 is the blue print for womanhood and the epitome of what every woman of God should aspire to be. Proverbs 31 is taken from the perspective that King Lemuel's mother taught him. In today's society, women are often placed in uncomfortable crossroads of doing it the world's way or God's Way. Proverbs 31 gives women the opportunity to examine themselves while simultaneously laying the ground work for what men should seek in their quest for a virtuous woman and wife. The Scripture tells us in verse 8 that her worth is far more than rubies-meaning that a woman's worth and value she brings to herself and a man are immeasurable and uncompromising. A ruby speaks for itself and value doesn't depreciate in a tough market. Verse 9 says that her husband safely trusts her-as women we have to examine our lineage history to define what limitations and shortcomings we have been inherited in order to assure that we don't allow our shortcomings to short-change us in the long run. Having the trust of a man is a trait that men desperately desire and is the foundation of cultivating greatness in your helpmate. A man grows in leaps and bounds spiritually and in their daily walk when they have the assurance that their partner can be trusted. Proverbs 31 discusses how as women, we control the spirit of our household and the level of prosperity it attains. A virtuous woman works in whatever capacity is necessary to ensure that her household is maintained and she understands that this requires "staying out of the streets" and imputing her righteousness into her children. The Bible says she perceives her merchandise to be good-meaning she produces quality work and she is concerned about the input and outputs of the product her hand produces, such as "raising godly children, keeping a clean house, ensuring nourishing food is prepared, etc."  A virtuous woman husband is known in "the gates" not in the "streets" and she doesn't mind the accolades he may receive because she is "sure of herself" and knows that he is a direct reflection of her love, time, and devotion. The Scripture concludes with "a woman who fears the Lord shall be praised." Ultimately, if we as women ensure that God is operating at full capacity in our lives as the pilot and we utilize His Word as our constant compass-we can't help but to be blessed and live a life of abundance.