Hello!

As we pass through autumn, churches everywhere are holding founding services and various events. Behind all these gatherings, we can see the labor, devotion, and sacrifice of many people. Among them, the efforts of the women’s missionary societies in each church are truly precious and beautiful. Quietly, without words, they dedicate their time and labor day and night, living as faithful handmaids of God in their congregations. We cannot help but be deeply grateful to these women. Not only do they serve in the church, but they also beautify their homes, raise their children well, and manage their households with care. Whenever I see such women around me, I feel respect and love, and I often find myself wishing I could become like them.

Today, I would like to share with you on the theme: What does a virtuous woman look like? In Proverbs 31, there is a song about the virtuous woman. This passage is unique in Scripture, for it is presented as a mother’s teaching to her son: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life… Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: ‘Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.’ Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

In American history, there is a First Lady who is still respected by the people: Eleanor Roosevelt. She is admired not only in America but worldwide. Orphaned at ten, she grew up in hardship. She was so poor that she called money “paper carved out of sweat and tears.” At twenty she married, and over eleven years bore six children, though one died. When friends tried to comfort her, she replied, “I still have five children to love,” and instead comforted them. When her husband, President Roosevelt, was stricken with polio, he once asked her jokingly, “Do you still love me?” She smiled and answered, “I haven’t loved only your legs all this time.” Until her death she lived brightly and positively, dedicating herself to the poor and playing a leading role in the birth of Social Security. Though she endured scorn from her in-laws and the hardships of the Depression, she supported her husband in helping African Americans, the unemployed, and the elderly. Even amid rumors of her husband’s infidelities, she never lost her wisdom, love, and smile, offering hope to herself and her neighbors. Decades after her passing, she is still loved, and her contributions are honored. Where did her strength come from? From her reverence for the Lord. Her unwavering love for God made her one of the most beautiful women in history.

I am certain that among our listeners today, there are many virtuous women living with grace, though their outward forms may differ. The very fact that such women are among us is our pride, and having such models of faith nearby enriches our souls. Today I would like to introduce one such woman close to me and share her story.

Closing Words

We are all believers striving to do our best in the places where God has set us. In today’s broadcast essay I shared the story of a pastor’s wife whom I love, but there are countless virtuous women around us who serve as models of faith and life. In the rough fields of life, their deepening spirituality strengthens their families and churches.

You may remember the actor Christopher Reeve, famous for playing Superman. Some years ago he fell from a horse, suffered a neck injury, and became paralyzed. Yet in his struggle, the devoted love of his wife, Dana Reeve, has been praised by many. She has been her husband’s hope and complete companion in spirit and body, helping him endure the difficult times. Her beauty has shone even more brightly since his injury.

A virtuous woman is one who knows how to wait for God’s time. She keeps her soul awake, always prepared, and shows mercy to her neighbors. She does not live darkened by needless worldly worries, but waits for God’s time, receives each moment positively, and lets the righteous sunlight of God rise within her soul. When God’s time comes, she rises without hesitation, with courage. Miriam, the sister of Moses, never lost faith that God’s time would come, even when baby Moses lay in a basket by the Nile. When Pharaoh’s daughter drew him from the water, Miriam boldly stepped forward to offer a nurse. Thus, behind Israel’s great leader Moses stood the prayers and devotion of virtuous women.

Virtuous women share the pain of their communities and take responsibility. Esther, a Jew who became queen of Persia, could have lived for her own comfort. Yet when she heard of the threat to her people, she fasted and cried out to God, saying, “If I perish, I perish.” Her courageous decision brought salvation to God’s people.

Dear listeners, we have many virtuous ancestors of faith. For the sake of future generations, we must draw near to them, learn from them, and follow their example, so that God’s work may continue beautifully in this land. As churches hold their events in November and December, we once again thank all the women who labor and sacrifice. May the words of Proverbs encourage us: “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

May this Scripture bring comfort and courage to us all in the week ahead.

© WanHee Yoon

From the program “As I Am,” KCBN, Korean Christian Broadcasting Network, November 10, 1999