Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from LitFuse in exchange for an honest review.
Everyone knows about the Proverbs 31 woman, right? I’ve gone through loathing to admiration and back again. Because honestly? I hate cleaning. Shopping? You bet. Buying a vineyard? Of course! The P31 woman is a favorite of mine and I’ve read at least a half dozen books about her.
When I got an email about Real Women Leading that embodies the Proverbs 31 woman for the modern working woman, both those in AND out of the home. And I was intrigued. I’ve never seen her to be applied to women as leaders or even in the workforce. I was pleasantly surprised!
Real Women Leading goes through the verses about the Proverbs 31 woman and instead of detailing the tasks one ought to do while emulating her, the authors assign a value to what she personifies based on the verses. For example, the first value is that of understanding people based on Proverbs 31:11 & 31:26. They cover 10 values including forgiveness, responsibility, attitude, resolving conflict, restraint, honesty, planning, generosity, and influence.
Each chapter points out a woman in the Bible who was either an example of the value or the opposite thereof. After a discussion of the example and different facets of the value, there is a section called the IT Factor, to help develop the value. In it, there is a quote or verse on the value, a brief summary of the chapter, a question for reflection, benefits of having the value, characteristics of people exemplifying the value & steps to follow to develop the value.
I really had a change of heart about the Proverbs 31 woman. Instead of seeing what she did as a list of chores, I see her as a woman of character in how she did what she did. And I can do that. I can practice restraint (no laughing!) or honesty or generosity whether I’m volunteering, blogging, working at our business, or schooling our children. I no longer feel boxed in by the tasks she did. Instead, I’m free to do what I think God is calling for us to do and displaying her character instead. It’s a lot easier to avoid comparisons when you are trying to live values instead of tasks that may not fit with the gifts God has given you.
I recommend Real Women Leading with Proverbs 31 Values by Lisa Troyer & Dawn Yoder to all women. Even if you aren’t Christian, this book is really about living with values. And in order for this world to be better, everyone could use a value check. If you got put off by the idea of women leading and think that it has no bearing because you don’t work outside the home, please don’t. It’s applicable to anything you do and you have a sphere of influence, even if you think it’s only your husband and children. It’s really quite a versatile book and a great primer on living a life of value.
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Real Women Leading: With Proverbs 31 Values is a must-have leadership resource for today’s Christian woman. Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder are celebrating the release of their book with an iPad Mini giveaway and a Facebook “Leading with Values” author chat event on March 20th.
One winner will receive:
- An iPad Mini
- Real Women Leading by Lisa Troyer and Dawn Yoder
Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on March 20th. Winner will be announced at “Leading with Values” Facebook Party on March 20th. Connect with Lisa and Dawn for an encouraging discussion on how we can lead (at home and in the workplace) effectively and with biblical values. Win prizes, connect with other leaders, and be inspired.
Don’t miss a moment of the fun; RSVP today. Tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 20th!
How do you feel about the Proverbs 31 woman?
