By : Payton M. Ishmael
“Ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, ring, riiiinnnngggg!” I walked in to my grandparents’ (Bro. & Sis. Ishmael) house only to hear the loud and obnoxious sound of a bell. I immediately found my way to the place the sound was coming from to see Poppy ringing a huge, brass bell. I wasn’t sure if it was acceptable to laugh, but I did anyway. “Poppy! Why in the Heavens are you ringing that bell?” I asked. Before he could answer, I was already thinking of ways to protect him from Anna. She has never come across to me as someone that you beckon with a brass bell. …but then he replied.
“Well, your Anna brought this in here in case I need something,” he said. This, in accord with the role she has played over the last week leaves me in complete admiration. All I can think about is the woman of Proverbs 31.’
Throughout his four day stay at the hospital, Anna never left Poppy’s side. I imagine that it takes great strength and courage to watch your husband wince in pain. Tears were the evidence to my heart’s ache. Anna, though, did her best to remain composed, serving as a good dose of optimism for our family and friends.
To confirm my suspicions that my grandmother is indeed THE Proverbs 31 woman, I flipped to the chapter and took a journey reading about all the attributes that compose this ideal woman.
In my opinion, Anna comes across as very classy and put together. Even at first glance, I feel certain that people can draw the conclusion that she’s a special lady. It’s truly extraordinary, though, that I find her description as I delve into scripture.
She’s trustworthy. She takes care of everyone. She provides the very best for her family. She works hard and always does her very best at everything she puts her hand to. She’s wise. She reaches out to people. She’s crafty. She keeps all of us in line and together. Her children (and grandchildren) respect her. Her husband cherishes her.
Many of us have amazing women in our lives just like Anna. We don’t give them near enough credit. As I watch Anna in action; carrying on with her day-to-day duties while also making sure that Poppy is well taken care of and as comfortable as possible in his recovery, I know that she is a Proverbs 31 woman. As Christian women, we have a standard set. We have a very specific description of the role we are to play. Just like many of you with your mothers and grandmothers, I feel truly blessed to have a Proverbs 31 woman to admire. Her shoes are entirely too big for me to fill, but I’ll certainly do my best to try.
Written for House of Prayer newsletter// May 2, 2010
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