I am dedicating tonight’s blog to my wonderful husband, Saad Alston. Happy Birthday!

As a new wife, (almost two years), I can’t help but smile every time, I read, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her,” (Proverbs 31: 28). This virtuous wife is simply being praised by her family, and they respect and appreciate her role as mother and wife. I can honestly admit that I had no true idea what I was getting myself into when I said “I do,” and became a mother. One of the best decisions that I have made, and also one of the most challenging. Why, do you ask? The role of a virtuous wife and mother include a great amount of responsibilities as we talked about previously.

Before verse 30, the bible lists a great deal of roles conducted by the virtuous wife. It mentions her daily tasks, strengths, and most significantly, her dedication to manage the household. Once again, our devotion to family becomes a huge part of our lives.

The first few months of my marriage were equally precious and challenging for me. On one hand, I adored coming home to my husband, and son. But on the contrary, I despised the fact that my husband and I were not communicating effectively. Because I grew up in a very open household, (where my family and I talked about everything), I expected to do the same in my marriage. However, my husband was comfortable with keeping things to himself. As a result, when bill time came, or concerns arose, he would provide me brief information, or disregard my questions all together. It would frustrate the both of us and cause several arguments. Not to mention, my roles of taking care of our home, working full-time, and going to Grad school would leave me longing for the weekend. To say that I was done by the end of the week is an understatement.

But in all of my efforts to work hard and care for my home, I failed to realize that I had a supportive and loving husband, and son ,who continuously rooted me on. Even during our arguments concerning miscommunication, I had a husband who would remind me, “Look I don’t understand what you need from me right now, but I want to learn.” And in the midst of it all, he never stopped praising me.

When you have a husband who appreciates all of your hard-work and allegiance to him and your kids, it makes such a mammoth difference. When you have children who utter, “I love you,” out of the blue, it makes the sun shine on a cloudy day. Along with GOD, they become your daily dose of encouragement. I think as wives, we sometimes lose sight of how much we mean to our families. Yes, our husbands and children count on us a great deal, but they also appreciate our roles. I know sometimes, it is not often said, but it shows in their actions. Just think about all of the times someone at church comments your husband on his new suit, and he points directly to you. For those of you who have Christian husbands, GOD encourages your husbands and children to honor you at all times. We should all have faith that what we do day after day is not taken in vain from those we love. In addition, because GOD chose your loved ones, know that they will always have your back!

I will forever love this verse because it reminds me that GOD urges those we care for the most, to show their appreciation. And yet, we don’t have to say a word.

Remember to Learn, Love, and Own your Virtue.

I am a strong, virtuous woman, with a family who appreciates all that I am to them.

KPA