A Woman of Distinction

She steps elegantly into the room, wearing the latest designer dress out of Paris—or is it New York? I’m not certain.

Her hair is immaculately coiffed, and her diamonds sparkle under the glittering chandelier. Her perfume wafts through the air as she glides by.

Surely this must be the most expensive perfume a woman could possibly wear! And look at her perfectly manicured nails and carefully applied makeup. Indeed, she stands out distinctly from the other women gathered in the room. She clearly presents herself as wealthy, beautiful, and unique —a cut above the rest! “Is she of nobility?” someone asks. “She’s definitely not one of us!” Someone else quietly whispers, “She certainly appears to be a woman of distinction.” When you think of a woman of distinction, what image is conjured up in your head? It wouldn’t be a woman carrying a mop and pail. It wouldn’t be a woman with three or four children tugging at her.

It wouldn’t be a woman toiling in a factory on a production line, a personal caregiver, a nurse, or even a doctor, necessarily.

Would it be an office worker, nanny, teacher, or lawyer? No, it probably wouldn’t be any of these. In our collective experience, the image of a woman of distinction would probably be someone who lives outside our own reality.

But real women of distinction are often overlooked by society.

They often remain in the background, not seeking to attract attention to themselves or the work that they do. Often, they underestimate their impact on the lives of others and the members of their communities.

Many of you may be familiar with a program on a major television network that highlights, honors, and awards large sums of money to the charities and causes of individuals who are considered heroic. They are nominated for recognition by the national media. Tell me, who among us would not wish to be recognized and honored? As Christian women, however, we are blessed and honored by our Creator, Lord, and Savior —Jesus Christ. In Proverbs 31, He shares His criteria for how He values our contributions to our families, churches, and communities.

Why not take a few moments to reread and meditate on these words as a reminder of how valued we are in the sight of God? Dear sisters, note the many ways God sees you as a woman of distinction!