Today I write to you in appreciation of a very stellar person in my life. She has consistently believed in me from the time we first met until now. She has believed in me against all odds, when I have lost my sense of who I am and what I am here for. She sees the vision when I can’t. She is constantly calling me out of the small, insignificant places I would prefer to hide in, and reminding me of a bigger calling.

She is, in every way, a Proverbs 31 woman.

She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. (v.18) Hardly ever. Sometimes I wish it did so I could get some sleep.

She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. (v.20) It’s a natural reflex. Her hands are connected to her heart when it comes to those who cannot help themselves.

She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. (v.22) This is her trademark and indicative of her dignity to dress well and surround herself with beauty, and though some misunderstand her in this, she remains true to who she is. She requires a level of dignity, but no higher than what she gives to everyone around her.

She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. (v.26) People come to her house to be instructed. People seek her out. She is full of wisdom, encouragement and good advice.

She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. (v.27) Idleness? It is not in her vocabulary. She has two speeds: “Thoroughly engaged” and “Off.”

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. (v.30) It’s also true that a charming, beautiful woman who fears the Lord is… well… quite a find.

Sometimes I send her my Catches ahead of time — far enough ahead to effect changes from her perspective. (You have been spared what you don’t even know, thanks to her.) But she hasn’t seen this one. I want the first time she reads this to be the same time most of you do, because, before these witnesses, I want you to know, Marti, how much I appreciate you.