by Marilynn Chadwick

"A woman of valor, who can find? Her children rise up and call her blessed." Proverbs 31:10, 28 JPS

The Proverbs 31 "woman of valor" must have had some warrior in her. After all, the Hebrew term chayil, translated "valor," is a military term.

I once asked my husband how he saw me as a fighter. David thought for a minute and said: "You have fought so hard for our children's dreams."

It's true. I fought harder to help our kids reach their dreams than I ever fought for my own. This quote says it best: "Reaching your own dreams is fulfilling—helping someone else reach their dreams is sublime." And when that "someone else" happens to be your own children, it's joy on steroids.

I wonder if the Proverbs 31 woman of valor discovered this same joy in seeing her children succeed. We're told, "her children rise up and call her blessed," (Proverbs 31:28 ESV). The Hebrew word, qum, translated "rise up" is very strong. It means, "to accomplish, to build, to establish, to strengthen, to succeed."

I'd like to think her children were now grown, happy, and fulfilled. They had reached their dreams, in part, because of their mother's impact. She had taught them. Nurtured, clothed, and cared for them. Perhaps they saw their mom in prayer, seeking the Lord and fighting for their dreams.

The Proverbs 31 woman poured her life into her children, so I can imagine her satisfaction as she watched them flourish. Nothing makes me happier than when my children, and now grandchildren, "rise up" and succeed.

To love our children well calls for self-sacrifice and courage. What are some ways you can encourage your children to dream big? Or is there another child, not your own, who desperately needs your encouragement?

"Tread lightly around the dreams of a child," Mother Teresa once said. "You may be treading on the dreams of God." As women of valor, let's dare to fight for the dreams of the next generation.

Today's Moment of Hope is adapted from Woman of Valor, Discovering the Courage and Strength God Gave You by Marilynn Chadwick. Click here to order your copy today!