Society has hammered away at the role of a woman and the definition of fulfillment, success, and strength as they pertain to women for decades. The picture is painted with the brushes of independence, autonomy, freedom, aggressive determination, goal achievement, liberation, and recognition among other strokes and colors which dazzle the viewer—much like dime store glitter—and draw one into the philosophy they expound. Many well-meaning and not so well-meaning religious groups have their own brushes as well and they paint away, defining women in yet another way—with brushes of fear, rules, inferiority, and other various trappings.     

With all this information and misinformation confronting us on every side, where does a woman turn to find a true model of a strong woman of virtue? As with all of life’s great questions and quests, there is only one secure, trustworthy place where we can turn and be certain to find truth—God’s Word. God Himself indeed gave us a wonderful place to look to find insight into this very question.

Darling Virtuous Daughters,
    As I typed my greeting to you, I couldn’t help but wonder if you get tired of me calling you this. Do you ever wonder why I greet you this way each time? Please know that it is with sincerity in my heart that I call you this. You see, as I type to you, I think of each of you, and I ask the Lord to use me in some way to bless you and encourage you in your search for Him. I think of each of your sweet, smiling faces shining for Jesus. I think of how each of you are God’s workmanship, created in His image, to glorify Him all of your days. Psalm 139:14 “…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” I am filled with joy when I think of the beautiful virtuous daughters each of you are becoming. What a radiant future!

In school last year, I was directed to choose a person and do a persuasive research paper. After much thought and doubt as to if I would have enough sources, I chose to write about First Lady Dolley Madison. Surprisingly, I found several sources, and much information to support my thesis statement: “Dolley Madison set a good example for America’s future First Ladies by being a gracious and generous hostess.”

Dear Virtuous Daughters,
“O magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together.”—Psalm 34:1

I wanted to take this opportunity to encourage you in your walk with the Lord and your relationship with Him. My encouragement is that you study the name(s) of the Lord and meditate on them​.