A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
Proverbs 31:10
I am a blessed man. I can say with all honesty that the faithfulness of my wife in 'covering' while in North East Africa provided the impetus for nearly every spiritual conversation I had. Countless times I was questioned - Are you Muslim?... and with that the door was open to share about following Isa al-Masi (The Christ).
The world over, 'International Business Dress' a.k.a. 'Khaki's, a button down shirt and dress shoes' seem to pass as standard fare for the men. Although there are some instances of more traditional dress, I have found the masses to be dressed as such. This makes it difficult for a 6'2" blond with blue eyes to do anything other than stick out.
For the ladies however, the opportunities to be culturally incarnate in regards to dress are more plentiful. Such was the case in North East Africa. But would they be? Research from home showed that not every lady covered. Some of the areas we would visit would have a higher percentage of internationals, who may not cover. But what would be best?
Even if 30% don't cover and 70% do, by putting yourself in the 30%, you've possibly alienated 70% of the people around you without even an opportunity to speak to them. Some locals may even point to you as a bad influence, the outsider who is swaying the wayward 30% not to cover.
Despite desert heat soaring into the 90's and walking miles a day carrying Carter, Kim was faithful to be as culturally incarnate as possible. Covered to the hand and foot without a hair showing, she made me proud. In the poorer areas, it was skirts only, in the wealthier areas long loose pants and 'covering the curves' seemed to be the best option.
With Kim at my side or following close behind, the locals didn't quite have a box to put me in. They knew I was different, but his wife... look at how she is dressed, they must be Muslims from North America. What a riot, people couldn't help but ask time and time again.
Grace & Peace,
JBL
3 comments:
Thank you - husband! You are my light and my inspiration. I am blessed to be walking through this adventurous life with you.
All my love!
By: Kimberly LaBombard on June 19, 2008 3:29:00 PM MST
reading your article... this is such a blessing experience. can't help but cry. my husband's miles away from me, working abroad. i always tell him that he is my once in a lifetime miracle. and he would always reply with "proverbs 31:10-12"
(10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.)
By: sharon on October 29, 2008 1:57:00 AM MST
reading your article... this is such a blessing experience. can't help but cry. my husband's miles away from me, working abroad. i always tell him that he is my once in a lifetime miracle. and he would always reply with "proverbs 31:10-12"
(10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.)
By: sharon on October 29, 2008 1:58:00 AM MST
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