"Flirt, Faith & Fabulousness: My Take on Secrets of an Irresistible Woman!"

 

You’ve probably heard a lot about the woman of principles or the Popular proverbs 31 woman. In all honesty, I used to loathe this woman (I’m still in the process of getting to know her) because she seemed like too much to handle but what did she do wrong? She was just being all God created her to be. Can’t blame her for that. 

Here’s a better thing to do: Imagine this woman was your smart elder sister and you looked up to her. Think of her as a valuable person, one you can pick a lot of lessons from. Trust me, she doesn’t bite (LOL!)

Reading Secrets of an irresistible woman by Michelle McKinney Hammond helped me see her in a better light. I must confess that Michelle has a good sense of humor as I caught myself whooping and talking back at the book. I knew at the end of this book that I wanted to be that woman of principles. One who knows how to hold her own, and knows she can surrender her battles to Jesus. A woman who knows her value and will not compromise on what she deserves. I love how there are specific prayers at the end of each chapter. That is to say that prayer is crucial in the journey to becoming. 

According to Principle 1, we should take art appreciation bearing that we are an impeccable work of art while declaring scriptures concerning those parts of our body that we see through the lens of imperfection. I used to feel I had short legs but I can recall a scripture I’ll paraphrase “blessed are the feet that hurry to do good”. That’s a sure game changer.

We have to quit playing with daisies. In other words, trying to see if he loves you by one or two flippant things he does. Principle 2 says that if he does love you, you’ll see 1 Corinthians 13 in play (check it out, will you?).

How about getting a life? I believe God has given us a blank slate and the opportunity to dream big. He’s giving you the ticket to dream big and let him make it happen (not forgetting we have a part to play). It’s the voice of Principle 3, not mine o.

Hehehe! I like this one. It says “Mind your own business”. In other words, tend to the business of your heavenly father. We can take lessons from Rebecca and Ruth (our other bible sisters). These are women who were tending to their businesses and purpose. Their husbands found them doing exactly that. 

It’s important we develop good shopping skills. After the whole approaching and asking out, we need information during the dating period. This is the foundation that’ll be laid should the dating lead to marriage. Checking his design (is he yielded to God or a weapon fashioned against us?). How about his character? His relationship with family and friends? How well does he hold up in the middle of a trial? Is he 100% pure blessing? Is he really a good fit with where God is taking us? Aha! What is the spiritual, emotional and physical cost of choosing him? Don’t give in to pangs of desperation. Lest I forget, we have our own personal shopper (the Holy Spirit).

Ladies, the mission field is a no-no. Principle 6 says to not date to save him. No missionary dating, sis! This is like walking in a minefield. You might end up walking on eggshells (or be amputated). 

Hey, we’re not done yet. Let me refill my cup.

I hope you didn’t get all impatient on me. You know what a cup of some good stuff can do (I suggest you get your cup of tea or lemonade)

So where did I stop?

Oh yeah! 

Principle 7. Protect your jewels. Be careful of how much information is shared. Guard your heart with all diligence. As children of God, we should be familiar with that scripture in the book of proverbs. Then hand the key to the lock of your heart to God. He’s the best safe-keeper.

This next principle would certainly cause my mum to ‘raise her brows’ because she’s not a fan of a lot of seasoning (my apologies, ma). We should use a lot of seasoning. Speak our words with care. Let your speech be seasoned with salt (I’m paraphrasing here). She said to “leave him thirsty for more, minister to him emotionally, mentally and spiritually, preserve, maintain and solidify the foundation of your friendship”. Avoid trying to sway him with expensive gifts. You are the gift (yes baby girl, you are the price).

Have you learnt to take advice? Mentorship is important (Look at Ruth and Naomi). Ask someone who’s been there (like Esther asked Hegai the Eunuch). Don’t dump the principles yet.

Hmmm…principle 10 says to learn how to dress. To be addressed appropriately, you have to look the part. Both inside and out. Ah! The imperishable inner beauty matters. 

Master the art of cooking. Best to bring to a slow boil. Avoid opening the lid too hastily. Do you get? Let things develop at a natural and unrushed pace. Take your time. You probably have the rest of your life to spend with this person. Also remember you’re worth a fortune. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (hey, sex is ONLY for marriage). You may not have seen it this way but sex is worship and a glue to bind two people together.

We should know how to sow based on Principle 12. For the single ones like me, we have the opportunity to sow into the lives of those around us like family, friends and those in need around us. Guess what? It would be replenished in full measure. This is what fills up the space where loneliness threatens to reside.

How I love to see nature come to life. To see the effects of good gardening warms me up. This takes us to Principle 13. Get into gardening and enlist the master gardener (you should know him by now). Get rid of whatever hinders new growth in your life. Plant a seed of new and beautiful beginnings. The reward of good gardening is a bountiful harvest.

I see the beauty of a pair (a man and a woman) waltzing beautifully because they’ve learnt to anticipate each other’s move and are flexible enough to move. That’s the power of learning how to dance as a Principles woman. Now, check him before the dance so you can know if you both can dance without stepping on each other’s toes.

Can you tell its love even if it’s right in your face? Well, that’s what Principle 15 is all about. Its normal to see a cute guy and like him. If he doesn’t notice you, its best to move on, baby girl. If he sees the spec that you are and approaches you, do a HS check before giving him your precious time (and maybe, your phone number). 

You need to know what you want. You don’t just want a husband; you want to be a wife. So, read the job description because God expects a lot from us. We’d probably spend more time being a wife than a colleague, so how prepared are we? For more on this, kindly refer to Proverbs 31: 10-31.

Principles 17 is all about knowing if he’s the one. Is he your kind spiritually, mentally, intellectually (and physically? This is not the most important thing). Is he a man that loves God, of unquestionable character, and integrity? How about his relationship with his family? 

Time to shatter tables! The next principle says to master the art of housekeeping. In plain words, live in your own house or your parent’s/female friend’s house till you can afford to get yours). Cohabiting is a bad trap. It doesn’t always end well.

The 19th Principle which is also the most important is the Pleasure Principle. We must understand that marriage wasn’t created by God to give us pleasure. It is to glorify God, mirroring the union between Christ and the church.

The final principle says to live life to the fullest as a single woman. Marriage requires work so it is wise to go into it with the understanding that it is a calling by God to serve. 

So, my dear ladies, that’s it. 

Bye!

Grace, mercy, and peace, which come from God the Father and from Jesus Christ- the son of the Father- will continue to be with us who live in truth and love 

2 John 1:3 NLT

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