Living in Godly Wisdom: The Pressure on Women to “Have It All,” Naomi Schmidt

Presentation Description

Google “Women can have it all.” The results are all over the place. Some cheer the notion. “Today’s woman can be a wife, mother, and successful businesswoman!” Others dismiss the concept as an overwhelming, pressure-packed myth. So, which is it?

In the closing epilogue to the book of Proverbs, the “woman of noble character” is described as one who is a loving and supportive wife, a dedicated mother, a thriving business owner, and a humanitarian. Yet, Proverbs 31 is not meant to induce a heavy dose of guilt. It is meant to bring wisdom for godly living and to share a delightful reminder of grace. With glimpses of Jesus, you can see what it looks like as a woman lives for his glory. Proverbs 31 is like a scrapbook with slowly turning pages. Each verse shapes your thinking as this godly woman reminisces on her faith, relationships, and opportunities. You see her love and serve and lead, and you want to follow her example. You want to encourage women as they seek wisdom to live by faith in all the vocations to which God has called them.

In this beautiful chapter, God isn’t showing you how to “do it all.” He is building your trust in his plan for your life. No hidden messages. No secret codes. This is wisdom sheathed in grace. God’s image. His priorities. His blessing. And his forgiveness. Learn about the life Jesus lived for you. Listen to his wisdom for your life.

Ultimately, the goal of this presentation is to help women think through how to maintain a Christ-centered balance in a world that is screaming, “You can have it all! You should do it all!” Therefore, certainly, this presentation speaks to women. However, it is also a presentation for any church leaders who want additional insight into how they might better encourage women in their various responsibilities and roles.

Speaker Bio

Naomi Schmidt

Naomi Schmidt is an author, Bible study teacher and encourager. She has published several Bible study books: Ruth: Living in God’s unfailing faithfulness, Philippians: Living in the joy of Christ, and Proverbs 31: Living in Godly Wisdom. She is also a contributing author to In God’s Orchard and the WELS Discipleship curriculum, Equip Women to Teach the Word.

Many of her devotions, prayers, and Advent by Candlelight services are available on wels.net/women. She has served on the WELS Women’s Ministry Executive Board since 2008. Naomi has been blessed with godly teachers and Christian friends that have deepened her love for God’s Word. She teaches women’s Bible study, serves to encourage women, and speaks at retreats and events. She enjoys meeting women and lingering over coffee with an open Bible. Naomi and her retired husband have been married over 40 years and enjoy 8 grandchildren which are a constant reminder of God’s goodness!