“The Proverbs 31 woman is a star not because of what she does but how she does it — with valor. So do your thing. If it’s refurbishing old furniture—do it with valor. If it’s keeping up with your two-year-old — do it with valor. If it’s fighting against human trafficking… leading a company… or getting other people to do your work for you — do it with valor. Take risks. Work hard. Make mistakes. Get up the next morning. And surround yourself with people who will cheer you on,” Rachel Held Evans , author.

Prof. J.,

This past semester I have seen you reflect the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman. You teach with valor and you love with valor.

You are an incredible professor and I am beyond thankful for you! You helped me so much this past semester-- you helped me work out the (many) kinks in my minor, you offered an independent study to me for next semester so I can finish my senior year strong, you have showered me in encouragement on those days that my heart was overwhelmed or hurting, you prayed for and with me, and you spoke Truth in your classes.

You shower your students in grace, which we greatly appreciate when we have 7 or 8 assignments due that week. You have made your classes lighthearted and fun, as well as an adequate space to learn and become more competent adults. You have created a safe space for us to be open, and I have watched you foster that by being transparent and authentic with us. You create that space we so desperately need to feel like we are being welcomed and cared about not only on the campus but also in who we are as a whole. I have watched you love your students like they are your adopted children and make sure that they are feeling the love and gentleness that they need.

I have seen you make yourself readily available to your students and make sure that they are doing okay. You spoke light into their darkness and showed them the love of Jesus. And you did all of this even when you were not feeling up to it or had your own stuff going on. You were truly the hands and feet of Jesus. You reflected the heart of the Proverbs 31 woman.

I love being in your classes and seeing you doing the things that you love-- teaching and loving on your students. I love the insight and experience that you bring to the college. You are truly a gem that makes the college a better place. They would be smart to never let you slip away as you are a fantastic addition to campus! You have changed the atmosphere in a BIG and great way!

So, Prof. J., thank you for all that you do for not only myself, but for your other students, your coworkers, and for what you do for the campus!

Thank you for being the woman that God created you to be. For reflecting the Proverbs 31 woman in what you do and how you love. Thank you for being the hands and feet of Jesus and reflecting his love to others. Thank you for being you.