Far Above Rubies: A Woman's Guide to Understanding Self-Wealth and Empowerment

By Sandra Smith

If you have ever wondered about the worth of a woman in Gods eyes, all doubt should be removed by the time you immerse yourself in the pages of Far Above Rubies. This books theme is like a balm to the souls of wounded women. Sandra writes this in a language that makes Gods Word accessible, yet keeps the message pure, unadulterated and uncompromised.

Personally, I was very excited to review this work because of my knowledge of the authors life, which God has used to mold her into a humble servant who genuinely understands the hurts of women. Because of Sandra Smiths obvious desire to have this book go beyond purely intellectual knowledge of the Proverbs 31 woman and to reach the very soul, probing questions are listed at the end of each chapter to help women discover a more applied and deeply personal understanding of Gods Word for them. You are challenged to really review your beliefs, emotions, words and deeds as relates to the awesome possibilities God has laid out for you.

If you are not ready to examine your walk within the context of the Proverbs 31 woman, then this is not the book for you. However, if you are ready to give serious attention to Gods vision for women and to hear the truth about what it requires, then this is one of the resources that would facilitate an applied study of this model woman. In addition to the benefits for believers, one of the most wonderful treasures in Far Above Rubies is that it speaks to such a variety of women-- single or married, young or old and saved or yet to be saved, to name a few. I can readily envision many women relating to the book and being blessed by its no nonsense, real message regarding the ways we should conduct ourselves in order to live more abundant, empowered lives.

I encourage you to read Far Above Rubies with an open mind to the unlimited possibilities available to you through the Creator. For it is when you open your mind to Him that He will surely deposit something valuable in it. As this book points us to the Proverbs 31 woman, we are called to go beyond the spirit of average. The truth of the matter is that average is the same distance from the bottom as it is from the top, and God has so much more in store for us than being no closer to the top than we are to the bottom. Be encouraged to not get weary in your well-doing and continue to wait on Him to do just what He said. The Word tells us that they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31, KJV). I believe that this book will give you an anointed message that will help you renew your strength, understand the weariless race and ultimately soar to the heights God wants you to reach.

Dr. Xanthia Prophet-Harkness

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: May 21, 2009
• ISBN: 9781477172315

Sandra Smith

Sandra Smith has published over thirty translations, including Suite Française (Irène Némirovsky), But You Did Not Come Back (Marceline Loridan-Ivens), The Necklace and Other Stories: Maupassant for Modern Times, The Stranger (Albert Camus), Jacques Schiffrin: A Publisher in Exile (Amos Reichman), Create Dangerously (Albert Camus), among others. She has won the French-American-Florence Gould Foundation Translation Prize, the PEN Translation Prize, the Independent British Booksellers Book of the Year Prize and the National Jewish Book Award.    

Book preview

Far Above Rubies:

"A Woman’s Guide to

Understanding Self-Wealth

& Empowerment"

A Proverbs 31 Woman

Written by

Sandra G. Smith

Edited by

Allison Sturms & Linda Hensel

Book Cover Design by

Jamall McMillan-Smith, my son

Copyright © 2009 by Sandra Smith. 59001-SMIT

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4415-2688-5

ISBN: ebook 978-1-4771-7231-5

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission

in writing from the copyright owner.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

Contents

Dedication

Preface

Foreword

Chapters

1. Seeking God

2. A Trustworthy Woman

3. A Loving and Loyal Woman

4. An Attentive and Organized Woman

5. Being a Good Steward

6. Covering the Hurt

7. A Woman Far Above Rubies: A Woman of Worth

Dedication

I dedicate this book first and foremost to the Holy Trinity – Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Spirit). I love them so very much. I would not be anything without them in my life or anywhere. It is awesome to be sold out for Jesus. It renews, rejuvenates you. It is a beautiful thing!

To my Mom and Dad, who have gone on to be with the Lord, I miss and love you with all of my heart. You always encouraged and supported me. I was my Dad’s – Princess.

When I first met my husband, Elder Lamar Smith, he would always tell me that I was a virtuous woman. I confided my life experiences with him – the good and the bad. He never let me speak negative about myself. When I decided to write this book, he said that there was nothing that I would not be able to do. That it was going to be one of the best books because it is a book written from the heart. He said that my concern was for the pain and sufferings of women who had been abused – physically, mentally and emotionally, as I have been throughout my life. He prayed with me, and the title of the book was given. I thank God for all of our struggles, heartache and pain. I would not regret any moment of my life with him. I love you always.

To our children, Jamall, Deion and Jamila, thank you for being my angels in the times when I was feeling low. I thank God for you all every day of my life. You make me laugh when I feel like crying, and I would not ask for any changes in either of you. Seek God to be all that you can be. With Him all things are possible that He has ordained for you.

To a man that I can say is a real Dad. Although he is my husband’s father, I am proud to call him mine. He is full of such wisdom, and I thank you for sharing with us.

To my brothers and sisters - the Green Family. I love you all so very much!

To my mother in the ministry, Pastor Jasmin Jazz Sculark and Simba. Along with my husband, you have taught me so much about preaching and teaching of the word. Even while changing for another service, you would talk to me about ministry, writing sermons and for that, I will be forever grateful.

To our son, Calab, may the Lord continue to richly bless you! Stay Sweet!

To my sister always, Dr. Xanthia Prophet-Harkness, you are a wonderful friend, and I love you. Thank you for a foreword that just continues to remain on my mind.

To Bill, Robin and my nephews, Josh, John, Jordan and niece, Jewell, I extend my love to you all. You have not only been great friends, but you are a part of our family, now and always.

To Keith, Stacey and K.C. Crowell, you are a great group of people. You are real with us, and we can always be real with you. We have had many ventures in our lives together, and I thank God for your continued friendship.

To Gerald, Cookie (Donna) and my nieces and nephews, to Mazie, DeVante (my big head son), to DeShawn, blessings to you and love.

To my Goddaughter Maya and her mother, Denice Clark – friend and sister for life. Keep modeling, Maya. I love you, girl. Make Auntie proud.

To Pastor Cathy, you always had a listening ear for me, and such love as a mother. I am blessed to know you and your husband, Pastor Chris. Be blessed.

To Nataya Robinson, girl you were with me through so much. I cannot tell it all. Thank you and blessings.

To Bishop Dreyfus C., Co-Pastor Wanda V. and Diamond Smith, you are wonderful and great listeners.

To Sherida Edwards – First Lady of Greater New Hope Christian