Virtue? Are you serious? I know the word conjures up images of women, dressed collar to boots in black wool, hair neatly knotted and pinned securely to the nape of her neck.

But, I for one, happen to love the word. It’s such a beautiful word that unfortunately has fallen out of use. It certainly won’t be popping up in articles of Vogue or Glamour, but who cares? Have I ever taken their advice…ever?

So why Virtue? Indulge me for a minute while I give you guys a brief lesson on the etymology of the word.

We read the word virtuous only twice in the Old Testament, both times in the context of describing amazing women. Its first use is regarding Ruth and the other describing the ideal woman in Proverbs 31. It’s the Hebrew word chayil.

As I studied it further, I discovered that chayil was used many other times in the Bible. More than two hundred times to be exact. It’s a word that’s most frequently translated by King James scholars into the words – I hope you’re ready for this, because you will never guess – it’s translated army, or man of valor.

Yes, gentle reader! The virtuous woman is a woman of many strengths and heroic courage. Not exactly the picture of Victorian grandmothers dressed in black, or pale-complexioned ladies sipping tea, right?

But is this virtuous woman, in essence, a man? Not on your life. We are uniquely and wonderfully female, with all the complexities implied. A woman of many strengths.

Hopefully you’ll come to discover exactly how that can look as you poke around this site. Enjoy!