Recap: “Eshet Chayil – A Different Kind of Proverbs 31 Woman” | Mother’s Day at Vineyard Church Southern Indiana

This past Mother’s Day, Vineyard Church Southern Indiana gathered to honor, encourage, and bless the women in our lives—and Pastor Tess Brunmeier delivered a message that was bold, refreshing, and deeply rooted in Scripture.

If you missed it, here’s a recap of “Eshet Chayil – A Different Kind of Proverbs 31 Woman,” a message that helped us reframe how we see God’s definition of a woman of valor.

? What Is Eshet Chayil? Not What You Think.
We often hear Proverbs 31 taught as a checklist—cook like Martha Stewart, work like a CEO, parent like Mary Poppins, and look fabulous while doing it. But Pastor Tess turned that idea upside down and invited us to see the truth:

“Eshet Chayil” isn’t a burden—it’s a blessing.

In traditional Jewish culture, Eshet Chayil (Hebrew for “Woman of Valor”) is not a list of expectations for women. It’s a song of praise, spoken by husbands, fathers, and sons every Sabbath to bless the women in their homes.

It’s not about performance. It’s about recognizing strength, resilience, and the God-given courage women already carry.

? Ruth: The Unexpected Proverbs 31 Woman
Pastor Tess drew a powerful parallel from the story of Ruth. Ruth was a foreigner, a widow, and someone with no social power—yet she was called an Eshet Chayil because of her brave choice to stay with Naomi, her mother-in-law, and care for her.
Her story shows us that:

• Valor isn’t loud. It’s loyal.
• Courage isn’t always big. Sometimes it’s staying when it’s hard.
• God sees faithfulness as greatness—even when the world doesn’t.

Boaz himself says to Ruth, “All the people of my town know that you are a woman of noble character (Eshet Chayil).” (Ruth 3:11)

? Main Takeaways from Pastor Tess’s Message

• ? You don’t have to live up to the Proverbs 31 checklist—you already are an Eshet Chayil because God sees you.
• ? Eshet Chayil is not a job description. It’s a spoken blessing, meant to call out what’s already true.
• ? Ruth’s story reminds us that quiet acts of love, loyalty, and sacrifice are heroic in God’s eyes.
• ? As a church, we’re called to speak this blessing over the women around us, every week—not just on Mother’s Day.

? A Day of Honor: Cookies, Photos & Community
Every woman who walked through the doors this past Sunday received:

• A beautiful box of cookies (because blessings are better with sugar ?)
• A chance to get family photos taken at our gorgeous Mother’s Day backdrops

We saw laughter, hugs, and generations standing together. It was more than a service—it was a celebration of womanhood, faith, and identity.

✨ What’s Next? You’re Invited.
If you felt encouraged by Pastor Tess Brunmeier’s Mother’s Day message or are looking for a church that speaks life into women, families, and real-world faith—you belong here.
? Join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM
Vineyard Church Southern Indiana
727 Rolling Creek Dr., New Albany, IN
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Whether you’re new to church or have been walking with Jesus for years, come as you are and let’s pursue His Kingdom together.