Why P 31 Pilates?
Proverbs 31:25
“She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future.”.
This verse became special to me several years ago when my dear friend Jill was battling breast cancer. This verse became her motto. It began appearing everywhere! We both had planners with the verse etched on the cover. We would find ways to sneak it to each other through little items like stickers, jewelry and note pads. When we built out the second half of my first studio, Jill wanted to write the verse onto the wall. So, we found a Sharpie and she etched the words directly on to the dry wall before we painted over it.
The words were both a reminder and a goal.
She lived these words. She fought her battle with such strength and dignity and joy. She suffered though intense pain that most people never saw, but did it with grace and a desire to live to the fullest. She refused to let cancer steal her joy. The way she embodied these words was an inspiration to me.
The year after Jill passed away, I joined a dear friend of mine, Jamy, in a body building contest called Pink Muscle Fest, honoring breast cancer. I approached it as therapy and a tribute to her. I was also inspired by a few of the other ladies in our Jill’s Hope family who were fighting their own battles with breast cancer. I trained each day thinking of them and what they were going through. The pain in their bodies, the fear in their hearts and the “unknowns” all around them. They faced each day with strength, they had so much grace and they were such an inspiration to me. If they could face their battles with such strength, I could certainly do the physical training required to honor them at this show.
The day of the contest, we stepped onto an elevator with another contestant. Embroidered into her robe was that very verse, “ She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future.” My eyes welled with tears as I knew that Jill was with me.
The verse itself is actually part of the description of ‘The Wife of Noble Character.” As I reflect on it today, I can see that the meanings are so far reaching. I have watched amazing women manage their households, care for their children, run businesses, provide hospitality, give generously and volunteer their talents. And at the same time I have watched amazing women overcome abusive upbringings or relationships and have tender hearts to help others. I’ve watched women be betrayed by the one who promised to love, honor and cherish them and come through it stronger and more able to love themselves. I’ve seen women struggle with health issues like cancer, MS, and much more, yet meet each day with unbelievable gratitude.. I’ve seen women bear the pain of losing a child or a husband and take nothing for granted. And I’ve seen women watch their child, husband or parent struggle with addiction and keep their faith.
I’m continuously inspired and in awe of the wonderful women around me, who have overcome obstacles (or do every day) with such strength, dignity and faith. They are more than role models, they are HOPE for others.
In the years since I closed Rise and Shine, my heart has been tugged when I reflect on the community that we had created there. I would see pictures of our groups and the space and miss the special bonds that were forged there and the hope that was all around.
My heart began leading me to create a place again. One of community, connection, acceptance, encouragement and faith.
In late March, I went on a very short trip with my sister to Marco Island and ended up spending that time seeking her (and my brother-in-law’s) counsel on opening a studio again. We took a sunset boat tour one evening and in an unforgettable moment, the boat turned into the direct ray of the setting sun, shining right on me…
I heard as clearly as if it was spoken into my ear, “She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.”
P31= Proverbs 31:25
The actual sunset from the boat ride.