MARRIAGE 16 FEBRUARY 2024 www.goodnewsfl.org Good News • South Florida Edition Pulling the petals of a flower and reciting “He loves me, he loves me not" is a sweet memory for many of us, beginning on school playgrounds. No matter our age, stage, or season, we yearn to belong to someone deeply loved and cherished. For many, Valentine's Day and the month of love and romance are full of hopeful anticipation: flower deliveries, chocolates, maybe a proposal with the promise of forever love. A symbol The ultimate symbol of love and commitment in the Western world is marriage, with a ring placed on the fourth finger of both the man and the woman. God spoke the design of marriage into existence in Genesis 2:24: "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh." The oldest recorded exchange of wedding rings comes from ancient Egypt. The circle symbolizes eternity, representing never-ending, immortal love, and wearing them on the fourth finger is a tradition many believe originated with the Romans. A vein, referred to as the "Vena Amoris" or the "Vein of Love" in the fourth finger, was said to be directly connected to the heart. Today, we know that's not accurate, but the tradition remains. In 860, Christians began to use rings in marriage ceremonies, but it was in the World Wars that it was a common practice for men to wear wedding bands. Why? They served as a reminder of what was waiting for them at home, the promise of the relationship, and that while separated, we would love, honor and cherish one another at all times, in all places and all ways, forever. A guardrail Today, wedding rings continue to be both a symbol and a guardrail. A few months ago, I met a young man working in a Christian ministry out of the area who wasn't wearing a wedding band. I assumed he was single, and I had been pondering introducing him to a young woman in his community. Recently, he was in the area, and we met for a discussion, and again, there was no wedding band. I wanted to introduce him to the person I have considered for several months. I had even prayed about it. Midstream in the conversation, he said, “ My wife and I… and our kids…." I was grateful I hadn't mentioned introducing him to a woman in his community. Had he worn a wedding band, the thought of an introduction would have never occurred to me. It would have been a symbol and a guard rail of I'm taken, I'm wholly devoted to another, don't flirt with me, don't approach me, don't set me up. It indicates a commitment that a choice has been made to give up other options, forsaking all others. Most women love jewelry, so rarely will a woman remove her rings. However, men are less enamored with jewelry and will go without them more easily. When I meet with couples, and I notice that one or the other doesn’t have a wedding ring, I ask why. These are a few answers: I forgot it, I prefer not to wear it when I'm working, I'm allergic to the metal, I lost it, it's too small. This is my response: Unless your work environment creates a safety issue, you should wear your rings. When you don’t wear a wedding band, you send a message that you're available. Remember your wedding band, wear it everywhere you go. This Valentine's Day, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” Romans 12:10 Happy and Together Hoedown Looking for a memorable date night with your special someone? Live the Life South Florida invites you to SADDLE UP and put your boots on for a night of country fun at their Happy & Together Hoedown on Saturday, April 6th at 5.30 p.m. at Green Glades Ranch Weston. Come enjoy mechanical bull rides, live music, a Jail & Bail FunRaiser, auction, line dancing, amazing food, s'mores by the fire pit, a 360 photo booth, and... more! Subscribe to their newsletter to receive the details at livethelifesoflo.org Live the Life South Florida exists to strengthen marriages and families through healthy relationship education, beginning in middle school through senior adults. We are educators, coaches and pastoral counselors. If you're looking for a clinical counselor or therapist, we are blessed to have many in the South Florida community. We'd be honored to provide you a list of highly qualified and reputable individuals. - Lisa May - Executive Director, Live the Life South Florida Rings Are Significant
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