Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: MARRIAGE (08/25/16)
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TITLE: The Ring with the Cross | Previous Challenge Entry
By LeslieJean Anderson
08/31/16 -
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“Sandra, you know I care for you. We have been hanging out together in Bible study and on campus for over a year now, and we’ve become very good friends. But now I want to court you.”
Sandra laughed in the sing-song way that made Stephen’s heart flip.
“Court me? As in courtship? I am not even sure what that means in this day and age, Stevie. Don’t people just hang out and then move in together?”
Stephen smiled. “That’s true in the modern world, I know. But I think you – we – can do better as believers. I asked our pastor about it. A courtship builds bonding memories when couples spend dedicated and affectionate time together. It’s the old-fashioned way of preparing for marriage.
Sandra’s smile faded and she whispered, “You want to marry me?”
This time it was Stephen’s turn to laugh. “Don’t say no to me yet, Sandy! A formal proposal usually occurs sometime during a successful courtship. But yes, that would hopefully be the eventual long-term outcome.”
“Wow. How radically retro! It sounds like the old going-steady thing in our grandparents’ day. Didn’t that usually involve a class ring or something? I think the girl wore the guy’s ring on a chain like a necklace. My grandma was wearing one in her yearbook picture.”
Stephen smiled broadly and sat back in the booth. “Ha – I already gave you my ring. You’ve been my girlfriend all this time, and you didn’t even know it.” His eyes twinkled as he looked at her with his head cocked to one side.
Sandra felt a little flip-flop in her abdomen. She leaned over the counter and smacked his arm playfully.
“You said it was from the entire Bible class – and from God.”
“That is true – I did say that,” said Stephen, leaning forward again. “But it was all my idea. I wanted you to have something meaningful to remind you of your baptism.”
Sandra looked down at the ring, and carefully traced the cross with her finger.
“It’s all about love, isn’t it Steve? I think God wants us to love each other as a reflection of the way He loves us. It sounds like this courtship thing gives people a chance to learn how to love a spouse. From all the divorces in my family tree, I don’t think it always comes naturally.”
“Exactly right. And a proper courtship brings the family into the picture, so they are supportive of the couple. I would even inform your father of my honorable intentions.”
“Yikes. That would take a ton of courage. I’m scared to even ask him for the keys to the car.”
“Well, that’s the first test I would have to pass as a prospective suitor, Sandy – being brave as I explain to your father what a courtship is all about.”
Sandra and Stephen laughed at the irony. Then they were both thoughtful for a moment.
Sandra broke the silence. “Would we continue our Bible studies together, Steve? I want to learn what God says about marriage. I don’t have many good examples in my family.”
“Absolutely. I know He has a better plan than what I’ve seen out there in the world. Marriage was God’s idea in the first place. So let’s make it a topic of serious Bible study. Together.”
Sandra nodded, and then looked at Stephen mischievously.
“Hey Stevie – I just thought of something. If I’m your girlfriend, shouldn’t I be sitting beside you instead of across from you?”
Stephen scooted over and patted the empty space on the seat.
“It’s all yours, baby!”
Sandra grabbed her purse and slipped into the booth beside Stephen. He put his arm gently around her, and kissed the top of her head.
“So does this mean you like my idea of a courtship?”
Sandra nodded, and smiled up at him. “Uh-huh. So what do I call you now? My boyfriend, my suitor, or my gentleman caller?”
Hours later, when the restaurant started to close, Stephen and Sandra were still talking, with a Bible on the table between them. And when they finally walked out, the ring with the cross was hanging from a chain around Sandra’s neck.
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