A long time ago when marriage loomed on the horizon, I decided on an engagement ring. Always going against the grain, I wanted pearls instead of diamonds. Never have I been overly idealistic. I didn’t expect a fairy tale. That’s why I wanted a black pearl and a white pearl because the man marrying me would need to commit to be there for the good and the bad.

At one point I thought I’d found that man. Being an artist, he even drew up some sketches of my desired ring. In the end that all came to nothing. It’s been slow, but my heart has recovered.

During that process, life morphed into something entirely different than I expected. There’s been some good and some bad. Promising to be my husband, the Lord is sticking with me through it all.

For your Maker is your husband— the Lord Almighty is his name— the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; he is called the God of all the earth.

Isaiah 54:5

A man may come along prepared to make that commitment. In the meantime, I asked a dear friend, Sue, to craft a ring for me.

With this ring on my right hand I’m reminded that I’m not alone. With this ring I remember I am loved and chosen. With this ring I continue living fearlessly.