Not for nothing, but sometimes, single people say stuff that makes married people shake their heads and say…”Yeah, that’s why they’re still single.” One such young lady got some attention from KevOnStage when he highlighted her Facebook post in one of his videos. She stated that unless a man can afford a $3,500 engagement ring, he’s not ready to get married. In fact, she went even further and called anything less disrespectful to women. Needless to say, married folks had a thing or two to say about that. But, in case anyone is still confused, here are 7 rings of a priceless marriage that money just can’t buy.
2020 Priceless Marriage: 7 Rings of Marriage that Money Just Can’t Buy
In this article:
- Faith Ring
- Commitment Ring
- Security Ring
- Intimacy Ring
- Partnership Ring
- Growth Ring
- Witness Ring
Now, while this young lady had all the wrong answers in her post, she did ask an important question. “What can we do for each other?” Before venturing into a relationship, we either consciously or subconsciously consider how being with the other person will benefit our lives. As 2020 rolls around, the one thing I hope we get right is that in a priceless marriage, that benefit has nothing to do with money.
Faith Ring
Marriage is a lifetime commitment. Yes…lifetime. So, since no one knows their future, marriage requires a faith ring. Now, the Biblical definition of faith is “being sure of what you hope for and certain of what you do not see.” There’s something exciting taking a leap into a lifetime with someone. It is a journey beyond your control to destinations unknown. But when you relinquish that control and say you are down for whatever with your partner, you begin a priceless journey that has nothing to do with cash. Together, you and your spouse are sure of only one thing, your life will be an adventure that you’re willing to leap into together.
Commitment Ring
So sure, you’ve taken a leap of faith. But on that journey, the road will get tough. Well, that’s where your commitment ring comes in. When times get hard and you grow weary, you’ve got to pull out your commitment ring. There’s no walking out, wimping out, holding out, wilding out, or stepping out on your relationship. What makes a commitment ring priceless is that it makes you man up, toughen up, and grow up into the kind of spouse your partner needs.
Security Ring
With commitment comes security…it’s really that simple. But, security is almost too technical a term for this element of marriage. Look, when you know you have a ride or die no matter what’s tossed at your relationship, that feeling is priceless. Having someone to rely on besides yourself makes the journey, and the papers that go along with it, worth it. A priceless marriage relies on a sense of stability and a partner who’s grown enough to let you have it in a way that money can’t buy.
Intimacy Ring
When you’re secure in your relationship, it makes it easy to seek and offer intimacy to and from your partner. No one gets you like they do and vice versa. You laugh at each other’s jokes. You share in each other’s sorrow. You rejoice in each other’s victories. You look at and touch each other in ways only you can. Simply put, you strive each day to know and appreciate each other inside out. You can’t buy companionship like that, but in a priceless marriage, you can find it.
Partnership Ring
Now, in her post, the young lady wrote that “marriage is a business, whether y’all like it or not.” Okay…on some level, I’ll give her that. I mean, a “Partnership” is a type of business entity right? As such, in a priceless marriage, your partnership has a common interest…building a life that only you two can build together. And, you like it. You plan, prepare, and carry out shared goals and values that no one else gets to engage in but you and your spouse. What’s not to like?
Growth Ring
Honestly, this ring right here is by far one of my favorites. Heading into 19 years of marriage, I’m not the same woman I was when I first said: “I do.” I have grown. I have evolved. I have matured. My ride or die, my companion, my partner, he called me higher as a human being. My character has been given the priceless gift of change as I’ve learned a few things:
- be selfless rather than selfish
- uplift rather than tear down
- share my concerns rather than complain about his faults
- serve without expecting anything in return
- bite my tongue until the blood runs down my throat
- pay attention to the little things
I could go on. But, my priceless marriage exists as a direct result of growth…mine and his.
Witness Ring
Perhaps the most understated yet valuable ring of all is the witness ring. Just today I’ve seen Facebook notifications of people who’ve been married 29 and 39 years. In their pictures, their partners are by their side, holding them, hugging them, smiling brightly. I wonder what those smiles have witnessed. In my own marriage, we’ve had our share of ups, downs, good and bad. But, even more importantly, we’ve had a front-row seat to the journey of a life not our own. The witness ring is an up-close and personal take on your life and your spouse gets that in spades.
A priceless marriage can’t be bought for five dollars much less $3,500. It’s an intangible that requires a faithful character willing to offer commitment, security, companionship, and partnership. It brings with it unending growth. And when it’s all said and done, it bears witness to a faith and a life fulfilled.
BMWK, are your rings of marriage priceless?
Up Next: Young Marriage: 3 Mistakes to Watch Out for When Marrying Young