True as God's Stars

"A loving woman finds heaven or hell on the day she is made a bride."

It's a day before February, and we all know what that means. What? Flowers, chocolates, teddy bears and all things red, fluffy, and scented. Everyone's looking for a partner, and this month would be another month for SMPs (this time, Samahan ng Malalamig ang Pebrero). Love is all around, and yesterday's Sunday service gave it a start. The preaching was from Ephesians 5:22-33, something about Wives and Husbands.

I found myself laughing along with the elders as they relate to what the pastor says about husband-wife relationships. A lot were proud that they managed to keep their relationships strong for their children, and some were also laughing, maybe together with the regrets of what they could have done.

One thing I am thankful for, though, is that my mom had always set a good example of a wife for me to follow someday (that I really, seriously, prayerfully, hope I can follow).

This morning God led me to a post in Joshua Harris' Website (if the guy's name sounds familiar to you, he is the author of the books "I kissed dating goodbye" and "Boy meets Girl", among others). This made me smile and made me rethink of my worth as a woman (it feels weird to actually call myself a "woman", really) and as a person. To the ladies out there, here's what you should ask. To the men, prepare your answers... and they ought to be all "yes". ;)

A Woman's Question

 Mary "Lena" Lathrop

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing

Ever made by the hand above--
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.

 

Now that's exactly what a woman is worth! And that's exactly what love is about-- giving all things that are grand and true, and being all that your partner demands of you.

So, are you willing to do all these things for the one you love?