Every young girl dreams of one day doing and wearing everything they see adult women doing and wearing in front of them. The other day I came around the corner and found Emerald happily fingering my stash of bracelets and broaches. She knew just what to do with each item, having watched the rest of us.
When Emerald gets a bit older, her biggest fashion fantasy will be to one day choose a wedding gown and be a bride. It’s the grandest of mysteries to a young girl, tantamount to becoming a princess. The more elaborate the gown, the greater the aspiration.
At every wedding celebration the bride will eventually end up encircled by young girls wanting to touch her dress, peek through her veil, and receive her blessing. They aren’t that interested in the groom, simply because his outfit can’t possibly compare.
Of course as time passes, a little girl grows up and becomes intensely interested in one specific groom, someone she can walk down the aisle to meet while wearing her fairy-tale finery adorned with pearls, or sparkles, or lace.
Today Mary and her daughter Stina had the delight of turning away from cancer concerns and moving into the magical world of shopping for a wedding gown. Stina has something very specific in mind, and she didn’t find it today, but continuing the hunt is half the fun. (See sample try-on at right.) The shopping trip held special meaning for Mary, who fully intends to be present on that important day some months down the road. Several weeks ago, she wasn’t so sure, but today, hope is alive and strong.
Scripture uses a bridal metaphor repeatedly:
- the church as a bride readying herself for her groom, Jesus Christ;
- the covering of salvation paralleling beautiful bridal clothes;
- God rejoicing over us as a bridegroom does over his bride;
- the New Heaven prepared for us as a bride prepares to meet her groom;
- a bride receiving her groom’s perfect love, mirroring how Christ loves us;
- the feasting at a bridal banquet in the New Heaven.
Earthly marriage is meant to be a mini-version of the relationship Jesus wants to have with believers, a microcosm of successful unconditional love. Every bride and groom hope for that kind of bond, and Stina and Evan are no exception. Because God is the Originator of marriage and is himself love personified, their best bet will be to use him as their marriage consultant all the way along. If they do, he’ll see to it that their hope for a happy union will not be disappointed.
Meanwhile, Stina and the women closest to her will continue on a happy hunt for the perfect wedding gown.
“I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like…. a bride with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61:10)
Praising and Praying with Mary
- Praise for God providing periods of rest and joy between times of stress and physical challenge
- Praise for 3 good Chicago hospital choices
- Pray for continued discernment on choosing which one
- Praise for today… another good day!
So glad that you hd a good day. Makes me feel real joy for you. Next Tuesday is sharing day at CBS, so the study is almost over and we still miss you as a part of the program. Maggi has number 3 round, but that was expected since she has that wonderful gene that tells us more will come. I know that chemo is rough but worth it. Hang tight to the Rock and you will get through it just as many of those who have gone before you. Love you Mary, and am looking forward to spending time with you this summer at the BB.
Stina will be a gorgeous bride. I’m so excited for them! 🙂
The thought came to me that you, Mary, have a “cloud of witnesses” praying for your well being. I am honored to be part of that cloud. God bless you dear Mary. So glad for you to be shopping with Stina for that perfect dress. Love, Donna
Thanking God for happy times!