Rising Above the Marriage Standard.

Recently, I have found myself fascinated with weddings. Perhaps it is because a childhood friend shall become a bride in a matter of days, or perhaps it is because I am nearing the age when every woman gets that "marriage itch." Whatever the case may be, I love watching wedding videos.

Yesterday, I was watching the wedding video of a bride that I knew from childhood. It was an absolutely beautiful ceremony, and it was evident that the young couple loved Jesus first and foremost. It was so beautiful that it made me start to think about the flawed way society tries to taint the idea of a "marriage" or "relationship." The raw display of love between this man and this woman, that's what young women should be striving for. Instead, we are taught to seek "Prince Charming" or "Superman." The main qualities these two icons possess is that they're, well, Charming and Super. A marriage cannot stand on these two superficial qualities. In the same way, women are constantly bombarded through various media outlets with the message that one of the most important qualities to seek in a man lies with his sexual performance in the bedroom.

Now, I'm not saying that little girls shouldn't be read bedtime fairy tales or allowed to watch the latest superhero flick. I'm not saying that women and men shouldn't be sexually attracted to one another. I'm merely suggesting that women be taught to strive for depth in their relationships, and encouraged to seek individuals with superior character. 

As women, we should be seeking dynamic relationships that allow us to become the individuals we were created to become. Most importantly, as Christ followers, we should be seeking relationships that reflect His love for the church, and meet His standards. We should pursue relationships with a man that displays qualities such as a hard working nature, passion, kindness, an encouraging spirit, motivated...the list goes on and on. 

I struggle with this truth every single day. It's hard to seek depth in relationships at such a young, wild time in one's life. But my challenge towards myself, and every other college aged woman I know, is to strive for MORE. We don't have to settle for superficiality, despite the lies that society thrusts upon us. We can, and should, hold out for the best. (Not perfection, for no one is without fault. Just someone with significance.) For how are we ever going to rise above the devastating divorce epidemic if we don't strive to marry men who possess the qualities necessary to uphold a long lasting, Godly relationship? 

As women, we don't have to settle for less than we deserve. God has a carefully selected, incredible individual picked out for each of us, but we have to be willing to seek meaningful relationships in order to find him.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

"Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance."