Pest Control

To know me, I'm sure you have noticed what I refer to as "pest control" located on the ring finger of my left hand. I started wearing fake engagement rings toward the end of high school, or soon after. Tired of being approached only by men older than my father, I failed to see the compliment from guys my age that I just was not the recreational type of girl.  After lying to one persistent, nasty, old man telling him that my "man" had bought me the Cadillac Catera I was driving (it was my father's car, I just happened to drive it often to keep the miles low), I upped my game to include a wedding band with the fake engagement ring.

 

So for over fifteen years, I've more often than not had a ring or ring set I've worn on that hand and finger. Only once did I come close to having it replaced with a real set - but that relationship ended prior to engagement. (I really liked that ring too, having picked it out myself and all. LOL). In more recent years, I'll confess my reasons for wearing has changed: (1) It's a comfort thing... I am just used to having a ring there; and (2) to make the real one less noticeable.

Now, allow me to explain the second one a little further. Growing up as a member of the first family in a church, and now as a minister of the Gospel, my life has never really known anything other than the spotlight. I was not afforded the privacy most are accustomed to growing up in a Glass house (pun intended, cute right?). I am a transparent person but have learned to keep cards closer to my chest - as not every person's interest is rooted in a good place. So I convinced myself that if I wear a fake ring, when it's replaced with a real one I'll be able to sneak around without church members noticing, or inquiring about details. WHO am I kidding? No one other than myself! When the man God designed me to walk this journey of life with asks for my hand in marriage, with the blessing of my father, I highly doubt I'll be calm enough to keep it a secret! And, more importantly, why would I want to?

I've gotten several times from people that my pest control may scare away the "right" guy... and to that I almost always responded, "the right one will know." Yesterday, I got three separate inquiries about my ring set. I'll confess... my previous set was my favorite of all the ones I've had over the years. And a couple of months ago... I lost it! I've never lost any of them. Devastated is an understatement.  Hard-headed, I put on another set... even finding it was a challenge. One would think I would have taken the hints.

Yes, I'm a little slow sometimes; but I'm up to speed now. I'm RETIRING the pest control. Lawd, help me! (Sorry, PNS - there goes the June wedding rumors!)  

My finger feels so naked! But, I recognize and appreciate the symbolism of needing to be available and naked (not literally) in order to be in position for Him to find me. For me, it was pest control. What do you hide behind? What "mask" do you wear? What do you need to finally let go of in order to move forward? Do it now. Let it go. Trust God! I am confident enough to promise you it'll be worth it!

 

...In His Majesty's Name.