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Stories for Single Women
My Brother, My Friend
by Kortnay R. Woods (Kortnay's bio)
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“We are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony.”
Eyes shimmering I watched the joining of two wonderful people. Carolyn looked beautiful in her raw silk gown and Al stood proudly besides the woman he has prayed for since my sister introduced us over eight years ago.
“Signe, come meet one of my co-workers, Alan. He's going to be stationed in Maine for a year. I thought it would be nice for him to connect with another believer.”
Smiling, I extended my hand, “Nice to meet you Alan.”
“The pleasure is mine,” he said taking my hand and returning my smile.
Al and I spent many weekends hiking, attending church or bible study, or just hanging out to eat and talk. We discussed everything from Biblical interpretations and denominational differences to poverty, Star Trek, and the latest computer animation programs. We were kindred spirits and had a great friendship.
What troubled and amused me were his experiences with women. Ironically, most said the same thing, “he's a great guy, but just not my type”. Yet Al was the type of man many Christian single women say they are looking for. He lived his talk, taking to heart the Lord's teachings and admonitions. He was attractive, treated his mother well, and was stable. Al also had a deep respect for women portrayed by how he addressed them and treated them in public and private.
Al's year in Maine ended, his request to extend his stay denied. Several years later, I had lunch with him, my sister and a woman he was dating in Virginia. She needed a ride to Pennsylvania so over the meal we arranged that I would drive her to where she needed to go.
“Let me know what you think of her” he asked me privately.
“Oh Al, did you ask her to marry you,” I asked excitedly. He nodded and I smiled. “I'll let you know what I think,” I told him but to myself I thought, “It's about time”.
Later that evening, I telephoned him. “Al, praise God, Carolyn is perfect.” He was pleased with my assessment. That was the last time I spoke with him privately. Ten months later, I received an invitation to their wedding.
“For the first time I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Marintinan”.
Standing with the other members of the congregation I clap and watch as the newly married couple stop at each pew to greet their guests. Mourning the change in my friendship with a Godly man, tears fall as they come to my pew and hug me. I must decrease and encourage the oneness of this beautiful new God ordained relationship.
As they walk to the next pew I turn to gather my purse and shawl. Noticing the tears in the eyes of the person next to me I inquired, “Why are you crying?”
“My sister in Christ and friend just got married. I will miss our time together,” he answered.
With a feeble smile I extended my hand. “Hi, I'm Signe,” I said. “I too am letting go of my friend”.
Smiling through his tears, he shook my hand. The Lord introduced me to another Godly man.
“Be kindly affectionate toward one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12:10-13 NKJV
Copyright 2002, Kortnay R. Woods. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.
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About Kortnay Woods: Kortnay Woods is a single woman who accepted Christ as a child. She is a free-lance non-profit grant consultant and a social worker for a local hospital. She also works individually with children with mental disabilities, psychiatric disorders and learning disabilities on communication, reading comprehension, spelling and writing skills. Ms. Woods attends Calvary Chapel and is involved in several ministries. E-mail Kortnay |
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