valerie.

she enters quietly, 
placing her things on the 
white table,
colored pencils and bowls of candy 
already camped in the center
where we all can 
easily gain access.
her hair is perfectly combed,
soft and silky,
against her peach skin,
she does not look around
or take in account 
who is around
but keeps her eyes 
downward
to the task at hand.
i forgot her name, but remember 
seeing her around
always slipping in and out,
never causing a scene
or making a noise 
to be noticed.
finally, she sits a seat away 
from me
the sounds of celebration in full swing,
we trade smiles 
and i dive in,
wanting to know
the woman,
behind the eyes of seasons passed 
and the wisdom that 
clearly halos her.
i find out she's writing a book,
she has a small stack 
of degrees,
she hails from the windy city.
she even commutes 
quite often
because [gasp-i love this tidbit]
she has a steady boyfriend.
they are both widows,
he is strong, handsome, and gentle
she tells me,
all of his hair still 
clings proudly
to his head,
and she loves that.
there isn't any sign of beer belly
or warts protruding from his face.
[it really is quite common once you reach a certain age.]
she fascinates me,
i scoot in closer to listen
her voice is soft, 
yet clear and articulate.
she really is quite transparent and warm,
i delight in all the morsels 
she is willing to share.
the exchange moves in and out
like a sweet rhythm to a ballad
she shares about her kids,
her teaching jobs,
her travels.
we move back to my favorite-[the boy]
and i prod a little deeper 
and ask her gently,
respectfully,
tell me about your purity.
how is that?
[in this day and age, 
it is easy for it to slip. 
not hold much weight,
and should it, 
after years of marriage, 
and then widowhood, 
and well, 
we're all grownups here, right?]
wrong.
valerie's eyes shine vibrant with 
strength and conviction,
she looks me in the eye 
and tells me, 
yes. 
yes, we are protecting our purity at all costs,
i tell my boyfriend, 
i love you, 
but I love God more.
i am just blown away,
my heart could just burst 
with pride and respect
and unending honor for this woman,
whom i've only just begun 
to get to know.
she shows me that there are 
grown women out there, 
not only of delicate, 
unfolding beauty and grace,
as the earth takes many treks around the sun, 
but that there are godly women 
of integrity and purity,
even in this season in their life-
the standards the Father has placed in their hearts,
don't just slip from the grasp,
and guards are allowed to be let down,
and it isn't that big of a deal if we sleep together
if we aren't in covenant...
no. no. no.
Valerie, you have inspired me 
with your walking example 
of Christ, 
how radiant and beautifully you shine,
you truly are worth 
far more than rubies.
thank you for sharing so transparently,
living a life
in the Light,
and living a life 
worthy of the Gospel.
you are teaching me that no matter what age,
we are worth 
waiting 
for.
all my respect and adoration 
to you,
dear woman. 
of. 
God.