I love the music of Peter Gabriel and was so happy to celebrate with millions of others his induction into the Rock and roll Hall of Fame. His song “In Your Eyes” has this wonderful chorus:
In your eyes
the light the heat
In your eyes
I am complete
In your eyes
I see the doorway to a thousand churches
In your eyes
the resolution of all the fruitless searches
In your eyes
I see the light and the heat
In your eyes
Oh, I want to be that complete
I want to touch the light
the heat I see in your eyes
I have always thought of this as a prayer to Jesus. At least that’s what I am thinking when I’m listening to the song. It also reminds me of an old story I heard years ago about a primitive culture where brides were purchased from their parents using cattle as an exchange medium. An average looking woman might merit the bride-price of two cows, an exceptionally beautiful woman might bring three; while a less desirable woman’s family would receive one.
One time, the story goes, a rich and attractive gentleman came looking for a wife. All the families paraded their eligible daughters before him. Everyone was stunned when he announced his intention to negotiate with the family of a young woman who was both unattractive and undesirable.
“Perhaps it’s a bargain he’s after,” the townspeople thought. They wondered if he would offer chickens instead of cows. To everyone’s amazement, the gentleman offered the girl’s family six cows for their daughter and quickly whisked her away for a long honeymoon.
When they returned months later, no one recognized the new bride. Gone were the slumping shoulders and dull eyes. It was as if she were a new person altogether, radiating beauty and confidence.
No, her husband had not bought her beauty treatments or paid for plastic surgery. He had begun their relationship by showing her in a tangible way that he considered her very valuable and important. And, she had begun to act the part, to see herself as he saw her. Throughout the remainder of her life she was viewed with awe by all her relatives and friends–a six-cow woman.
Through whose eyes do you see yourself? Many years ago, as a young man of twenty, I began to see myself through the eyes of the one who loved me and gave himself for me. It has made all the difference in the world. The price he paid for me changed the way I view myself. It should change the way you view yourself as well. The truth is, in Christ, we are all six-cow brides.
Dear Richard, so glad I was skimming through FB this morning and saw the post of this blog you have. I knew as I clicked on the “Read More….” link that it would be worth my time to read. This should be so very inspiring to so many young women. I look forward to reading all your blogs. I want to share this on FB. Thank you for sharing your insight and wisdom.
A “six cow bride”, such a great thought. I think of the many teenagers I’ve worked with over the years. If they could see themselves as “six cow brides”, it would greatly reduce the alcohol, drug and other kinds of abuse so many of them get caught up in. Keep up the good work.