The Claddagh Ring

an Irish tradition

Some 400 years ago, in the fishing village of Claddagh on the beautiful shores of Galway Bay, there lived a master Goldsmith names Richard Joyce who designed and crafted this world renowned symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. The Claddagh Ring, worn on the left hand with the crown pointing away from your heart, tells all you are spoken for. Whilst worn on the right hand in the same fashion suggests love is being considered. If your heart is not spoken for, the ring should be worn on the right hand with the crown turned to your heart. 

I have decorated my wrists with bracelets. 
I have strung cherished pendants from my neck. 
I have clipped bulky earrings to my ears. 

Still, I have never displayed a ring out of fear of catching unwelcome gazes. 

On numerous occasions, I have been asked how I could ever marry someone if I couldn't wear a ring. C'mon, folks. Let's be real. Is my ability to marry really determined by a sparkly piece of metal? 

Actually, yes. Recent self-discovery has revealed a cruel internalization of this harmless spectators' curiosity. I had set limitations on my ability to love and be loved because I could never imagine myself receiving such a symbol of love, an engagement ring. 

This realization became crystal clear to me as I stepped foot into an Irish jewelry shop. My friend, Emily, had been eagerly talking about finding a Claddagh ring in Ireland, and the girls and I were on a mission to find her one in Galway. Emily started talking with the woman at the counter, and I walked around the store in attempt to look at anything but rings. I suddenly caught a glimpse of my own reflection in the display case of the jewelry store. Disappointment aged my eyes. The glow of excitement no longer radiated from my cheeks. How could a ring cause me so much grief?

I marched myself back to the counter and rejoined the girls in gawking at the variety of Claddagh rings. Emily was deciding between two. I knew which one I would have chosen. She chose the one I liked best, and the lady rolled up the rings to complete the sale. As she was putting the rings away, I heard my voice crack, "Wait!"

I couldn't believe I was about to ask to try on rings. My stomach knotted. I wanted to sprint out the door, but my legs felt like pillars of sand. I looked at Emily with scared eyes, and she returned with an encouraging smile and reassuring nod. 

The lady was incredibly kind and patient as I tried on ring after ring. I think we were both surprised to find that my sizing is completely normal, size seven. I fiddled around with the ring on different fingers and finally worked up the nerve to buy it. Emily was probably more excited than I was, if you can believe it. She's such a wonderful cheerleader and a solid sister-in-Christ. I'm so thankful that we could share that moment of release together. Buying that ring was a small step toward love. 

Europe is teaching me how to love myself, love others, and love God in ways I never thought possible. I wear my new ring with hope. I will defy the limitations that have been placed on my hands, one insecurity at a time. I refuse to be confined by fear. I will walk tall, speak with confidence, and decorate my body as the temple it is. 

photo credit: Claira Hart

God is renewing my mind, my body, my soul.  I praise Him for my sisters-in-Christ who have stood beside me in love as I face own reflection: I am fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). I bear God's own image (Genesis 1:27). My beauty is not base on outward adornment (1 Peter 3:3-4). 

I know I cannot create my own beauty. Only God can give me eyes to see as He sees. He is drawing me into a long journey of learning to love myself. Step by step, He leads me. Blink by blink, he reveals to me His creation. I am made by a perfect and sovereign God. To look at myself in disgust is to insult the One who crafted me in the palm of His hand. No more. I choose to be free. Free from lies. Free from insecurity. Free from dread. I want to walk with confidence and delight in His creation, as the created. 

This song has haunted me since I first heard it. I know I connect with it differently than others, as most believe this song is about resolving a dispute with a lover. Still, I find a settling peace in listening to Bastille's call for authenticity.