I can’t say I’m totally shocked. But almost. In scanning through my Apple News stories a few weeks back, I stumbled across this article from Vogue (kindly pardon the obvious inference).

“‘I Wear It on My Middle Finger’: Inside the Booming Market for Divorce Rings.”

Say what? More on this crazy story coming up.

I often associate the month of June with weddings. Two of my sons got married in June. And I’m familiar with the classic phrase,

“Oh, they say when you marry in June, you’re a bride all your life.” 

We should know better.

But June gets a wedding identity for good reason. History tells us that June is named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. The ancient Romans believed that marrying during this month brought a couple “eternal blessings and fertility.”

Despite such folklore, June is NOT the most popular month for weddings in these United States. I read years ago that October is the #1 month to get married. Lovers like the ideas of what is often vibrant fall foliage, mild temperatures, and a fine time to cozy up.

How about divorce months? On what is termed as a “domestic ritual” calendar, a 2016 study from the University of Washington analyzed divorce filing data in the state from 2001 to 2015. They discovered that couples most often choose to break it off in March and August.

Perhaps these family breakups help explain more recent attitudes and trends among younger folk. Barna Research reported in April that:

“since 1950, the average age at first marriage has increased by about eight years, to roughly age 28 for women and 30 for men.”

While (81%) of the Gen Z brood value marriage, many of them are rethinking family. This same group is the “least likely of any generation to say marriage is important for raising children (67%).”

Okay, I understand marriage doesn’t work out for everybody. As for people who profess to be “Christians,” well, this is complicated. Data from organizations like Barna and the National Marriage Project “consistently highlight that true religious practice, rather than mere religious affiliation, is the protective factor in (stable) marriages.”

Divorce rates drop significantly for the actively faithful.

But…divorce rings?? At Annoushka Ducas’s London boutique, you can now find frequent gatherings of women “poring over diamonds and sipping Champagne.” They are not looking over engagement rings or presents. Instead these women are “toasting the signing of divorce papers, and the prospect of turning the stones and settings…of their wedding bands or engagement rings…into a poignant new piece of jewelry.”

Some women go all out. In January,

“Power stylist and newly inaugurated Real Housewife Rachel Zoe marked her split from her husband of over 20 years…with a jaw-dropping three-stone divorce ring designed by Ring Concierge.”

Wowzer!

You may be familiar with the song Single Ladies by Beyonce. Subtitled, “Put a Ring on It.” As we sadly have come to learn, a ring doth not a successful marriage make. So what does?

Two key factors. Devoted love. Unbridled commitment. Jesus of Nazareth demonstrated both in living color.

Devoted love prioritizes the needs and interests of the other person. It’s often the way relationships begin. Too often over time devoted love fades. Not so with Jesus. He’s the faithful lover of souls.

As for unbridled commitment, think of this spiritual phrase: “eternal security.” I know there are variant views on this topic. Consider these two verses:

“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8, NIV).

Your way of life should be free from the love of money, and you should be content with what you have. After all, He has said, I will never leave you or abandon you. (Hebrews 13:5, CEB)

Conditional love will kill almost any relationship. Especially marriage. 

God values lifelong commitment. As Jesus said,

“Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”  (Mark 10:9, CSB)

There are some marriages that are simply beyond repair. It should be rare. And definitely such breakups should NOT be celebrated with an unfamiliar ring.