When was the last time you got lost in the ultimate love story in the Bible? I was reading Songs of Solomon one night and enjoying the love that the man and woman were pouring out on each other. But if I were to be completely honest with myself, I could not relate to many of the descriptions. In chapter 5:10-16, the woman describes Solomon’s physical features.
“My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.” Songs of Solomon 5:10-16 (KJV)
She compares his cheeks to “a bed of spices” and states “his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.” I didn’t realize that someone can look like a country. It would be pretty strange for me to say to my husband, “Roy, your appearance is like Jamaica.”
So, I decided to get creative and connect what I was reading to my own love story. I would not consider myself a natural poet, but this is love. It makes you do things you never thought you could, especially when they are outside your comfort zone. It was such a pleasant, funny, and unfamiliar experience and I absolutely loved it.
These are some of the words I penned:
My husband’s skin is like
A sweet milk chocolate mixed with caramel.
I delight in every bite of his handsomeness.
His hair is black and wavy,
Like the gentle rolling waters as they crash on the shores of Frenchman’s Cove…
His mouth is like an advanced Google search engine,
Dripping with knowledge.
He speaks from a discerning heart.
"...he is desirable in every way. Such, O women of Jerusalem, is my lover, my friend."
Song of Songs 5:16 NLT
I wrote this poem in a card for Roy, and I recited the different lines to him. From time to time, I would read the full poem again and he would catch me looking at him lovingly. It has a way of pulling him away from whatever he is doing, and we share a light moment of laughter together.
It is exciting that the Bible endorses this kind of lavish love and attention. While it spends considerable time speaking to the hidden, inner person—compassion, love, courage, humility, and faith—it does not ignore the flame of love and romance between a man and a woman. So dive in, get creative, and enjoy your love story to the glory of God.
P.S. I absolutely love the beach and my favorite beach is Frenchman’s Cove in Portland, Jamaica. If you ever go to Jamaica, you must visit this beach.
By Kerry-Ann McPherson
Managing Editor & Contributors
About Kerry-Ann
Kerry-Ann McPherson is a Christian leader and administrator with a passion for growth. She enjoys spending time with close family and friends, whether it involves playing games, eating food or enjoying a good belly full of laughter.
She serves as the Project Manager for Victorious By Design, and regularly contributes personal development content for the blog. She is also the Managing Editor for Victorious By Design Magazine, where she works closely with the Editor-in-Chief and magazine team to produce high quality content for subscribers.
Beautiful. I enjoy reading this.