By: Litsa Masuku

Walking down the aisle is a desire that most young women grow up with- a desire that remains in the heart until it transforms into a dream.  Sometimes this dream does not come true because people have different destinies and others never really find the perfect partner.

In the Christian faith, the Holy Bible explains, saying that, “many are the plans of a man but the will of God shall prevail,” meaning if it was not written in the stars for you, it may possibly not happen.

Marriage is a lifetime institution and commitment. However, many young wives fail to understand that the diamond ring is not all that defines a marriage and some who have explored that avenue have said it is similar to being in a battlefield. One has to be prepared mind, body and soul.

Laura Shortridge, an American columnist, mother and wife who was born and raised in California, shared her profound story on Women24 (06th-August-2014).  Based on a personal journey, Shortridge tells society to stop glorifying marriage because marriage is not everything.

“My issue is with the glorification of marriage, or, more specifically the way girls and young women are taught that all we ultimately want and need to succeed in life is to get married.  When I was 17 I fell pregnant and my parents pressured me to get married,” says Laura.

In African cultures, when two people meet in front of a congregation and exchange vows in the presence of the community, it is no longer entirely about them but it is about those who were there to chant and ulululate in celebration of that, ‘wonderful moment’.

“Making that commitment can make people think that you owe that commitment to them, not just your spouse.  Even if you made that commitment when you were too young to know better or whether when you have committed to the wrong person”, Laura added.

Laura’s dream is for society to stop preaching the gospel of marriage to young women.  Instead, young women ought to be encouraged to find their inner being.