I have a confession. I have a crush on Robin Hood – the cartoon one. Most girls forget Robin when they ask each other which fairy tale prince they like best. But nope, I won’t forget my little Robby.
In all seriousness, I hope that someday I will meet my Robin Hood, and I will be his Maid Marian. But in order for this to happen, I need to pray the Lord will instill in me qualities worthy of such a chivalrous hunk. I have had to ask myself: what exactly are these qualities?
I’m about to say something I never thought I would: Let’s look to the movies.
Curled up on the couch, snuggled tightly in a cozy blanket, I see quite the little lady when Maid Marian comes on screen. She is a woman of class, which www.dictionary.com defines as “elegance, grace, or dignity, as in dress and behavior.” In addition, she is a woman of modesty and poise.
I bet you didn’t know this Disney movie integrates biblical truth! Yep, it’s true. Proverbs 11:16 explains that “a kindhearted woman gains respect.” Maid Marian is definitely respected by all the townspeople. They adore her and even throw her and Robin an engagement party. 1 Peter 3:4 describes beauty as “a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” When I look at Maid Marian I see this, and Robin Hood certainly does too! Speaking of Robin, let’s take a little gander at his qualities.
What is it about this lowly Disney character that I find so wonderful? Pondering this a bit, I conclude he is a man of integrity, generosity, bravery, and sincerity. He also highly respects the one he loves and is authentic. Romans 12:9 says to “let love be genuine.” In verse sixteen, the passage encourages us to “be willing to associate with people of low position.” Yet again, this classic film integrates biblical truth as Robin has great care and concern for the poor. He places them above himself as he risks his life for them on numerous accounts. What a guy!
This is why Robin Hood is my favorite Disney movie. It is a picture of pure, devoted love. It is the ultimate romance! At one point Maid Marian is asked “Did he ever kiss you?”
This fabulous feline’s response is “No, but he carved our initials on a tree.” Although Robin adored her, he found creative ways to steal her heart without stealing her lips.
P.B. Wilson explains in her book Your Knight in Shining Armor that “you need to be complete before marriage, so you can become whole in the marriage.” Therefore, I encourage you to continue to allow the Lord to shape you, mold you, and refine you into the kind of man or woman worthy of this type of romance. The process is most likely going to hurt, and waiting may be tough. But heed the wise advice Klucky gives Maid Marian shortly after playing badminton: “Patience my dear, patience.”
Marianne took these words to heart, and reaped the benefits later when Robin expresses his feelings to her after he was almost executed at the archery tournament. He holds her tight in his arms and declares “Marianne my darling, I love you more than life itself.” Oodalalee!
Now tell me that’s not worth waiting for!
Admissions counselor Sarah Ernst wisely points out, “Something that is also very important to remember is that we should continue becoming people of character even after marriage and continue pursuing our spouse. Once we meet the person we want to marry it takes both people in the relationship to keep it going and make it good.”
I want to encourage you guys and gals to not settle for less! Hold out! Have high standards! But don’t expect this kind of relationship if you aren’t willing to become this kind of woman or man.
Guys, I challenge you to become a man of immense quality like Robin Hood. Fellas, I promise there is no faster way to sweep a fair maiden off her feet!
I encourage all ladies to join me in this challenge to become a woman of great value like Maid Marian. Gals, how wonderful would it be to be pursued by such a foxy man? Oodalalee!
Let us pray that God will mold us into these kinds of people, and then allow the Lord to instill in us these characteristics which are pleasing to Him. If we do this, I have no doubt the Lord will bless each and every one of us with a Robin Hood romance!