Two rings

I was talking to a celibate friend recently, and I commented that I liked the woven silver ring she wore. She told me how she has had several silver rings since she has been celibate as she keeps losing them... one fell onto the railway line as she waved someone goodbye at the station, one ended up in someone's dinner... and so on. She says she will probably keep hold of this one as it is a good fit :-)
Another friend wears three rings. I asked her why this was and she explained that one was an "engagement ring" which she started to wear when she first came around the church because she was impressed by celibacy but did not feel brave enough to go for it (yet). Then there was the one she wears for taking her vow, and the third was a "gift from God" to her. I wish I could remember the story behind the third one, but apart from thinking it was lovely at the time she told me I can't remember.

When I spoke to the first sister I came away feeling that maybe I was a little too superstitious because as a new celibate I got very upset when I damaged my first ring.
When I spoke to the second sister I was re-assured because I now wear two rings, and the second ring has significance to me.
Maybe the balance is something between the two.... Having a ring does not make us more or less celibate, (or more or less married come to think of it). However having something physical to remind us of our commitment and promises is very helpful. (That's why we have sacraments in the church, but that's another topic)

So this is the story behind my second ring....

In 2011 I had been celibate for 14 years, which was quite an achievement.
At the end of 2010 I had written a letter to some married friends I trust very much laying out all of the sins and turmoils in my life in the area of sex and relationships. It was very hard to be so honest, but a very precious time also as they prayed for me about those things. So, following on from that, at new year 2012 I felt God calling me to a time of consecration for 40 days from then until my birthday.
Those 40 days were not all filled with amazing spiritual revelations and closeness to God, but I did feel Him speaking to me on a couple of occasions during that time.
In particular he showed me a ring with some words engraved on it "strong, pure, clean, confident"

At the end of those 40 days I felt I should buy a new ring to confirm all God had been saying and doing. (I bought it from Amazon with my birthday money).
At first I swapped the rings over and wore just the new one 'cos someone said you should not wear mixed metals. Then I realised that I was not "making a new start" by wearing a new ring. The old ring represented the past struggles, which although they were now healed are still a part of my character/history. God has proved himself faithful through those times even if I was not faithful and I do not want to discard the old ring.
The new ring represented a confirmation of my vow, and a new strength, and all the words God showed me which I do not want to forget.