THE WEDDING

August, 2014

As I continue to process the awe-inspiring commitment celebration of my beautiful daughter, Sarah, and her now wife, Ali—I have concluded the surreal experience was akin to living inside a rainbow for 3 days. There were people of many colors, ages, abilities, faiths, languages, life orientations, values, socioeconomic levels, and geographical areas. As people came to know each other, lines disappeared, blending one person into another, becoming a loving, cohesive community. And it was an experience I have seldom found in our world.

Sarah and Ali are so gifted at honoring people for who they are—not what society says they should be. I found myself feeling in awe of these two beings who live in the heart of grace and pray I can steal a bit of their approach for my own life.

Michael described it not as “a taste of God’s Kingdom,” but as “a gulp of God’s Kingdom.” Lord, Help us to erase the lines society has drawn between us and others, blending together into a loving, cohesive community.

Beautiful for what it was not…

It was beautiful not only because of what it was, but mostly because of what it was not.

It was not traditional songs highlighting modern society and its view of love, it was drums played by children, trombones played by youth, and songs sung by students.

It was not dress lifting up formality, proclaiming one’s success in the world, it was simple distinction of who was being celebrated and comfort for everyone else.

It was not competition to see who could dance the longest, drink the most, or look the most breathtaking; it was simplicity, sincerity, and complexity at its best.

It was not a ceremony repeating promises that have been easily broken through the ages; it was expressions of promises challenging to keep spoken with determination to do so.

It was not filled with justifications for who anyone had become; but filled with acceptance of who everyone was.

It was not your typical marriage ceremony where the minister’s presence was highlighted; it was a celebration highlighting community, inclusivity, and the presence of God.

It was beautiful not only because of what it was, but mostly because of what it was not.