Today I had the privilege of attending the most remarkable wedding. My best friend “gave away” his oldest daughter in a ceremony that involved a sword, a first for me on both counts. The sword that was passed from father-of-the-bride to groom was inscribed: “The bearer of this sword protects and defends (my daughter) and is willing to lay down his life for her. This sword and this charge was passed with blessing from (her father) to the knight of God’s choosing (her husband) on the 22nd of June 2013.”
As unique as a sword in the ceremony was, the most remarkable things took place in the months, years really, leading up to today. I watched my friend invest significantly in a relationship with his son-in-law to be. He really got to know him, spent time with him apart from his daughter, they spent time away together. He genuinely mentored this young man in preparation for today. These two men, who would become father and son, developed a level of trust that allowed my friend to confidently say today:
“More than 20 years ago, our Lord, the King, entrusted Laura and I with the care and protection of His daughter, Emma. Today I will turn that responsibility over to the knight of the King’s own choosing, Jonathan. He is a man of noble and Christ-like character, a man after God’s own heart, and truly is God’s best for Emma. So as I pass this responsibility over to Jonathan today, I do so without reservation, and with all of the encouragement and blessing within me.”
It is clear that no one was “given away” – a gift from God was passed from one man to another.
The bar for fathers of daughters was set today.
It was set very high.
Well done my friend.
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