It rained on Saturday, the day my daughter, Ellie married Andy. It rained from the skies and it rained from heaven. In every way, the day was a slice out of heaven. I can\u2019t imagine that more joy could be possible on this planet. As father of the bride, I offered a toast at the reception dinner. I offered my blessing. I offer it here below on behalf of all fathers of the bride who pray for the blessed best of their precious daughters.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s a father to do? <\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0The truth is, we Dads can feel like a third wheel. We won\u2019t admit that, accept in times like this, when vulnerability is finally allowed, but with our daughters, we\u2019re all thumbs. Sons, that\u2019s another matter. I feel admiration, irritation, and pride with and in them. I can say, \u201cLook me in the eye, son and don\u2019t give me that line. I know what you\u2019re thinking.\u201d With my daughters I\u2019ve never been able to catch up. it\u2019s been all wonder, confusion and amazement. <\/strong><\/p>\n From day one it\u2019s been like this\u2026 Ellie, I did get to run red lights driving at break neck speed for 30 miles to race you to the hospital. A dad can do that\u2026 that was cool. But once the real action started, I wasn\u2019t needed. I went to the Lamaze classes, read the stuff and practiced the coaching moves. That was a project\u00a0 and I thought, \u201cI can do this.\u201d Then in transition labor, when I was down next to your mother\u2019s face, encouraging her on\u2026 Let\u2019s just keep this clean\u2026 She didn\u2019t need me; she didn\u2019t want me. And you were born\u2026 <\/strong><\/p>\n And it\u2019s been a bit like that since. You come to dear old Dad for advice, for an anchor point to your identity \u2013 you carried my name until 2 hours ago – and perhaps for a picture of your future. But your secrets, your fears, your dreams shared in long hours of mutual dialog, that is your mother\u2019s privilege. The truth is, I didn\u2019t and couldn\u2019t really understand.<\/strong><\/p>\n What\u2019s a father to do? \u00a0Ellie, you are a well too deep for me. You bring a wonder that is over my head. When I saw first saw you this afternoon in this pure white gown, in things old, borrowed and new, I knew, \u201cYes, there is a God. A Hope this amazing, could never come from me\u2026\u201d So hre we are again, Belle, playing dress up, playacting and pretending the Big Story, the final wedding from the final page of history. <\/strong><\/p>\n Here\u2019s what a father can do\u2026 Ellie, walking with you down the aisle, saying the words, \u201cHer Mother and I,\u201d and then entrusting your hand with Andy, I have found my place. I haven\u2019t really known my role, until now. The bitter sweet side is that at the moment I find my role and what this has all been about, at that moment I let you go and you\u2019re gone. <\/strong><\/p>\n So what\u2019s a father of a daughter to do, now? <\/strong><\/p>\n Jesus has words for everything that matters. When in doubt, I turn to him. Jesus says, \u201cIf someone asks for your shirt, give your coat as well.\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n Someone has asked for my daughter. What do I say? I always wondered, and now it has happened. <\/strong><\/p>\n Andy, today you asked for my daughter\u2019s hand in marriage. I said my own, \u201cI dd.\u201d I gave her away, willingly, joyfully, and hopefully to you. Her mother and I do this because we\u2019ve grown to love and trust you. <\/strong><\/p>\n To Dennis and Janice, your parents thank you for such a young man. You have raised him well, as a man of honor, a man of excellence, man of many passions and one love, and a man of God. We prayed for him through the years, not knowing his name. But you have done the hard work. And for this day we offer our gratitude to you both. And to all our guests\u2026 please don\u2019t imagine that Jill and I could have offered such a splendid, inclusive celebration such as this on our own! <\/strong><\/p>\n Andy, I\u2019ve given Ellie because you have asked. But as Jesus commands, I give what\u2019s asked AND something more: I give my blessing. Ellie and Andy, I bless you and your new life. This, finally is my Father\u2019s right and gift. I bless you both. <\/strong><\/p>\n Andy and Ellie, the two of you will bring joy into the world. May your new home know peace \u2013 SHALOM \u2013 where everything is as it should be, as God intends. May your marriage become a lighthouse of HOPE\u2026 This is my prophetic declaration: Your name, Elisabeth, is ELISABTH HOPE. You will fulfill your destiny together with Andy. Together you will be a sign in a world that does not believe, that HOPE is real! Let this be so! <\/strong><\/p>\n Join me, all\u2026 I am father and THIS IS WHAT A FATHER CAN DO\u2026 Join me in blessing my Daughter and my new Son, Elisabeth and Andrew! <\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It rained on Saturday, the day my daughter, Ellie married Andy. It rained from the skies and it rained from heaven. In every way, the day was a slice out of heaven. I can\u2019t imagine that more joy could be possible on this planet. As father of the bride, I offered a toast at the…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[75,73,74],"class_list":["post-868","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-family","tag-fathers-toast","tag-father-of-the-bride","tag-wedding-toasts"],"yoast_head":"\n