The Tune of the Wedding Bells by Reverend Alena Vaughn
“I am weary, God, but I can prevail.” (Proverbs 30:1)
Today the wedding bells ring. They echo through the streets proclaiming new beginnings and they chime the sound of love growing for a lifetime. Today, gathered with friends, family, and the saints among us, Cole and I will commit to love—faithful, stable, and constant. We will stand before our community and revel in their blessing of affirmation and celebration. And, we will hear the wedding bells sing out their joy; but, this day also holds tears.
Just over a year ago I lost my dad. And 11 years ago, Cole lost his. This year of engagement has been marred by tears. Grief has been a constant partner to our joy. We have basked in the delights of engagement, and we have anticipated the layers of sadness today might hold. Yet, we press on.
Today, as I put on my wedding dress, and as Cole dons his suit, we embody the paradigm of a “weary world rejoicing.” We remember the pain, the sadness, and the grief— we feel the hollowness of loneliness, and yet, with each step down the aisle we are finding the strength to rejoice. We are remembering the love that fills us, the love that surrounds us, and the love that causes us to press on.
Today, the wedding bells ring and their tune tells the story of love, deep enough to cause pain and strong enough to bring joy.