Father-of-the-Bride in 48 Hours

Categories: Family
by Patrick Ferry | Jul 22, 2010 | Tags: , , | View Comments

I am not the first father to give his daughter’s hand in marriage.  I am not even the first to preach the sermon at his daughter’s wedding.  But, this is the first time for me.  Will I make it through the message?

More than a few people have told me that it is not easy.  The emotion flares suddenly and all at once tears fill the eyes and a lump clogs the throat.  I even got a little weepy as I wrote the sermon a few days ago.

I have a few things going for me to make my job easier.  First, Hannah is marrying an awesome young man, Zach Meineke.  They met their freshman year at Concordia Nebraska (I tell you, that freshman year can be a transformational one in lots of ways — read the book!)  They are great for each other and happy together.

Second, and more important, I am preaching about Jesus.  I am preaching for the two of them but not about the two of them.  The focus, as in all of Christian worship, is on Christ.

That may not prevent my mind from wandering back and forth a little bit.  I’ll think back on when Hannah was a precious little girl, and I’ll stand in amazement at what a wonderful young woman she is now.  God has blessed our family with the gift of an incredible kid — Hannah Ruth Ferry, soon-to-be-Meineke.

Already a few tears are moistening at the corners of my eyes.  Will I make it through?  Let’s take a poll — who thinks I’ll get through the sermon without crying like a baby, and who thinks I’ll fall apart?  Also, I am open to advice from folks who have been there before.  Any suggestions for a first-time father-of-the-bride?

  • james

    i vote fall apart.

  • http://www.crowderphotos.com Sarah Crowder

    That is awesome! Congrats and I'm sure that either way- it will be an excellent ceremony :)

  • Pam Hahn

    Have a lovely day with all your family, Pat. I remember that cute little baby Hannah. Wow, she grew up quickly. I think Zach's dad must be one of the Meineke boys from DLHS – Dan or Dave.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Harry-Juech/1467451620 Harry Juech

    as little I know about your personal life. I am well aware of your servant heart and your fantastic ability in the Pulpit. You will not preach you will tell yje world the Word. You will pause to reflect and shake love that will buble up in your throat, but you will do well. God Bless you and the Families.

  • Patrick Ferry

    For anybody keeping score, I din't make it through the message without a few tears. My task was made more difficult by the fact that so many in my family were weeping along the way. Hannah was teary before the professional! Others–wife, father, daughter, brother, and even random people in the pews also fought to hold back emotion as the lump in my throat continued to grow. All that said, it was wonderful, and a day that I won't soon forget. Loved and loving, forgiven and forgiving–God's love for us in Christ makes our joy complete!

  • Patrick Ferry

    Thanks, Harry. You are kind. I always especially enjoy preaching at Mt. Calvary surrounded by friends and loved ones!

  • Patrick Ferry

    Zach's dad is Dave Meineke. At St. John's College they called him “Wild Man” Dave Meineke. Zach said, when confronted about this, “I am much more like my Mom!” Hannah has grown up much to quickly. We invited your Dad and Theresa to brunch after her baptism–a celebration of new life and love!

  • Patrick Ferry

    Seems like just yesterday we were with you and Jason at your beautiful wedding. How long has it been?

  • Patrick Ferry

    Not quite, but almost!

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