“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” Lao Tzu
I attended a wedding in Hawaii this week. It was as beautiful as you can imagine. Set on the beach with waves crashing behind and a clear, blue sky above, a ring of flowers represented the altar.
The couple, dressed in white, has been together 15 years, deciding now is the time to make it official. Having been married and divorced, I’ve often wondered why some folks insist on getting married. Why not just live together?
But seeing these two exchange rings and say their vows, promising to love and grow as one, pledging that they’ll never be alone, tears of joy making their eyes shiny, made me see why. They’ve been through a lot together: losing family support, opening and closing businesses, encountering uncalled for hatred and bias. Their wedding was a victory, a testament to their commitment.
It’s clear to me that there were more than 25 people on the beach that day. God and all that is good was there too, enveloping us with love and blessings.
Weddings always make me cry, and this one was no different. Yes, the newlyweds are two men, and yes, their commitment can finally be formally recognized, but the significance of this day is as beautiful as any wedding that has ever taken place. Love truly does conquer all.