I waited to read this when I could savor it with a cup of coffee and the sound of birdsong all around me, sunlight filtering through the trees, reminding me of you — my beautiful friend who I associate with peace, reality, nature, and God’s glory on display. I am so overjoyed for your brother and his new bride to have this moment — this foundation for all that is to come — laid with your help and your unique voice and blessing. To have your eyes looking into theirs, conveying wisdom, innocence, and the divine feminine love that reflects the heart of God for them. Aimee, I don’t know that you don’t have some pastor in ya, sister! Lord knows you have helped shepherd many hearts and continue to do so. For anyone disappointed in you or in this beauty, I am truly sorry for them. In their zeal to appease the God of their understanding, they are missing the humble, joyful invitation to the feast where we all belong. I love you!
I think it's lovely. Most churchgoers believe in a one-size-fits-all faith, I've found, although they'd likely deny it. I learned through some of my darkest days that God truly leads His dear children along, but not on the same old path. (He leads us in PATHS of righteousness for His name's sake.) I have learned to be much more accepting of those taking a different path from me. I might not do that thing they're doing, but I rejoice in the fact that they are doing that thing. To your own master you stand or fall. We answer to HIM, not to the judgy ones.
Thanks for sharing this part of your story, and I hope your more traditionally minded followers don't let it bother them!
You did the right thing for the right reason. I am wondering who will officiate my funeral, I would also need to find an Aimee, for authenticity and transparent truth
I love the thoughtfulness and faithfulness you give to every decision. What a meaningful ask by your brother, and act of love and celebration to perform.
Congratulations to you Aimee and the newlyweds! What an honor for you to beautifully bless them on this joyous occasion! I am sure it was a very meaningful and memorable moment for them. Glad to see the love and positive support you are getting in the comments! (No doubt, the sanctimonious and pharisaical detractors will come out with knives soon enough).
I appreciate the time you took to research the history of weddings. On the topic of ordination, I would recommend to any who’s interested, to read Marjorie Warkentin’s excellent study, “Ordination: A Biblical-Historical View”— sadly it’s out of print but I’m sure used copies can be had.
Aimee, this is beautiful. I appreciate the history you shared and the cultural studies. It’s not one size fits all and that to me is what many miss, spend some time traveling and we find that there are many traditions. You’ll always treasure this meaningful time and so will they, it’s beautiful
My 24 year old daughter married her high school sweetheart on Friday as well. Instead of choosing her pastor grandfather or a pastor that she doesn’t have a relationship with, she chose her oldest brother whose faith she admires. Our state does not require an ordained minister but they had also been married in city hall to cover their bases. My son did an excellent job of pointing them to God’s design of mirroring His view of their spouse, as His beloved creation, back to that spouse.
Oh my gosh, Aimee! I love this so much. I found AMM too and it’s been so beautiful to officiate weddings. Like you, it feels like I’m “in my zone,” and has been very healing ❤️🩹
It's beautiful when real needs of people we love shape our theology in deeply practical ways. Aimee, you seem to be about loving God and loving People - someone said that was important. Spiritual maturity is a living, breathing, growing thing. And yours is thriving!
Thanks for sharing… your toil in researching and decision making shows so much honour and integrity. Really beautiful in every direction. Congrats on such a meaningful, Spirit filled celebration!
I waited to read this when I could savor it with a cup of coffee and the sound of birdsong all around me, sunlight filtering through the trees, reminding me of you — my beautiful friend who I associate with peace, reality, nature, and God’s glory on display. I am so overjoyed for your brother and his new bride to have this moment — this foundation for all that is to come — laid with your help and your unique voice and blessing. To have your eyes looking into theirs, conveying wisdom, innocence, and the divine feminine love that reflects the heart of God for them. Aimee, I don’t know that you don’t have some pastor in ya, sister! Lord knows you have helped shepherd many hearts and continue to do so. For anyone disappointed in you or in this beauty, I am truly sorry for them. In their zeal to appease the God of their understanding, they are missing the humble, joyful invitation to the feast where we all belong. I love you!
I miss you so much, Amber! This is so uplifting to hear.
I think it's lovely. Most churchgoers believe in a one-size-fits-all faith, I've found, although they'd likely deny it. I learned through some of my darkest days that God truly leads His dear children along, but not on the same old path. (He leads us in PATHS of righteousness for His name's sake.) I have learned to be much more accepting of those taking a different path from me. I might not do that thing they're doing, but I rejoice in the fact that they are doing that thing. To your own master you stand or fall. We answer to HIM, not to the judgy ones.
Thanks for sharing this part of your story, and I hope your more traditionally minded followers don't let it bother them!
Thanks Janet.
It sounds like it was a joyous occasion. I’m so glad you got to bless your brother this way.
As for those who misunderstand, live your life out loud and don’t let the muggles get you down.
You did the right thing for the right reason. I am wondering who will officiate my funeral, I would also need to find an Aimee, for authenticity and transparent truth
I love the thoughtfulness and faithfulness you give to every decision. What a meaningful ask by your brother, and act of love and celebration to perform.
Congrats to all!
This post is full of truth, beauty, and goodness. You did the right thing. And congratulations to your family!
Sure sounds like faithfulness to me.
Strong work.
Thanks for this beautiful story.
Congratulations to you Aimee and the newlyweds! What an honor for you to beautifully bless them on this joyous occasion! I am sure it was a very meaningful and memorable moment for them. Glad to see the love and positive support you are getting in the comments! (No doubt, the sanctimonious and pharisaical detractors will come out with knives soon enough).
I appreciate the time you took to research the history of weddings. On the topic of ordination, I would recommend to any who’s interested, to read Marjorie Warkentin’s excellent study, “Ordination: A Biblical-Historical View”— sadly it’s out of print but I’m sure used copies can be had.
Thanks for the recommendation and the encouragement, Paul!
Aimee, this is beautiful. I appreciate the history you shared and the cultural studies. It’s not one size fits all and that to me is what many miss, spend some time traveling and we find that there are many traditions. You’ll always treasure this meaningful time and so will they, it’s beautiful
Yes, it was such a special day that will always be treasured.
This is beautiful.
My 24 year old daughter married her high school sweetheart on Friday as well. Instead of choosing her pastor grandfather or a pastor that she doesn’t have a relationship with, she chose her oldest brother whose faith she admires. Our state does not require an ordained minister but they had also been married in city hall to cover their bases. My son did an excellent job of pointing them to God’s design of mirroring His view of their spouse, as His beloved creation, back to that spouse.
I felt such a sibling bond doing this. What a gift for you to watch your son do this for your daughter!
Oh my gosh, Aimee! I love this so much. I found AMM too and it’s been so beautiful to officiate weddings. Like you, it feels like I’m “in my zone,” and has been very healing ❤️🩹
Fist bump!
Good for you
Congratulations to your brother and new sister in law! What a beautiful way to bless them!
It's beautiful when real needs of people we love shape our theology in deeply practical ways. Aimee, you seem to be about loving God and loving People - someone said that was important. Spiritual maturity is a living, breathing, growing thing. And yours is thriving!
Thanks for sharing… your toil in researching and decision making shows so much honour and integrity. Really beautiful in every direction. Congrats on such a meaningful, Spirit filled celebration!