Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Cleave: To adhere, or to separate (10/09/25)
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TITLE: The Toast | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Lawrence
10/15/25 -
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ADD TO MY FAVORITES
“What was the highlight for you, Mom?” Sean asked from the front seat as he and Crystal drove me to the airport.
“Let me think a bit,” I answered from the back seat, enjoying watching him and Crystal glancing back and forth, sharing with each other their own conversations and encounters at the rehearsal supper and wedding reception.
What was the highlight? Hearing Levi’s groomsmen’s stories of Levi’s encouragement to them in their walk with Jesus?
Kennedy’s bridesmaid’s praise of her loving and loyal heart?
Aunt Shannon’s comically tactful remembrance of how far God had brought Levi from his teenage years of arrogance to the thoughtful godly man he is becoming?
The beautiful picture of marriage his pastor painted?
Sean’s toast to the bride and groom with his humorous asides whenever he started to choke up with thankfulness to God?
Yes! The toast was the highlight of the wedding for me.
Kennedy, Levi is our gift to you. God gave him to us 24 years ago and we give him to you.
He’s . . . good, he’s strong, he’s true, he’s honest, he’s faithful, he’s loyal and he is filled with the overflowing love of God. Crystal and I give you the gift of Levi with no reservations . . . and no return policy!
. . . Four years ago our broken son was fully restored by his Maker. Restored, renewed and transformed. But God didn’t ask him to go it alone, he surrounded Levi with men of shared convictions, shared grace, shared boldness and shared vision. Together these men would step into this shared adventure of faith with eyes and hearts wide open. Thank you gentlemen for being such good friends to our son. . . And then, God gave him you, Kennedy–the greatest
earthly gift He could give a man. Crystal and I cannot even fake trying to play it cool at
how grateful and excited we are that you are the one God has chosen to be Levi’s wife! You are
beautiful, compassionate, sincere and kind. . .
From the back seat of the car, I couldn’t hear Sean and Crystal’s words but I could see their enjoyment of each other’s presence and recollections. That’s when I realized the real highlight of the weekend for me was recognizing how much God had done for our family. He had used the year of Levi’s courtship and engagement to bring back and stir up the memories of first love between Sean and Crystal. Were they aware of what had happened? Or was this awareness a personal gift from God to me, the mother who mustn’t “meddle” in her son’s marriage, but trust God to remind her loved ones to remember their own vows, full of trust in God and in each other.
Sean had also toasted Crystal at Levi’s wedding, with words that told me, his praying mother, he finally was expressing to her his recognition of his stunningly beautiful wife’s inner beauty. I want to thank my wife, Crystal, for creating a home where three wild and curious boys could become bold and courageous men. For over twenty years Crystal converted our cul-de-sac into a combination of Little House on the Prairie, Walton’s Mountain, and Narnia. Her intentionality, creativity, and love of God fostered a home where knowing truth, pursuing goodness, and creating beauty was the norm.
Perhaps the highest highlight for me is the conversation with Sean that took place when he picked me up from the airport. He choked up as he told me Levi had phoned him from his bachelor party. His groomsmen had roasted him with witticisms and prayers. Levi was overcome and couldn’t wait to talk to his dad. “I realized every good thing they said about me was something I learned from you and from grandpa!”
“Mom,” Sean looked me in the eye. “I’m giving you counsel. This will be a wild weekend, way out of your comfort zone. You analyze everything, looking for what God is teaching you. But don’t do that. I’m serious. This is a time for joy, a gift from God. Just let yourself receive the gift. Recognize this weekend as the fruit of your life. Just enjoy it!”
I happily did as I was told.
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