| Asherel and Linnell Totten of Durham, North Carolina |
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| ~ The Hand Ceremony ~ “With our hands, we make and affect the things that surround us and shape our lives. They can be considered a representation of who we are through what we choose to do. In any relationship, our actions speak volumes. Words are not enough to bind two people together. Their actions and, thus, their hands, bind them together as well. “Asherel, please face Linnell, and hold his hands, palms up, so you may see the gift that they are to you. Bride and Groom face each other, his upturned hands resting in hers. These are the hands, young and strong and vibrant with love, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as he promises to love you all the days of his life. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes: tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will comfort you in illness, and hold you when fear or grief rack your mind. These are the hands that will comfort and encourage your children to be the best they can be. These are the hands that will work long hours for you and your new family, so that you may enjoy life’s successes. These are the hands that will tenderly lift your chin and brush your cheek as they raise your face to look into his eyes: eyes that are filled completely with his overwhelming love and desire for you. Linnell, please hold Asherel’s hands, palms up, where you may see the gift that they are to you. Bride places her upturned hands in the Groom’s hands. These are the hands that are smooth, young, and carefree, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as she pledges her love and commitment to you all the days of her life. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, for a lifetime of happiness. These are the hands that will hold you tight as you struggle through difficult times. They are the hands that will comfort you when you are sick or console you when you are grieving. These are the hands that will hold your children in tender love, soothing them through illness and hurts, supporting and encouraging them along the way, and knowing when it’s time to let go. These are the hands that will lovingly work to make your house a home. These are the hands that will give you support as she encourages you to chase down your dreams. Knowing that together, as a team, everything you wish for can be realized. Couple return to holding hands as the blessing is given Dear God, bless the hands that you see before you this day. May they always be held by one another. Give them the strength to hold tightly through the storms and stress of life. Keep them tender and gentle as they nurture each other in wondrous love. Help these hands to continue building a relationship founded in trust, rich in caring, and respect. May Asherel and Linnell see their hands joined together as a symbol of their everlasting devotion to each other.” |
