Iron Sharpens Iron

We have groomsmen ... for both weddings! Rob will have his brother, Anton and two friends. Anton will have his best buddy, Carter, three other friends and Kayla's brother, Tommy. So the guys are covered. Now it's tux, shoes, cummerbund, tie and boutonniere deciding time.

Like the bridesmaids, groomsmen were selected to confuse evil spirits or enemies as to who the groom was, thus they all dressed like the groom. They groomsmen would protect the bride and bridesmaids from any potential kidnappers.

Nowadays, they are pretty much responsible for supporting the groom (keeping him relaxed, having fun, running last minute errands, reminding him of what he needs), holding a bachelor party for him, seating people and accompanying the bridesmaids down the aisle. The best man is responsible for holding the wedding rings (unless there is a ring bearer) and giving a toast at the reception.

These fellows are an important part of the ceremony and reception, because guys need all the support and encouragement they can get on this special day. But not only that, guys need friends, support and encouragement throughout their lives. God has men as the spiritual heads of their home, providers and leaders. It's a tall order for men, so to have a support group of friends in these endeavors is very important.

Scripture tells us in Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another," showing how important it is to have male friends in your life that can hold you accountable, don't hesitate to correct you and can support you when you need it. A friend like that is a treasure indeed and needs to selected carefully. In Proverbs 12:26 it says, "The righteous choose their friends carefully, but the way of the wicked leads them astray." Then in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up." Everyone needs a good friend.

Thankful that both Anton and Rob will be surrounded by men they count as dear friends and family.

Discussion: For the guys, who is the one person you count as your closest friend (aside from your fiance) and why? Why are close friendships important?

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for close friends that we can count on. Thank you for bringing those souls into our lives that mean so much to us. We pray that we can be the friends you ask us to be, loving at all times (Prov. 17:17). In Jesus, Amen.

Crooked River Penquin Suit

The tux. It transforms a fiance in to a debonair groom. Not quite sure how it does it, but it does. There is something about a man tailored handsomely in a tuxedo. It elevates their appearance in just moments.

I remember when we were trying to decide what Brad would wear for our wedding he was very insistent that he be all in white. And I was fine with that, because he was so tan all the time, I knew he would be gorgeous in it. And he was. A white tux and tails, white cummerbund, white bow tie and white patent leather shoes. If I got to wear white, he wanted white. It was a good choice. He looks quite svelte and classy at the same time. I will never forget the first time I saw him in it. He arrived at the front of our Pennsylvania house with his groomsmen and I peaked at him through the curtains. Our photographer saw me catch a glimpse and snapped a picture in the same location. It's hung above our bed ever since. He was breathtaking just as I expected. I even remember gasping at the sight of him. Wow!

The tuxedo is a dinner suit, formal, sometimes with satin lapels. It's something you see the gentlemen from Downton Abbey wearing to every dinner. Gosh, imagine seeing your husband in that every single night! Swoon! At one point it was called a "penquin suit" for its black on white attire. It became popular in the late 1800s and got the name "tuxedo" from Tuxedo Park - a wealthy New York country suburb. Apparently the residents wore the fancy, formal dinner suits often. Interestingly, the word "tuxedo" gets it's origins from the Lenape Native American tribe's word tucsedo for crooked river. Funny how now it means men's formal evening wear.

The only place in Scripture mentioning wedding outfits is in Matt. 22:11-14 where the Lord tells a parable. In the story, a guest arrives to a wedding without his "wedding garment" on. So it's more referring to a person in attendance verses the groom or bride. Regardless they were required to wear something special. In fact, the story implies it was necessary to be before the King wearing said garment, almost as if it made a soul pure, clean and sin-free before him. You didn't want to show up without it because that dude was thrown into "into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." So my recommendation is show up prepared and looking good!

I know the boys are mulling over what they plan to wear on their wedding days. I have heard Ayla say Rob wanted to wear black. And Anton mentioned wanting to look like Sean Connery in his Goldfinger gray suit - although 007 wore quite a few different color suits to choose from. Regardless, as gorgeous as the ladies will be in their wedding gowns, the men will look equally so in their crooked rivers, ahem, tuxedos. I know I am looking forward to seeing your Daddy in one.

Discussion: What will your groom wear? What will the groomsmen wear? Why do you want to that particular style or color? What does the bride want to see the groom in?

Prayer: Father God, may we come before you prepared, wearing Christ when we come before you. Lord we pray for the fellows as they select what they plan to wear standing before you and their brides on their wedding days. In Jesus, Amen.