It was refreshing and something that I haven't seen in a long time.
This past Saturday, we were part of a wedding reception for Kawika's niece, Kanani. She had been married the day before in Kona, so we didn't get to see her in her wedding dress until she arrived at the reception.
As with all the other parties in their family, Jeff was doing sound and video, so we were there early, and I was helping to set up. On one of my numerous trips past the sign in table, I happened to stop to look at the wedding portrait that was sitting on the table. The couple, Kanani and Dan, had taken a few portraits posed against the beautiful background that Hawaii is known for. But, what captured my attention was her wedding dress. I haven't seen a bride wear a style like that in a very long time. It was simple, elegant, and modest all at once. My first thought was, "WOW! Any father would be proud to have her as his daughter." Most brides choose dress styles that are spaghetti straps, strapless, or in other words, showing a lot of skin. It was her wedding day, and the only person she needed to impress was her husband, but she had chosen to do it in a different way from most modern brides. For everyone else, her modest dress spoke volumes of the type of girl/woman she is. For me, I had to admire her for the subtle, silent message she was sending, whether she knew it or not. I have to give credit to her parents for raising her with the values and examples of an exemplary young lady. This is the type of girl that any young man can be proud to take home to his parents...one that will be sure to raise their children with similar values.
Last week I had a conversation with a fellow Christian and co-worker. Somehow, our conversation turned to the topic of the way kids dress today and the role models that influence this. At one point in our conversation, he told me that I was one of the exceptions in my thinking. I shared with him that I was trained in youth ministry by a pastor who valued teaching youth not only about God, but he taught about relationships, dress, etiquette, and really day to day practical living. That era is fading as most who were raised in that time have moved on to other things and few are left working with the youth today. This happened before I attended the wedding reception. It was ironic how Kanani's gown was a reassurance that modesty still lives on, even in the young. Thanks Kanani!
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