Zambia Hunt

As a father of four incredible daughters, I’ve always told each of them that they are my favorite. It may seem impossible to have four favorites, but with the addition of each girl to our family, God has stretched my heart to love them all fiercely and equally. I rejoice in discovering their unique personalities, gifts, and strengths. Today, I find myself asking, “How do you give away one of your favorite girls?”

Ashlyn, my little girl, is now all grown up and ready to embark on a new journey with a man who believes he can provide, protect, and cherish the gift I’ve invested in for 24 years. Does he truly understand the commitment he’s making? Is he prepared to adjust his life to accommodate another person, not just anyone, but my daughter?

Christian marriage is a process by which two sinners, saved by grace, are refined as servants of Christ and of one another. It is a journey of discipling the next generations to be faithful lovers of Jesus Christ and servants of God. While there are no guarantees that our children will follow in our footsteps, it is our duty to leave clear footprints for them to follow and pray that they do, just as Paul said to the Corinthians, “Follow me as I follow Christ.” (1 Co. 11:1)

Marriage is a commitment to love, serve, and be kind to five different people, all of whom are the same person. As we grow and mature, we are constantly changing into a clearer image of Jesus Christ. The refining process of marriage can be both exciting and painful, as rough edges of self-serving are chipped away. Life becomes a series of joys and failures, followed by forgiveness. The world may tell you that marriage is all about your happiness, but it is primarily about the glory of God and reflecting the self-sacrificing love that Christ has for his church.

Love is a choice, not just a feeling (1 Cor. 13:1-8). It is a decision we make every day, energized by Christ Himself as we act in obedience to His instructions. Love is the desire for the good and well-being of the other, making self-sacrificing decisions on their behalf. Jesse, as you begin this journey with Ashlyn, I urge you to treat her well, die to self, live for Christ, and thus live for her.

As I give away one of my favorite daughters, I am filled with a mix of emotions – joy, nostalgia, and the bittersweet realization that my little girl is ready to start her own family. Ashlyn, I am incredibly proud of the woman you have become, and I know that your marriage to Jesse will be a testament to God’s love and grace. May your journey together be filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to serve one another and Christ.

My Word of Blessing To the Bride & Groom

Thank you, family and friends coming from across the country and around the world to join us on this special occasion…

Ashlyn, you are loved. Your zest for life and determination to achieve the impossible are qualities about you that I admire. You have never seen a mountain you did not want to climb or a challenge that resonated with your gifts that you did not want to conquer. Your determination has always been one of your most admirable qualities. Even from a young age, you’ve never let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve something. I remember when you would insist on playing with your older brothers, even though they would only begrudgingly allow you to participate, giving you the army men with no heads or the airsoft gun that only worked occasionally. But that never curbed your enthusiasm or determination to join in and win – it only made you more determined to succeed. That tenacity has served you well throughout your life, and I know it will continue to drive you and Jesse to achieve great things for the Lord together.

Ashlyn, I remember a time when you were younger, and you boldly declared that you would never get married. We even have it on video! It wasn’t because you were against marriage itself but because your heart was filled with so many dreams, and you wanted to fulfill them all. At that time, you felt that marriage might keep you from chasing those dreams. But then you met Jesse. I’ve watched you two together, and I can see that you’re no less passionate and full of ideas today than you were back then. Your dreams have taken shape and, in some ways, have grown even bigger than when you were a child. 

Ashlyn, you have always wanted to know the boundaries. When you were younger, I think you wanted to know so you could be sure to push them a little. But I’ve watched as you have matured into a woman who loves Christ and wants to know the boundaries so that you can be free to soar and use all your gifts and ideas to accomplish amazing things. 

Jesse, I am confident that Ashlyn will lovingly submit to you. Lead her well, and you will enjoy the blessings and benefits of marriage to such an amazing woman. In you, Ashlyn has met someone who completes her, not competes with her. I’ve watched you with a smile on your face while you watched and listened to Ashlyn entertain the crowd with the latest story of one of her well-intentioned escapades gone slightly awry.  You have been patient with her, giving her space to be herself yet stepping in to lead when it mattered. I am thankful that the Lord has brought you today to establish your family with Ashlyn as your wife. I hope you will always appreciate the treasure that I have given you today, that you will always look at her the way you do today, and that the love you feel in these moments will be the love that you always have for her. Jesse, I couldn’t have asked for a better man to love and cherish our daughter. I know that you will be an amazing husband to Ashlyn in all of life’s adventures, and believe me, life will be an adventure!

Ashlyn and Jesse, as you embark on this new chapter in your lives, remember to always be patient, kind, and supportive of one another. Cherish the little moments, laugh often, and never go to bed angry. Marriage isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it when you have Jesus in your heart and the right person by your side.

Love one another, serve others, and stay the course. I love you.