Years ago, Doreen and Cynthia were married in San Francisco, soon after Gavin Newsom and the city clerk started issuing marriage licenses out of city hall. When they came to our church days later, they were showered with prayerful affection, joy and encouragement. I'll never forget my colleague Sandy Hulse inviting the two of them to serve communion--to the entire congregation--that same Sunday. Days after they declared their love for one another and said their vows out loud.
Some time later, Doreen and Cynthia moved out of Santa Cruz County, finding a home and a community they loved in Paradise, California.
Last month's fire destroyed that home and nearly cost them their lives. With every ounce of energy left, and with a deep reservoir of faith, Doreen and Cynthia are living day to day and beginning to imagine the process of rebuilding their lives. Through all of this--through ALL of this--they remain steadfast and solid for one another.
Some friends have initiated a "GO FUND ME" campaign to support these dear women and their long journey of recovery. I can only imagine, only imagine, what they've been through and the frightening days and weeks for so many in Paradise. But here, for just one couple, is a way to help. Use the link below (or on their picture above) to find the easy way to contribute.
https://www.gofundme.com/doreen-and-cynthia?fbclid=IwAR3gOfDGPNCnnmf2eQGplEUHXo3y6g2BfM7gc5_1vVC7qx91FcrQ9owcWyM
My prayer for Doreen and Cynthia:
Holy Spirit, Loving Companion in seasons of stress and strife:
Bless my dear friends and sisters in their time of need, in their journey to peace.
Turn their eyes to signs of beauty and hope: in gentle winter rains,
In sweet lights of holiday wonder, in their own kind smiles.
When the wells of confidence run dry, fill them again with faith,
The baptismal faith with which you promise never, never to forsake them.
As they step into the light of a new day,
May your generous grace and encouraging voice
Be constant in their prayers, at their tables, wherever they go.
By your holy promises, O God, you have called Doreen and Cynthia
To one another, to discipleship and to the compassionate life of faith.
By your hand, lead them into each day, each moment,
And guide them into the wholeness that is their destiny, and yours.
Amen.
My prayer for Doreen and Cynthia:
Holy Spirit, Loving Companion in seasons of stress and strife:
Bless my dear friends and sisters in their time of need, in their journey to peace.
Turn their eyes to signs of beauty and hope: in gentle winter rains,
In sweet lights of holiday wonder, in their own kind smiles.
When the wells of confidence run dry, fill them again with faith,
The baptismal faith with which you promise never, never to forsake them.
As they step into the light of a new day,
May your generous grace and encouraging voice
Be constant in their prayers, at their tables, wherever they go.
By your holy promises, O God, you have called Doreen and Cynthia
To one another, to discipleship and to the compassionate life of faith.
By your hand, lead them into each day, each moment,
And guide them into the wholeness that is their destiny, and yours.
Amen.
