Day of Decision Eve
May 25, 2009
My beloved and I have spent the last five days in St. Louis where we came to attend the wedding of two SisterFriends, Stephanie and Michelle. The wedding was beautiful and moving as any wedding is when the couple are wildly in love with one another and the day was made all the more special in that there were a half dozen SisterFriends who had come from scattered corners of the country to support these two women as they begin married life together. This weekend allowed us all the incredible opportunity to meet familiar friends face to face for the first time and speaking for myself I can tell you I wasn’t disappointed. Every woman was as delightful and genuine in person as I’ve come to know them here, on their blogs, or over in the SisterFriends Community. Real women. True friends. Beautiful Sisters. And lovely lesbians one and all. It was both an honor and a kick in the pants to spend time with them. No doubt about it. My life has been enriched by the experience of being in their presence.
And now after a long weekend devoted to wedding bliss, D and I prepare to head home in the morning and while we’re at 35,000 feet in the air somewhere between the Land of the Cardinals and the West Coast, the California Supreme Court will announce their long-anticipated decision on whether to uphold or overturn Prop 8 and whether 18,000 existing legal marriages between same-sex couples will continue to stand or be rejected. It’s creating no small anxiety on our part to know we won’t even know the final decision until landing in San Francisco several hours after the official announcement but you can be sure 3.2 seconds after the planes tires touch the tarmack my iPhone will be cued in and searching for the results on Google News. Whatever the decision we’ll have just enough time to hop BART for home and unpack before heading back out to attend one of the Day of Decision events to be held in the evening. I hope with all my heart the evening will be an occasion for our community (GLBTQ people and justice-minded folks of all persuasions) to gather together in celebration, but if it be to express our grief, disappointment and continued commitment to move forward in the pursuit of full equality, then we’re ready for that too.
As we move into the day that queer and affirming Californians have been waiting for since November’s election, I’d invite your prayers that whatever the decision, God’s Spirit will be present in our gatherings; that the numerous faith leaders and clergy who are committed to equality would offer words of comfort, hope, and strength; and that peace and renewed dedication would fill the hearts of all who are personally touched by tomorrow’s decision in one way or another.
Posted in News and Events
Sweet Hope Cookies
May 25th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Prayers ascending for all involved, for the 18,000 couples, and all of their loved ones; and for those who must bear the authority of government in this case. This is a weighty decision in either direction.
And traveling mercies to you and D.
May 26th, 2009 at 6:43 am
It was amazing for all of us to see each other, I think I am safe in saying. And to meet so many amazing GLBTQ-affirming people in such a loving setting, filled with grace, was a powerful, life-altering experience. We are so, so blessed.
And I think I am safe in speaking for us all when I note that we are each praying that justice is done for Californians’ human rights.
I pray this trip was a renewing, and that you are graced with the strength and energy to face the craziness of the week.
May 26th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Anita, I have heard the decision. While I am sad that the whole thing was not overturned. I am thankful that the marriages already performed are upheld. I know it is a hollow victory, but the march forward will continue. I pray we see it nationwide in our lifetime!