Yesterday there was a storm.

Lighthouses are used for navigation during stormy, dangerous weather. To warn captains of hazards before them and to guide them safely into port.

Yesterday there was a storm

A friend and I visited the Oregon Coast on a blustery, rainy Tuesday afternoon.

Yesterday there was a storm.

Through the haze of stormy weather, Heceta Head lighthouse shined brightly on the land and sea.

Yesterday there was a storm.

I woke up yesterday morning to see the headline on my phone. The Transgender Military Ban was being allowed to go into effect.

Yesterday there was a storm.

As I stood below the lighthouse and looked out into the rough seas, I considered the storm that continues to intrude and rage in the life of transgender friends, known and unknown. And my heart broke for many in our community who would be mentally and emotionally affected by this ban. My heart broke for friends who are hurting. My heart broke for a humanity that seems to be blind to their own hatred and oppression of their perceived “other”.

Yesterday there was a storm.

And unfortunately, tomorrow there will likely be more. But know this, there are lighthouses in your life. There are is a God who loves you. There is a message of Christ that is for you. There are friends and advocates and allies who care deeply for you, see the real you, and walk the journey with you. May these be the lighthouses in your life if you are struggling at this time.

Yesterday there was a storm.

And know this… You are brave. You are beautiful. You are loved. YOU are a lighthouse in my life. Someone who dares to be authentically themselves in a world that often times, hates the real authentic truth of human diversity.

Yesterday there was a storm.

Tomorrow there will likely be a storm. But someday, the storm will pass, and a rainbow will usher in a new day. Until then, we march. We protest. We take action. We listen to your stories and invite others to share theirs.

Yesterday there was a storm. 

If you are personally weathering this storm and need someone to join you on the boat, I’m here.