Meet: Doug
My journey with Doug Diamond began at the 40th High School reunion of Huntington Beach Oilers, class of ‘79, but my husband’s and Doug’s relationship began in childhood. Having grown up in the same cozy neighborhood in the quaint coastal town of Seal Beach, these two athletes were not only classmates, but oftentimes teammates. Doug Diamond- a name known throughout Orange County in the late ‘70s- early ‘80s- #44- and a name I had heard over and over in stories of the past, described as an athletic “phenom”.
To my husband’s joy, we discovered that Doug was in fact at the reunion. After an intense embrace, the words he uttered next were completely unexpected: “I am homeless”. Our hearts sank.
Doug explained that the sting of his marriage coming to an end was the beginning of his downward spiral; that, followed by unhealthy choices. This quiet man who had seemed to have everything, a marriage, the joy of raising two fine sons, a home, and a successful career with The Department of Corrections was now resting his head at a shelter in Santa Ana.
It is his faith in Jesus and his deep desire to spend time with his sons that keep him going. Doug hopes to get back on his feet, buy a car, and have enough money to visit his now-grown boys.
Doug, you have inspired me beyond what you could possibly know. You knew I had never painted an acrylic painting before, let alone a portrait, yet you believed in me! Your “Yes” catapulted me into my destiny as an Artist.
There were times I had to step away from the class in tears, feeling like I didn’t belong in this group of fine Artists...but each time I fled, I wondered how often you felt you didn’t belong in your current situation? Then I would remind myself that GOD LOVES YOU too much to allow me to fail!
Your example of pressing through the most painful of circumstances encouraged me to press on to the finish. At one point, when I was most overwhelmed, the expression in your eyes in this portrait spoke deep into my core, “You’ve got this”...and I knew I could press on.
After revealing your portrait to a trusted friend, he likened it to Moses, when he came down from the mountain having met with the Lord; his face shone with the glory of His presence.
Psalm 34:5 “Those who look to Him for help will be radiant with Joy; No shadow of shame will darken their faces”
My prayer for you Doug is that you see yourself the way the Lord sees you, as you lean into Him.
Recently the Holy Spirit awakened me with this poem for Doug, but I suspect it is for all who read it:
LEAN IN
LEAN IN TO HIS PRESENCE
THAT GLORIOUS LIGHT
LEAN IN TO HIS MERCY
HE’S SHOULDERING YOUR FIGHT
HIS YOKE IS EASY
HIS BURDEN LIGHT
LEAN IN
LEAN IN TO HIS PLANS FOR YOU
A FUTURE AND HOPE
REMEMBER, YOUR JOURNEY
HASN’T STRAYED FROM HIS SCOPE
NEVER LEAVING, NOR FORSAKING YOU
HE IS YOUR HOPE
LEAN IN
Painted by Laurie Funks
