A Message From Pastor Rich

Hey there, Ms. Viv ‘Nim Fanaticals!

In today’s blog, we have a special message from Sarah’s pastor, the Reverend Stanley David Richardson.

Greetings to all my Father’s children:

I am humbled and honored to preside over the wedding of a dear, sweet young lady—Sarah Elizabeth Douglas. Suffice to say, I have known Sarah Elizabeth since before she was even born. As a matter of fact, it was in July of 1984 when her mother, father, and older brother joined First Baptist Church of Culver City, and Sarah was still in her mother’s tummy. Coincidentally, her mother requested that I pray for the child. Admittedly, I had to think about it… for about a half a nanosecond. Everyone knows that I love children, and that I am a big kid at heart, so it was an honor to pray for the yet-to-be-born princess.

Over the years, I’ve seen Sarah Elizabeth grow from a sweet little girl into a darling young woman. She was very active in church—she sings in the Young Adult choir, she is a part of the Young Lilies, and she teaches the junior women class in Sunday School. And now, she is about to take on the role of a wife—an accolade that should not be taken lightly.

When Sarah Elizabeth announced that she would be getting married, I was stunned. After all, it seemed like yesterday that she was in the Little Angels Choir, singing “Jesus Loves Me.” I am very happy for Sarah Elizabeth, and I trust that she will make a great wife to young Duane Anoai. On a side note, I have spoken to Bro. Anoai on quite a few occasions, and I can see the love and sincerity in his eyes when he speaks of Sarah Elizabeth. I remember that look all too well—it’s the same look that I had when I first met Pamela. Heck, it’s the same look that I give Pamela even after 30-plus years of marriage.

It’s funny how life comes in full circle. It was just last year—July 17, 2010, to be exact—that I presided over a vow renewal ceremony for Sarah Elizabeth’s mother and father. Here it is, well over a full year later, and I will be conducting the services to join Sarah Elizabeth and Duane Anoai in holy matrimony.

I close by saying: Congratulations, Sarah Elizabeth. I look forward to marrying you and Duane. Just remember that what He has put together, no man and no woman can put asunder. God Bless you both.