Getting to Know You: Kymberly Lindsey

a column dedicated to the folks in the pews

Written by Dale Buchanan

In my opinion the most remarkable thing about the Big Red Church is the diversity found among the family members whose stated purpose is that we are “a caring and affirmative church.” As I compile my list of the multitude of behind-the-scene heroes who labor tirelessly and unrecognized from the pews of the Big Red Church, I continue to be amazed. That caring and affirmative slogan is not just a slogan, it is a way of life.

Our pew person this week is Kymberly Lindsey. Born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California, she moved here with her wife Debra in 1991. They have been married for 38 years! From our more or less simultaneous arrival at the Big Red Church, we have experienced a symbiotic, spontaneous friendship—a black woman from L.A. and a white, red-necked fundamentalist—the best of friends. There is something wonderful going on here at the Big Red Church.

Let’s switch gears. Kymberly is that smiling woman you see moving around hugging and greeting folks in the sanctuary on Sunday morning. Get to know her like I have and her edgy sense of humor will keep you in stitches. Multi-talented, Kymberly writes, tells charming stories, and makes music, but her passion is cooking and baking.

I asked her how she became so passionate about cooking. That question gave me insight into her home life. I learned in narrative form about her mother, father, and siblings. I saw through her words a clear picture of the children taking turns washing dishes. I heard her mother saying, “It is time for you to learn how to cook.” Her resistance to this added chore became the joy of her life.

It was as we talked about cooking and baking, that I gleaned a bit of Kymberly’s philosophy. Right from the git-go she told me in no uncertain terms that her philosophy was, “Don’t ask if you don’t want to know.” With that expression, I stopped trying to tiptoe around and just asked my pointed questions, and she answered without hesitation.

Jesus was good friends with two sisters—Mary and Martha. Mary sat at the feet of Jesus. Martha cooked, cleaned, and served. Thank God for the Martha named Kymberly in our midst.

Dale Buchanan is a member of FCCF with a passion for stories and writing. In between penning his own memoirs, he is helping us get to know our members, one pew at a time. 

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