Tribute to U.S. Congressman Doug LaMalfa
Honoring Doug LaMalfa and Giving Thanks for His Impact on Our Lives and Our Nation
Today’s post was meant to be something else.
But today belongs to Doug LaMalfa.
Doug passed unexpectedly last night, and with him, a rare kind of presence left this world. He was a public servant, yes. A Congressman, yes. But more than anything, he was a deeply decent and loving man. Kind. Attentive. Steady. The kind of leader who never confused authority with ego, and never withheld time from those who needed it.
Doug was a dear friend and mentor to Denise during her journey running for U.S. Congress and in the seasons that followed. He believed in her, encouraged her, and treated her with respect and dignity at every step. He modeled what leadership should look like: principled without being rigid, firm without being unkind, and grounded in values that transcend politics.
What makes this loss even harder to hold is how recently we were together. On January 1, Doug and his wife Jill were in our home, sitting around our table with twenty close friends. We prayed. We prophesized about the year ahead. We shared chili, laughed about Christmas, and talked about his kids. There was nothing hurried about the moment. Nothing performative. Just presence. Just life being lived fully and faithfully.
That memory now feels sacred.
Doug had the heart of a lion. Not the kind that roars for attention, but the kind that stands watch. He loved this country deeply and represented its values with honor. He respected people even when there were differences. He listened. He showed up. He carried himself with humility and strength in equal measure.
His passing is a reminder none of us needed but all of us feel: time is not promised. Moments matter. Who we choose to be, and how we love those around us, is the legacy that remains.
Today, it felt right to pause everything else. Today is for Doug.
Prayer 🙏✝️🕊️
Father God, We lift up Doug to You with gratitude for the life he lived and the love he gave. Thank You for his example, his integrity, and his faithful service. Comfort Jill and their children with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Surround them with strength, memories filled with love, and the assurance that Doug’s life bore lasting fruit.
Hold close all who grieve today. Remind us to cherish each moment, to love well, and to live with courage and humility, just as Doug did.
We trust him into Your care. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🔥🙏✨
❤️❤️