for those seeking shelter

Cities of Refuge was born, out of personal grief and trauma, for those looking for sheltering help along the path to healing.

a work in progress

I have grown acutely aware of my own and other’s language when speaking of healing, not because I think healing impossible, but because I think I, and perhaps we, are impatient with process, My church experience is that we tell our stories of sorrow and shame only as post-resurrection stories rather than mid-suffering. Mid-sorrow. Mid-uncertainty. Mid-wandering. Stories.

I have spent considerable energy on some imagined point of arrival even as I have been learning to live in the smaller spaces right in front of me- the spaces of grief, trauma, anxiety, uncertainty, and confusion. Spaces occupied at the very same time by hope and faith and love.

Cities of Refuge is intentionally a work in progress as I learn to live in those smaller spaces and as I seek to figure out how to tell my story in hopes that it might provide some shelter and perhaps a bridge to healing for you in your story.

let’s build this together

Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine-

“In the shelter of each other, we live.”

Irish Proverb

Coaching

In my own journey of healing I continually encounter both my own old wounds unhealthily covered over and also many fellow walking wounded, folks who carry the grief and shame of trauma without the necessary provisions for the journey toward health. Cities of Refuge exists to help bridge the gap between these needs and existing resources. We are here to support, encourage, and guide you toward healing. Yes, there is healing. Click the button to learn more about coaching.

Testimonials

  • “In the nearly 15 years I have known Shaynor, he has walked with me through multiple crises with compassion, wisdom, and encouragement. During these periods, Shaynor served as a wise spiritual mentor, supplementing and supporting the work of licensed therapists without ever going outside of his expertise or training. In times of profound mental suffering the wisdom and love that he has shown me has been a lifeline. In my experience, it is rare to find someone with a deep understanding of theology and psychology who is also kind and wise. Shaynor has these qualities, which is why I am excited for him to begin coaching.”

    —Alan Noble, PhD, Author

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Recent Blogs

 
 

A Terrible Sonnet, a Reflection on Giving and Taking

Don’t Blame Billy Collins

Accidental Hope Podcast Pt.2

Welcome to Cities of Refuge

When Every Limb Feels Thin

Accidental Hope Podcast Pt.1