God Loves You

“God Loves You.”  That was the message on the front of our pride shirts this year.  A simple background of colored stripes representing the pride flag and big bold letters with those three little words - God Loves You.

Now, I have a confession to make.  I don’t really like marching in the pride parade.  I hate crowds, it is really hot, and I’m just not a parade person.  And yet, every year I look forward to sweating my rainbow colored temporary tattoos off, wishing “Happy Pride” to thousands of strangers, and sharing a message of love with my church family.  Because even though I am not really a parade person, I am blown away EVERY YEAR by the response to our simple message of love.

The truth is, the church has been guilty for far too many years of telling LGBTQ+ people that they are not loved by God.  And there are many churches who continue to do so.  The damage caused by this is immeasurable.  It breaks apart families, it creates hatred and self-loathing, it destroys faith, and lends legitimacy to discriminatory legislation.  And so, a church that shows up at pride with a strong message of LOVE (as simple as that message is) is not only powerful, it is also needed.  

This year a woman I spoke to was brought to tears just from reading my tshirt.  People yelled out “thank you for being here!!” to us, just for showing up.  Holy Cross folks had conversations with people who were surprised to see our church there, because they did not know that a church could be a place of welcome and celebration.  Our kids handed out candy and rainbow colored dog bandanas, spreading love and joy with simple acts of kindness.  I spoke with a nun who was so grateful to see her Christian faith represented at the parade.  And in all of that, we loved our neighbor and shared the amazingly Good News of God’s love for all people.

No, I don't love parades.  But I am so grateful to be part of a church family who comes together and marches in the pride parade every year.  I am grateful to be part of a church family that shows up and shares God’s love!