My Yoke is Heavy

I'm getting ready to travel to Hartford, CT for the United Church of Christ's General Synod. (think General Conference or General Session) This year is the 50th anniversary/birthday of the denomination. While I'm not UCC, I think this is going to be an awesome celebration not to be missed so I'm going with two UCC-ers as a visitor. I'll let you know my reactions to the General Synod when I return. I'm sure it'll be a learning experience...

So as I'm getting ready to travel again I pulled out the suitcases and discovered I had left something in my bag from my last trip. Over Memorial Day weekend I flew to Seattle for the United Methodist Student Forum/Young Adult Seminarian National Gathering. I was sent by Methodist Theological School (my alma mater) to do some recruiting for the school. While I was there I connected with other LGBT supporters, mostly folks who are a part of MoSAIC (Methodist Students for an All Inclusive Church). As I knew I would, to show support I put on my rainbow gear which included stickers, buttons, and a stole. It was this narrow strip of rainbow patterned cloth that I found in my suitcase today.

I was reminded of how I felt during the conference in Seattle as I walked around the campus wearing my rainbows.

• I felt conspicuous. I truly felt as though everyone noticed me and passed judgment about me. I felt uncomfortable for the weekend, but how many of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters feel this way everyday?
• I felt burdoned. Sometimes during that weekend the weight of the stole was heavy around my neck. It was hot and irritating. I fidgeted with it, taking it on and off. How easy it would have been to put it away... How many of our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters wish they could 'put away' their sexuality when it is inconvienent? or when the church makes life difficult for them to be whole sexual beings loved by God just as they are - created in God's image, people of sacred worth...

I have that piece of fabric tacked to the bulletin board beside my desk as a reminder... a reminder of the feelings of all LGBT persons and a reminder of the 'burdon' I have been called to - to share God's love with ALL people and to help change the world to make it a better place, a place of the manifested Kingdom of God.