NEW PRIDE ALIVE 2023

   We pray, we plan, we wonder how it will go, and then? It’s over and is now past tense. How beautifully this dovetails with my previous post. 

   Vendors were required to be set up by noon, when the event officially began. Not being familiar with the venue, we were pleased to be able to drive in with our EZY-UP, chairs, banner and other items. We appreciated not having to carry everything in, and I for one, felt the additional miles on this vehicle! 

    Once we managed to get the canopy up, it was pretty simple. To our left, a UCC church was getting their ducks in a row. To our right, a vendor selling a variety of Pride attire, out of a walk in trailer was already set up. Part of their advert was a mannequin with a rainbow jockstrap. The backside was facing us and made for a distraction followed by an inner prayer. In between that space and ours, the Brown County Health Department had quite a few giveaways. An electronic wheel spinner to see what prize you would win. Free condoms and lube were there for the taking. At this point, my fight or flight began calling. The Holy Spirit spoke quietly to my heart and reminded me I was there to love, extend grace and remember that it was the strength of the Lord. ‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty. (Zechariah 4:6) 

   The Brown County Mobile Library was in our area as well as a nonprofit adoption organization. Coming in last, was a suicide prevention project. A mom whose son was a three time suicide attempt survivor. Another Mom taking her pain and terrifying experiences to help others. I had snippets of time to talk with her. 

   Because we had arrived before 11:00, there was time to meander and see what was what. Quite a few sellers of goods, and varieties of items, from beautiful wood and glass art to clothing and lots of flags. We saw many of those worn as capes and the day went on. 

   One booth was being overseen by Martha, a trans woman. I spoke with her for a few minutes and asked about an event she had organized. “The Transperience '' being held at St. Norbert College. The flier description; “The Transperience installation is an immersive art experience. It includes various works of art, digital images, soft sculptures, clothing, voices, and interactive opportunities. All who enter will gain a glimpse into the trans feminine experience, its personal joys and challenges.” In partnership with the Bay Area Council on Gender Diversity and the Trans Artists Collaborative.

    Whew. It took a bit of time to digest the magnitude of this. None of this, the entire LGBTQ+ landscape happened overnight, although the last decade has brought what was once hidden into our entire culture. Legally, in schools, the work environment and the marketing has been explosive. No sector of society is immune. Extremes seem to be the norm and this is our new normal. 

   And so they came. Families representing the new normal and folks who looked happy on the outside, while masking the pain within. This is what Unconditional is called to do. Embrace. Make eye contact while being sincere. Give hugs when asked for or offered. 

    We were filled with joy being able to extend the grandparents' love. Gift bags for the kiddos had candies, our ministry pen and pin with a rainbow to color and a set of colored pencils. We had twisty rainbow lollipops and jelly belly suckers in our “love” stand. We had baskets with additional freebies. We weren’t there to get, but to give. 

   A picture of Hazel at the Pride Parade in Minneapolis wearing a rainbow dress was on our table. The family photo from our trip to visit Nate, Sammy and Hazel a couple of weeks ago was displayed too. Why? Our banner unashamedly is “Unconditional Ministries”. As far as we know, we were the only representation of its kind. One individual took a step back, literally, after noticing what was a loaded term for her. After chatting with her and two others, we could see the apprehension was gone. Seeing our photo and introducing our family, perspectives shifted. We gave hugs and were told how their hearts were touched. 

    I approached a group of drag queens and began a conversation by asking how long it took them to do their makeup. Huge smiles all around and they were pleased someone would ask them. I commented that because they didn’t have wrinkles, it was easier than it would be for me. I was grateful for the openness and was able to tell them who I represented and why Gordie and I were there. A few seeds were scattered and that was all I was called to do.

    We stayed until 4:00 and by then, there were fewer children and things were  shifting into more of an adult theme. Unfortunately, taking things back to our car proved to be the most grueling of the day. It was a bit of a hike around and through the designated exit. We appreciated the attention to crowd control and the law enforcement presence. They were there to protect the attendees. 

   By the end, we had given out 70 bags and interacted with over 100 people. Not everyone took a goodie bag and we were only allowed to distribute via our booth, not by approaching anyone. There were many who responded well through their comments and body language. There were those who were closed off, or made no comments and walked away. The Scripture we used was from John 8:1-11. Our statement following this was that Unconditional did not throw stones. We included the scripture and a small pebble in the gift bags for the adults. 

   The most direct, opposing comment was, “What if you don’t believe in sexual sin?” I honestly do not remember what I said. I believe it was the Lord giving me the words. I did know it was not the time or my place to engage in a theological debate. The most positive comment was from a young lady who told us several times how important it was for us to be there, and thanked us for the ministry. She took information she wanted to share with some people she knew, “Who really need this”. As she walked past a bit later, she was with her parents, and pointed and told them we were the group she was telling them about. 

   So we prayed, we prepared and we did what God has called us to. Spending time with Nate, Sammy and Hazel two weeks earlier was helpful. I believe it is easy to engage in the familiar and push away from and avoid what I don’t understand. Until there is a name and a face. For us, his name is Nate and he is our son. That changed everything and brought us into a place we would have never known. As challenging as it has been and can be, we have been entrusted with much. God has given us access and His heart to learn and to love a still very marginalized group. What a gift. Whether it feels like one or not, it really is. People are precious. Our God is gracious. May all we do bring honor to the One who is worthy and in whom we live, love and serve. 

Becky on: Nov 5th, 2023 05:42pm

Thank you for following God’s prompting and most importantly, showing unconditional love to all.