My husband Greg and I took a small road trip over the Memorial Day weekend. I know many families who follow the same rule we do regarding car radio play: it’s the driver’s choice. This is how I found myself listening to a recap of the recent golf tournament (yawn). However, the commentator included a charming story of his young son’s first performance at his school’s year-end celebration. His son was struck with crippling stage fright. The commentator managed to get his son’s attention and they shared a smile. His son visibly relaxed, although he didn’t manage to sing a single note. Afterward, the commentator told his son the story of his own first school performance where he bolted off stage and didn’t stop running until he hit the playground fence. After a rough start to public performance, he now talks about sports in front of people for a living. His son understood that his performance today wasn’t a big deal, and didn’t define him forever. What a good parent, and a good storyteller. I could feel the little boy’s anxiety as he looked out on the crowd, and I could feel the parent feel his son’s anxiety and his own resolve to help his son feel better and learn from the experience.
What a great feeling, knowing someone is there for you, ready to connect with you and walk alongside you when you’re in a vulnerable moment. Maybe you’ve never experienced stage fright, but we’ve all had moments when we are vulnerable and would welcome support. As Christians, we are called to do this. Paul writes, “Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
This Saturday, members of Lord of Life and several other area churches are participating in the Hamilton PRIDE March and Festival. PRIDE commemorates the 1969 Stonewall riots and the pursuit of equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) individuals. We will join our friends and neighbors as they are vulnerable and courageous as they celebrate their identities. We will listen as they share their stories. On Wednesday, June 8, at 7 pm, we are hosting a service of reconciliation and healing, where we will acknowledge those moments when we, the Christian church, didn’t step up to share the burdens of the LGBTQIA+ community, and even added to it with our animosity.
I am grateful to be part of a congregation that seeks out and advocates for the vulnerable. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40
Yours in Christ,
Cara Hasselbeck