Life, death, Astros!
Yesterday and today, I was at a conference in Houston. Although I wasn’t too sure about the
conference, it turned out to be a blessing.
I got to see a beloved friend, I got to hang out with a long time sister
(from another mister) and I was able to watch the Astros during the third game
of the World Series. It’s been a full
day and that’s not all. Today, I had the
privilege of celebrating the birth (although at a distance) of my friend’s
baby! It was such a joyful and
incredible moment to hear that this little guy had been born and then to see the
first pictures of this beautiful baby. On
this same day, I received a sad notice that another friend of mine had lost her
father. An amazing, intelligent and
gentle man who had served so many throughout his journey and who came to a point
in his journey where he decided to trust in the profound love of the One who
calls us each into life! It was mixed
prayer time for me, mourning with a friend as she mourns the loss of her father
and rejoicing with other friends as they enter this new and hope-filled part of
their journeys. And then, I get to my
room for the night and receive two simple messages of love and support. Not really understanding why I replied in
kind and sent my regards… and then it hit me, eight years ago today, my own
life and my family’s lives changed forever as our own dad passed away very,
very suddenly. I had been driving home
and was in Trinidad, Colorado when I missed a call from my brother. As soon as I saw that he had called, I listened
to the message and his voice, somber, left a simple message; “Take your time
getting back.” I knew. The rest of the trip was a long time of
driving, pulling over and having my talks with God as I prepared myself to
serve my own family as I had served so many others before. In time, I made it home and the rest of the days
seem to melt into one.
As I reflect on this day, I sit in humility as I think to
all the moments of intimacy that I have been privileged to share with so many
people along my wild and crazy journey, and hopefully, I will be able to do so
for many more years to come and many more lives.
This past Monday, I was able to sit on a panel for an LGBT+ conference
and after all the questions had been asked, I simply said to the people
gathered, “Don’t be afraid. Whatever
life throws at you, don’t be afraid.
Walk boldly into every step and celebrate who you are and who God
has made you to be! Shine and let others
shine with you.”
I give thanks to God for the call to serve in this manner,
and I hope that in doing so, others will be inspired to serve according to
their own gifts and talents because no matter who we are, we each can share
love. Be love. Be you.
And always remember that You are beautiful, and You are loved!
For the record, at the writing of this blog, the Astros are leading
at the top of the 7th, 4 to 1!
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