When it comes to homosexuality, not everyone is supportive. It seems like people are becoming more accepting, but the world still has a ways to go. Sadly, some of the people who are the least supportive are the family members of the people who have come out.
They may go for months or even years without talking to their loved ones.
They long to have the support of those who have turned their backs on them, but for some, it never happens. Eventually, many friends and family members may come around, but it doesn’t happen for everyone.
If there is one place where gay people can feel comfortable and supported, it’s Gay Pride celebrations.
Numerous celebrations that take place across the country at various times. Austin recently had its Pride Parade, and as usual, there was a great turnout.
Members of one little church decided that they would also make an appearance. While some churches are against homosexuality, this church preaches love and is accepting of everyone. Members knew that many of the people in the parade probably just needed a little love, so they were happy to hand out some hugs.
One of the members of the church, Jen Hatmaker, posted about the parade online.
She said:
“My beloved little church went downtown to the #AustinPrideParade and gave out Free Mom Hugs, Free Dad Hugs, Free Grana Hugs, and Free Pastor Hugs like it was our paying jobs. And when I say hugs, I mean THE KIND A MAMA GIVES HER BELOVED KID.
“Our arms were never empty. We ‘happy hugged’ a ton of folks, but dozens of times, I’d spot someone in the parade look our way, squint at our shirts and posters, and RACE into our arms. These were the dear hearts who said:
“‘I miss this.’
“‘My mom doesn’t love me anymore.’
“‘My Dad hasn’t spoken to me in three years.’
“‘Please just one more hug.’
“You can only imagine what ‘Pastor Hugs’ did to folks. So we told them over and over that they were impossibly loved and needed and precious. And we hugged until our arms fell off. This is what we are doing here, what we are here for.
“Thanks to Sara Cunningham and the Free Mom Hugs tribe for the wonderful inspiration.”
These were the first genuine hugs that many of the people in the parade have received in a long time.
It’s no wonder they kept asking for more. For many of the participants, this wasn’t just a hug – it was someone telling them that everything was OK. Someone was letting them know that they were loved.
Since many of the people offering the hugs were from a church, it may have helped the receivers to renew their faith, as well.
When Jen shared the photos on her Facebook page, she received a lot of positive comments.
Angels Sens said:
“Legit straight up bawling over here. 😭100% doing this in Dallas this year. I was already taking my kiddos….but I’m SO doing this. This is amazing and absolutely what Jesus meant by loving others. Gorgeous!!!”
Lisa Waters said:
“I can promise you from experience we can love people into the arms of Jesus a LOT quicker than we can by judging them. Well done church, well done!”
Ashleigh Hancock added:
“I would go to church if I could find one like this! I’m a believer but hate what modern society has done to religion and Christianity. When asked, I respond with “I’m spiritual, because I believe a relationship can exist outside of 4 walls on Sunday morning” This is truly what “Love your neighbor” is supposed to look like.”
It’s clear that the member of this church made a substantial difference in the lives of a lot of people.
They touched not only the people they were hugging but also those who saw the photos online. Hopefully, they will continue to spread their message of love to everyone.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
My beloved little church went downtown to the #AustinPrideParade and gave out Free Mom Hugs, Free Dad Hugs, Free Grana…
Posted by Jen Hatmaker onSunday, August 12, 2018
Source: Love What Matters
