Love Louder

Last night, I had the honor of attending the Renton Pride Flag Raising at City Hall. It was a joy-filled and powerful gathering, with so many from our wider community showing up to stand in solidarity with our LGBTQIA siblings. As the Pride flag rose against the evening sky, I found myself humbled and deeplt thankful for the city’s public commitment to inclusion, belonging, and keeping all people safe, especially those in the LGBTQIA community.

After the uplifting event, I stopped by Safeway to grab a few things for dinner. As I was walking the aisles, a community member I’ve known for years approached me. We shared a huge hug. It was so good to see them! They also noticed my "Love Louder" T-shirt and commented that it always suprises them to meet a pastor who wears a rainbow T-shirt. We spoke only for a few minutes, but the conversation stayed with me. They shared that, as a member of the LGBTQIA community, they’ve been feeling increasingly unsafe. On top of that, they’re navigating cuts to their SNAP and SSI benefits. Life for them is feeling overhleming and hard.

Their words were a holy reminder: joy and fear often walk together. We cannot stop at rainbow flags and celebrations, love also needs to be backed by action and community care.

This is why it matters that St. Matthew’s continues to be bold in our welcome. Why our inclusion must lead to justice. Why our prayers must move our feet. As the prophet Isaiah reminds us, “You shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of streets to live in” (Isaiah 58:12).

I pray we continue to be a church where joy is not hollow, but grounded in a deep, embodied love.

Where all our neighbors are seen, included,  valued and supported. 



Let us keep praying with our legs.