July 23, 2026

One of the joys of volunteering at the Sacred Space booth at the PRIDE Festival is the ability to put temporary tattoos on people. Some people decline, others want to take it with them, however the majority gladly receive the tattoo. I ALWAYS ask if I can touch them because consent and having agency is critically important. Sometimes while finding out where they would like it, taking the plastic off, making sure the paper towel is wet enough; I ask again, wanting to make sure. By this time, we are fully engaged in a conversation, and they acknowledge appreciation for being asked and respected.

I tell them, the sole purpose of the Sacred Space booth is to offer a safe place to be reminded that God loves them no matter what. The tattoo which was commissioned for this booth reads, “I am loved.” Folks have the choice of having the tattoo facing out toward others or in a place where the words are for them to see. Giving them the choice of where they would like it on their body, is honoring their agency. I then share the menu of other things we also offer: Holy Communion, anointing, water bottles, writing notes to the Divine, fans, stickers, bubbles, and chairs to just sit for a few minutes.

Jeff H. and I volunteered on Saturday, and it was heartwarming for me to share the experience with him. On Sunday, as I was leaving church, I was contacted to fill in for an afternoon shift as the person on that shift was ill. I let them know I had to eat, take a short nap, and would need to leave at 5:00 p.m. rather than 5:30 for another commitment. Self-care and balancing my responsibilities are equally important to helping fill in a gap.
A tender experience from Sunday was the young woman who shared the image of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet resonated with her as I was anointing and praying with her. There were tears behind her sunglasses as we talked. The church she attended as a child no longer welcomed her, yet the stories of Jesus were lodged in her mind and heart. Sacred Space provided an opportunity for her to be washed in love, acceptance, grace, and mercy. Her experience was so meaningful she recorded it in our notebook.

It is brief encounters such as this that fuel me to continue the work of being accepting to all people. Being able to look someone in the eye and tell them they are loved no matter what legislation is passed; means something these days. So far in 2026, there are over five hundred pieces of legislation against LGBTQIA rights. We may not have the ability to change legislation, however showing up for one another, listening to experiences and honoring the dignity of one another is how Jesus invites us to be.

​In Paul’s letter to the Romans, he reminds us: 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39). May we have the courage to extend the love of Christ to everyone we meet.