I partipate as a clergy advisor for a student group at Michigan State University: Gay Christian Fellowship, as I am an ally to the LGBT community. I can't tell you where the passion comes from to be such a strong supporter of this movement; however, I do know that supporting human rights moves me on all levels of my being. It makes sense and continues to inspire me.

The discussion last night centered on vulnerability and risk-taking focusing on the intersection of Christianity and sexual orientation. Members of the group find support in the LGBT community; however, there is a disconnect for several of them when explaining to their LGBT friends/family that they are Christian. We discussed the risk in making ourselves vulnerable in ways such as this. It was a powerful and heart-centered discussion.

I usually take time each day to address what stands in the way of thriving or succeeding. However, after such a powerful discussion I felt a deeper motivation to reflect on what it means to live authentically. There are parts of who I am that are still a little scary to share, but I take a page from my friends in this group. I think of what it means to bravely live "out loud." Ultimately, it is about embodying the core essence or aspects of who we are: the intersection between faith and fear.