River City Jax Pride Parade

Unity Church of Jacksonville participated in the River City Pride Parade to support our cherished LGBTQ+ Community. We went, we reached out to the happiest people in Jacksonville,  and had all  the fun as we walked from Willowbranch Park up to Riverside Park to cheer on and show love for our precious brothers, sisters, and others.

It was a day. We ran out of stuff to toss out to the crowd. The shirts, stickers, labels, and other materials were coordinated, designed, and created by... well... me. The author. It was a lot of work and a bit tiring, but the end result was so much fun and I'm already planning designs for a float next year. I learned a lot about the people in the surrounding area. they didn't know we were here. The people didn't know they would be safe and loved here. They were so open and accepting just lovely rainbow colored bundles of joy. Every day should be like a pride parade. Love and acceptance.

Unity was one of less than a handful of churches actually marching in the parade. It would be awesome if we could get more to come out and support our community. There were members of a Baptist church and the local Presbytirian church out cheering on the parade but not taking part in it. It's a small step in the right direction for showing love. 

Our Reverend once said some churches teach F.E.A.R. which means Forget Everything And Run. I like to think Unity teaches us to have courage. Courage is acknowledging that fear and standing in the face of it. More people should have to courage to stand up for the members of our community no matter who, or what, they are. 

Maybe next year some more people will have the courage to join in the biggest rainbow I've ever seen. It was just so much fun. Until the next event, Unity, may light and love surround you in your days.