The Power Of Hugs

When Affirmation's current President, Randall Thacker, tried to urge me to attend this year's Affirmation International Conference he got a lot of eye rolls and the question of "what is the point of your stupid conference that all my friends are wasting so much time, money, and energy on?"  His answer was simple, come and see.

So after a lot of persuasion I came, I saw, I conquered. And I came to the conclusion that it was worth every effort that had been expended and more.  I don't know that my words could ever adequately explain the experience, could ever describe in a way that your heart could truly understand what difference that conference can mean to LGBTQAI+/ SSA Mormons, and their families and their allies.

It was spiritually, emotionally and mentally strengthening. But I think the power of such moments are best explained with the most powerful of such moments, a hug of friendship that reaches from one soul to another soul and makes you feel safe, loved and accepted as you are and where you are.

I got a lot of really good hugs from really good friends at this conference. Honestly that was my favorite part. New friends, old friends, I was surrounded by friends, and everyone showed their friendship in bear hugs, nothing held back. I also loved the groups we got to be in and discuss our experiences, and the testimony meeting.

Those were also very powerful, but a lot of psychological research had been done on how important hugs are for people, and how we do not get enough of them in our day to day life. They can be very strengthening and empowering, and were. They were strengthening and empowering.

And because of that take away, I came home ready, prepared, and far more capable to strengthen and empower others. My best friend just lost a brother. Earlier this week I went to the viewing. For the first time in my life, I went to such an occasion understanding that I had no words that could really help, but I did have something that I could give to lighten that burden, to strengthen and empower my friend in a very, very difficult time. So I took the power of the best hug I got at the Affirmation conference, and I passed it on to my grieving friend, and we both felt strengthened by it.

I guess the point of this blog post is two-fold, 1- Affirmation’s annual conference is extremely important. I have no doubt it actually saves lives of a very vulnerable community and provides an opportunity for people to be their whole self, including their faith, where ever they may be with that, from True Blue Mormon to atheist with Mormon roots, it's a big tent, all are welcome, and all are loved.  I echo Randall’s words to me, if you are LGBTQAI/SSA and Mormon, or family of such an individual, Go and see why this is a thing.  If you are in California, there is a regional one coming up.

2. This is for everyone. Go find someone (in an appropriate time and place) and give them a big, big hug. Just stay there for a moment. We humans need that. We need more hugs.

Happy Friday everyone, you are loved.