Over Labor Day weekend I had
the wonderful opportunity to attend the GALA retreat held at Camp Red Cliffe in
Utah. My experience there was one like no other. It was a wonderful weekend
filled with the love and spirit of Christ, laughter, new and old friends, and
the grace of fellowship I wouldn’t trade for anything.
One thing that I enjoyed most this weekend was the ample
opportunity for sharing in story. Where many indulged in sharing deep and
heartfelt stories of struggles faced for simply being true to themselves. There
is a certain vulnerability that comes with opening oneself up to a group. I am
grateful to have been a part of that vulnerability and to hear and understand
the challenges that are faced by many in this community. Even during times that
were not specifically dedicated to sharing there seemed to be a raw unfiltered
sense of sharing not only of our stories but of ourselves. Talking about being
vulnerable, the whole weekend was a chance to be your most authentic self and
be accepted for exactly who you are.
I have attended many church camps and events in my life, growing
up in Community of Christ. Each one of those has been special in its own way,
I’ve always known a deep sense of community and acceptance in those
experiences. However GALA embodied something completely new. It seems to me
that most people have what I would call a “church self” a side of them that
they show in a church setting, and that is not necessarily a bad thing. We all
have versions of yourself for every part of our lives. Our home life, school
and work, family and friends etc. GALA for me was a blending of my church self
and my outside self. It was simply permission to be vulnerable in showing my
most authentic self and a true genuine acceptance of that self.
Attending this retreat was phenomenal. I was able to meet lots of
new friends and share in love, laughter, and acceptance. This wonderful
community working towards a goal of acceptance for all,I am proud to now be a
part of. I wouldn’t change this experience for anything.
