Photographs from the fun we had at the Pride in CLE parade and observations from Leslie Weaver.

During Children’s Time this Sunday, Pastor Francis spoke to the children about belonging. He said that when we belong we have found a place where we are beloved.
His words reminded me of the Pride in CLE parade that some of us marched in the previous day.
This was not a parade with candy being thrown, with floats, with restored cars or large farm equipment. It was a parade of people – period. People of varied ages, genders, races, sizes, and abilities. Most were wearing something with a rainbow design—from a pair of socks or a bandana to full rainbow suits and dresses. Color was everywhere.
We gathered to march about 9:30 but didn’t step off until 11 am, the official starting time. But I noticed that no one appeared agitated about waiting. There were too many people to see, too many t-shirt slogans to read, too much excitement in the air.
As we marched along the downtown streets, people were yelling, waving, and chatting. Everyone was happy to be there. We were all there to celebrate life, the unique life that each person brings to our place here on earth. I have marched in other parades and watched many parades, but this one was special. We were celebrating that each of us there belonged; each was a beloved.