Called to Ride

Journal Entry - May 7, 2012:
When I first decided to ride 1000 miles for AIDS in 2012, I wasn't sure where the thought was coming from. I only knew it was a strong pull - a decisive draw - and one I could not say "no" to. I have always said I have more determination than I have good sense - but it has carried me pretty far in life so far, so I don't complain.

Last fall, I thought I knew one person who was HIV positive - a deep, dark secret carried by a dear friend. As I am one who tells the world when I have a mere cold, the thought of carrying HIV alone simply haunted me. Why? Why do we continue to create a world in which sickness causes scorn? Why - in a country based on religions of love - could we allow others to feel isolated? Why - in a world of diversity - do we fear or hate those

who think or love differently?

My journey began at a place I call home - Saint Mark UMC in Atlanta. In this home, we dare to think differently and to do differently. My second home is Emory. At Emory, we believe in courageous inquiry. We research, we teach, we serve, we strive to make the world at least a little better and healthier than it was when we arrived.

Sometimes it is so dis-heartening to step out of my cozy homes, where we are at ease with diversity and differences of opinion, to a world of angry passion. But it is time to trust that this crazy world can teach me something new while the foundations of home keep me centered on who I desire to be.