RiseUP Con, A Con Unlike Any Other #letgod

As y’all know, I love going to conventions of all types.  I have been to everything from Fanboy in Knoxville, to Nourished Festival in Atlanta, and everything in between.  One convention genre I have not delved in to up until this past weekend, was a Christian forward con.

Enter RiseUP.

“RiseUP Tennessee on May 31 and June 1, 2024 at RiseUP Con in Sevierville, TN. This isn’t your normal comic con style event. This event will feature meet and greets and autograph signings with your favorite actors and filmmakers from the Faith-based films that you have grown to love. In addition the event will feature Musical Artists, Q&A Panels, Home Schooling, Vendors, Artists and so much more! DON’T MISS this FAITH & FAMILY fun filled event, WHERE FANDOM BECOMES FAITH!”

RiseUP Con’s mission:

“Our families are bombarded with counterviews, that often seems appealing to our children. There is a great need to not only minister to non-believers but strengthen the Saints. Our mission for this new type of ministry is to offer families a place to come and see it is possible to enjoy all aspects of life; movies, television, music, gaming, home school, sports, and more while keeping Christ foremost in their lives. This is not only a family-friendly event but a family-strengthening event.”

There was family friendly, faith-based vendors from all walks of life, with amazing back stories, who were eager to tell you about their walk with Him, and their rise from the ashes, all while renewing your faith without you even realizing what is happening.

Some of the most humble and down to earth people I have encountered in my 20 years of going to cons was right here in that building.

One of them, was Kevin Sorbo.  Now, ya’ll might know Kevin as Hercules, but did you know he is actually a real life superhero?  He is a Christian rights activist, leaving much of the Hollywood glitz and glam in the dust while staying true to his roots and, many times, giving a voice to the voiceless.

In my years of going to cons, I was able to meet Kevin back in 2016… I was in a bad relationship, and not having a mentally sound day. Kevin took time out of his day to make me smile and have a conversation with me at one of the busiest conventions (Dragon Con) …. meaning it took money out of his pocket to talk to me.

All of the conventions I’ve been to over the past 18 years, all the conventions I’ve worked over the past 18 years, I have never had the opportunity to talk to him and tell him how much that few minutes made my day.

Fast forward to last Friday and Saturday at RiseUp Con. A convention for Him, not overly focused on celebrities. Not only did I get the chance to tell Kevin about our encounter many, many moons ago, but if I didn’t know about better, he was tearing up.

But, you know, Hercules doesn’t cry….. but perhaps Kevin Sorbo does.

All of this was because of God. Full circle cause in 2016, I was not firm in my faith. Everything that has happened to me over the course of 18 years between these two pictures, has not only renewed my faith in God, but I’d renewed my faith in the human population, and that everyone who is famous is not toxic.

The irony that when most people in Hollywood even utter the word God, or against the grain, you are chastised and blacklisted, and labeled hard to work with when you are actually the exact opposite.

I am so thankful and beyond blessed not only was I introduced to RiseUP Con, but I also got the chance to tell Kevin the part he has played in my walk with Him that day.

Cannot wait for next year!

Never back down from you believe in, even if you stand alone, and your voice shakes.

#letgod