Hello mhattonmd,
We'd like to verify what app you are using when you write this email. Is this in the Mail app or at the Gmail website?
Format text in emails in Mail on Mac - Apple Support if you are using the Mail app:
Enter a URL—such as apple.com—or paste a URL into your message. Mail automatically turns it into a link.
Select the text in your message that you want to turn into a link, choose Edit > Add Link, then type a URL for the link.
From the Safari address bar, drag a web address into your message. You can also email the webpage from Safari.
Try testing another app such as Pages to see if the same link works as expected.
We hope this helps.
Cheers.