I'm gay. There, I said it, I'm out and I couldn't be more happier about it. Get it? Happy? I wonder when the word "gay" began to predominantly mean homosexual? I'm a gay person, naturally and spiritually happy and I am also a Christian. I guess there lies the conundrum, or does it?
Let me take a second and vent about the backlash I have received all my life because I smile too much or appear to be too happy all the time. Of all the things for people to dislike about me...REALLY??? But I think what bothered me the most about this unfair isolation is that I received that same treatment/judgement from my Christian brethren. This is a small digression from my subject matter to minimally correlate or at least introduce the FACT that I too have been hurt by the church...I too have often felt pressured by the church to feel something that I didn't feel, say things I didn't necessarily know what they meant, and even do things that at the time I was uncomfortable doing. I was in a sense bullied by the church at one point in time or another but that did not keep me from seeking God our Father, Jesus our Lord and Savior, and the Holy Spirit because ultimately it's my personal relationship with Christ that matters. And how do the lyrics go...only God can judge me, so either love me or leave me alone.
Thanks for that momentary detour, now back to our regularly scheduled program. The LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-, trans-) community has been heavy on my heart for a while. Let me officially state that I LOVE YOU for He first loved me. I have no authority or leeway to judge, condemn or throw daggers/stones. We all need Jesus. :) I was met with a scripture in my inbox today that I believe is God's way of answering a subconscious question that has been plaguing me for a bit and is perfect for today. I received it from Joseph's Prince's Meditate and Believe Right daily email for reference purposes.
…And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”
John 8:11
To keep this post from going on and on, I'll just get to it. From listening to the journalist Lisa Ling, who presented the confrontation of the Exodus victims and current leaders in a round table type of setting on screen, to talking with my Pastor and 1st Lady, to reading today's email I am convinced that there is nothing wrong with gays and the opportunity to come to Christ and transform their life is available just as it is to anyone else. I believe that we have all fallen short of God's glory and we all need to be saved. In saying that, we are inevitably going to come across people who call themselves Christians who will impart wrong theology and seemingly play judge and condemner without thought to what I refer to the love chapter, 1 Corinthians 13. God is love and love NEVER fails. My Pastor patiently reminded me of that last night.
So, if the church has hurt you in any way, the first thing you want to do is, seek God and forgive them immediately then pray for them/us. There are so many sayings and biblical scripture like, Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do and charge it to their/my mind and not their/my heart. Please do not let anyone or thing keep you from getting to know Christ, from accepting Him in your life forever.
Second, know that change is not going to happen overnight for anyone. If I can also add this to this section, also don't be so hard on yourself. Don't try so hard in your own strength and intellect. All that is going to do is tire you out, make you frustrated and take your eyes off of Him and back on you and others. So just like one has to be in the right mindset to lose weight - have the right attitude, patience, and understanding that it's not all about how you start but that you do start and .... finish well. All God needs is a willing heart who desires to please Him above all else. That's it! Sometimes I forget that too. But a participant from the Lisa Ling "Ex-Gay" segment referenced the bible in this way, saying "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:35-40 NIV).
Finally, read the Word of God, the bible. Take time learning what He has to say on the subject versus what others say. Spend time with Him, talk to Him and trust that He will never leave you nor forsake you. I believe that when you do this, He will answer your questions/concerns, He will give you a peace that cannot be explained, and He will guide you to or send people to you who will minister to you and help you along your journey.
If you want to take that step today and/or you desire to be prayed with or just want godly counsel please do not hesitate to email me or my Pastors at Go & Teach Christian Ministries (GATCM).
And just to ensure there is no confusion, I am not a lesbian, homosexual, bi-sexual, or trans. I am happily married to a man who God chose especially for me.
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