“The outstretched arms of Jesus exclude no one, not the drunk in the doorway, the panhandler on the street, gays and lesbians in their isolation, the most selfish and ungrateful in their cocoons, the most unjust of employers and the most overweening of snobs. The love of Christ embraces all without exception.” Brennan Manning Someone you love is gay – now what? You know your job is to love, but how do you do it? In Jesus’ last couple days on earth, He’s... Read more
“Mom, I’m gay.” Earth-shattering words to many conservative Christian parents — tragically, many view it as right up there with, “Your child has a brain tumor.” Actually, Christians will empathize with a brain tumor, but just try telling the church your child is gay and you will find the limit of grace withheld not only from gay Christians but from their accepting families. Not only what is said but unsaid can be oppressive for a family seeking love and truth.... Read more
This blog is not for everyone. But if you are a Christ-follower, called to love God and love others, it may be for you. I received the following email from a 24-year-old friend. We have more at stake than right and wrong — we have life and death. I hope this speaks to you. I’ve been having a lot of thoughts lately. Thoughts I want to talk about with people. Thoughts I’m scared to talk about with people. Thoughts that... Read more
It’s been a wild ride so far, hasn’t it? Not that I meant to go straight for the jugular of the homosexuality: sin-or-not issue, but Christians seem to be very concerned about its sin-ness! Just this morning I read in John 9 how the Pharisees said of Jesus, “This man cannot be from God – he heals on the Sabbath.” It was so clear to them. And they were wrong. Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner... Read more
My friends… your response to these posts has been wonderful. Some of you have found these posts hard, especially if you came into it certain homosexuality is a sin. I urge you only to consider this is not as clearcut as you have believed… and I’m glad you’re still reading. But many more have found here a fresh breeze – long-awaited permission to rethink not only our understanding of those passages but more importantly, our whole relationship as Christ-followers to... Read more
*There’s a lot to say on this whole subject, and it will take many posts. Whatever question you have, we’ll probably get to and if not, feel free to email me at FreedHearts@gmail.com. Our family friend Nathanael (name used with permission) messaged me yesterday this summation of where we stand right now. “The anticipation is pretty thick. I don’t know how easy either resolution can be. It seems to me that you have three options but only one can be... Read more
A princess paused at the side of the road when a frog jumped out and said, “Kiss me and I’ll turn into a handsome prince!” The princess gasped: “Holy s@&# – a talking frog!” Sometimes we need to pull back and see the bigger picture. The same was true when Jesus healed a lame man. He healed a lame man. (Better than a talking frog.) But the religious leaders were torqued that He did it on the Sabbath. What?? When it comes to... Read more
I am a Mom of five (nearly) grown kids I homeschooled, married to Rob for 26 years, and a churchgoing Christ-follower for decades. I know the lingo, got the t-shirt. Certainly I’ve figured out that most Christians I’ve met avoid The Gay Debate. When friend or fam pop up as gay, many Christians say, “It’s a sin — I didn’t say it, God said it!” Then they can “love the sinner and hate the sin” with abandon. I don’t blame... Read more
“You can safely assume you’ve created God in your own image when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do.” Anne Lamott Our culture is in turmoil. We have failed to convey the love of Christ to an entire group of people. Conservative Christians are afraid of “the gay agenda,” and the LGBTQ community is devastated by their interaction with Christians. LGBTQ who seek a loving God are rejected and disfranchised by the evangelical church. The... Read more
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments this week for same-sex marriage. This may be the most explosive issue since abortion, if not since slavery. Both sides see their opinions as self-evident; both sides cannot believe the other side is so thickheaded. Christians are certain about what they read in the bible; gays cannot fathom why their choice of a life partner is Christian’s (or the government’s) business. I’m reminded of a story from my childhood. Like most kids, I could... Read more
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