“I had little to teach these brothers and sisters and everything to learn from them… I’m convinced LGBT Christians have a special role to play in teaching the Church what it means to be Christian.” – Rachel Held Evans
There we stood, all denominations – gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, straight – parents, family members, allies, advocates. There we stood, brothers and sisters in Jesus singing together. As Rachel said, “It was church if I’ve ever experienced it.”
I first heard this song – Oceans – at that Gay Christian Network conference in Chicago. I wanted to share it with you today.
The lyrics of this song speak to my heart. We are all out upon the waters where our feet may fail. We simply try to keep our eyes above the waves when the oceans rise.
We want to live where our trust is without borders, where our faith is without borders, where our image of God is without borders.
We want to live a life where our love is without borders.
This song has much to say to those who are affirming and to those who are not.
I hope it touches your spirit today.
You call me out upon the waters
The great unknown where feet may fail
And there I find You in the mystery
In oceans deep
My faith will standAnd I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mineYour grace abounds in deepest waters
Your sovereign hand
Will be my guide
Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me
You’ve never failed and You won’t start nowSo I will call upon Your name
And keep my eyes above the waves
When oceans rise
My soul will rest in Your embrace
For I am Yours and You are mineSpirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my SaviorI will call upon Your name
Keep my eyes above the waves
My soul will rest in Your embrace
I am Yours and You are mineOceans by Crocker, Houston & Ligthelm