Normally, I answer a Dear Susan question every Friday, but with this being Thanksgiving weekend, I wanted to share something special. Dear Susan will return next week.
Did you give thanks yesterday? For your life as defined by you and others? Or for your life defined as being radically beloved by God?
Here’s a new twist on an old story from Luke. Jesus told this story to religious leaders who were quite confident in their own abilities. I hope you enjoy it.
A pastor was praying on Thanksgiving day… “Oh, God, thank you for making me straight – I have never been tempted by all these evils running rampant everywhere. I’m faithful to my wife and pure… (I mean, as long as porn doesn’t count.) I’m not like those gays, those liberals!All those sinners you put in my congregation so I could teach them right from wrong. Good thing I’m here too, because they really need to hear it. And, I’ve done a lot to get here! I give to the church… I keep all of the rules, well at least the important ones… You know, you’re pretty lucky to have me! Haha – just kidding, Lord! Don’t strike me dead. But my church is for sure lucky to have me! Don’t forget, if there’s somebody who needs a little sense knocked into ‘em, you just send ‘em my way. ”
A young trans woman took a long walk by herself on Thanksgiving. “Oh, God, thank you for loving me. I used to hate myself because of what I was told you think about me! Oh God, what a battle that has been. But through all the torment, you kept reaching your hand to me. You kept saying, ‘You are exactly they way I made you to be! Be happy with who you are.’ I can’t thank you enough for pulling me through all this. I can’t thank you enough for loving me. My own strength was wiped out by all the hate and lies. But through all of that from people who claimed to speak for you, your voice was different. You spoke kindly and you reached me! I’m here and growing stronger every day. Oh God, thank you. Please lead me to others who are desperate like I was – people fighting the same battles I’ve fought – I want them to know how much you love them.”
Parents or Christians or the church may sound a lot like the first person. Your story may sound a lot like the second person.
Guess what?
Jesus said the second person is the one in the right relationship with God, not the first.
Be at peace my friend.
I wish you a beautiful holiday weekend.
Susan
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