We’ve all heard it. This smiling, friendly person says, “I’m so glad to see you. I love you, and God loves you… but I don’t approve of your lifestyle—the Bible is very clear.” (sigh) Why do you feel compelled to add your assessment of someone’s “lifestyle” (which you likely have no understanding about if you use the word “lifestyle”). Why must this disclaimer be tagged onto every conversation you have with or about lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people? If... Read more
One of the moms in our Facebook support group posted this interaction with her neighbors. I have to say, this is amazing. This is what it means to love others, to treat others as you want to be treated, to be a peacemaker. Bless you all, as you work through your differences, as you work to be peacemakers. Here you go… A few weeks ago, my son Benny asked to put on makeup and paint his nails. I snapped a... Read more
“If you look closely, you will see that the things the church emphasizes as truly sinful are usually body-based, and the things we pick as absolutely essential are those that tie us to dependence upon the clergy. Notice how different this selective morality is from the radical morality of Jesus. Jesus tells his followers ‘Set your heart on God’s kingdom and God’s justice first, and all these other things will be taken care of.’ If you are involved in church... 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
I love LOVE LOVE the experience of GCN Conference. I absolutely love all the people there. I loved connecting with people one-on-one. I loved all the hugs of dozens of moms in our moms groups. I loved meeting their husbands. And kids. I loved reaching people’s hearts through my healing workshop and their minds through my advocacy workshop. I loved the feedback I heard from Rob’s Dads workshop. I loved deep and intimate connections, and I love thought-provoking conversations.... Read more
Six years ago, my daughter came out. I love her. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. I stand with her. I defend her. I believe in her. I protect her. And my life’s work is now to advocate for her and for all those in the LGBTQ community. Maybe you have a gay son, or a lesbian daughter, or a bisexual, transgender or queer child. And maybe this is not what you hoped for—what you dreamed of. But regardless of... Read more
I want to share this with you. It is from our friend Jim Rigby. Jim is a Minister at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Austin, Texas. It was something he posted on his Facebook page. When I read it, I thought of all of the judgment, rejection, and “condemnation to hell” conveyed to people who are LGBTQ by Christians – often justified by a “theological disagreement.” Jim is changing lives, and changing the world with his heart and his tireless... Read more
“Have yourself a merry little Christmas, It may be your last. From now on, We all may be living in the past.” These are the original words to the Christmas classic, “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” No wonder it almost got thrown out! The song was written for the 1944 movie Meet Me in St. Louis, in a tender scene where Esther (Judy Garland) sings to comfort her young sister Tootie (Margaret O’Brien), both terribly sad that the family... Read more
Do you have family issues that seem to hurt a little more during the holidays? Yep, me too. Why is it that the love and acceptance of family seems so conditional? It sure wasn’t conditional for Mary’s family. Mary and Joseph were scandalized when Mary turned up single and pregnant. “The Holy Spirit did it!” Yeah, right. How many people will believe that?! Those villagers heaped scorn and rejection on Mary… because if there’s one thing religious people know how... Read more
Christmastime is here again, marked by the crisp cold air, the decorated trees popping up, and the endless fight over Xmas, Happy Holidays and the red Starbucks cup. Oh, the things we dream up to fight about. You know Christians… and I really mean fundamental, behavior-focused exclusionary Christians… you could have taken a completely different approach to this. Look at Xmas for example. X comes from the symbol for Christ. It means Christ. What more do you want? Instead of... Read more
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