Do You See The World at the End of Your Pointing Fingers?

Last updated on: June 12, 2015 at 12:27 pm By Susan Cottrell

I wrote a post about a pastor at the pearly gates, being called out for rejecting LGBTQ people. It was very popular and got a lot of comments – positive and negative. This comment revealed a fascinating perspective on how Christians view their role in the world. I write Dear Susan posts most every Friday. Sometimes they are poignant, sometimes thought-provoking, sometimes tender, sometimes funny… but hopefully always worth the read. Dear Susan, The conversation at the pearly gates could... Read more

15 Warning Signs That Your Christian Friend Is Becoming PRO-Gay!

Last updated on: May 12, 2017 at 4:07 pm By Susan Cottrell

The non-affirming, behavior-focused, religious gatekeepers are scratching their heads at the departure of an increasing number of Christians to the clutches of the growing Jesus-following, gay-affirming church! What are we to do?!? WARNING!! Your Christian friends may be becoming PRO-gay! Are your friends safe from the menace of genuine, unconditional, Jesus-like love and acceptance? How can you tell? Well, here are 15 clear warning signs that your Christian friend is becoming affirming… 1. They start saying “our LGBTQ brothers and... Read more

Which is Harder… to Love or to Hate?

Last updated on: June 8, 2015 at 9:12 am By Susan Cottrell

“I heard her say to my daughter, “Remember, honey, transgender is beautiful.”” How hard is it to love, really? I think that once you clear away the lies and the cobwebs and the “do’s and don’t,” to love is the easiest thing in the world. It’s easiest because we were designed for it. What’s hard is to hate. Because then you have to pile up lies about those you hate, lies about their inferiority to you, lies about how your... Read more

Man Learns Amazing Lesson in Irony After Mocking Caitlyn Jenner’s Bravery

Last updated on: June 8, 2015 at 11:43 am By Susan Cottrell

An Oregon man got an unexpected lesson in irony after posting a viral photo on Facebook criticizing the media coverage of Caitlyn Jenner’s gender transition. When I first read this story, I knew I had to share it with you. It appeared on RawStory and is an incredible article by Travis Gettys. Enjoy. – Susan Terry Coffey, of Salem, posted a black-and-white photo Monday night that appears to show a World War II soldier trudging through mud carrying on his... Read more

Come on Christians, It’s Time To Let Go of Your Aversion to Gays

Last updated on: February 27, 2020 at 6:33 pm By Susan Cottrell

Forgive me, but sometimes I just have to laugh. I mean, really. This story came to mind again as Texans and politics are back in the headlines. And other past stories too, about people like Josh Duggar – you remember Josh – proudly displaying a “Godly” life while having dark secrets. Maybe we all have secrets. But there are many people committed to transparency and authenticity and humility. Not the Duggars. And certainly not Tony! To watch Susan’s viral TED... Read more

What Rachel Held Evans calls “Unstoppable Grace”

Last updated on: May 30, 2015 at 8:37 pm By Susan Cottrell

“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... Read more

The Dangers of Life in a Male-Dominated System

Last updated on: May 27, 2015 at 9:27 am By Susan Cottrell

Sweet Readers, I write today to talk not just about the Duggars specifically but about something much bigger: the worldview that encompasses the Duggars. This worldview has built and is now the structural support of their thinking. No true healing will come to the Duggar home unless and until they begin to dismantle the structure. Here is the structure: a male-dominated, hierarchal, patriarchal system, and which is set up to practically insure abuse. This system breeds abuse for several reasons:... Read more

“I am the mother of a gay son and I’ve taken enough from you good people.”

Last updated on: January 13, 2020 at 2:26 pm By Susan Cottrell

“I’m tired of your foolish rhetoric about the “homosexual agenda.” You are cruel and ignorant. You have been robbing me of the joys of motherhood.” I am the Mom of two LGBTQ children. I love them and advocate for them daily. I shared my story on the TED stage and that talk has more than a million views. I stand against the hate, condemnation, judgment, and abuse – most of it coming from the non-affirming, behavior-focused Christian church. “Why do... Read more

Are You Leading People Astray by Supporting Gays?

Last updated on: July 9, 2016 at 8:52 am By Susan Cottrell

Nothing quite like being told that I am rewriting the word of God – like if it truly is the word of God, do I even have the ability to actually rewrite it?!? Nothing quite like being told that I am leading innocent people astray and committing a grievous sin. Welcome to my world. As one of my wonderful readers said, “The amazing lengths people will go to, the excuses they will make to avoid those two little commandments Jesus... Read more

What My Mom & I Never Had

Last updated on: May 9, 2015 at 8:46 am By Susan Cottrell

Neither of my parents are alive. I lost my Dad when I was in my 20’s and my relationship with him was difficult and distant. I can’t recall a single “I love you.” But Mom was different. She loved me and I knew it. Our relationship was very tender. She was at every school event, every concert. She was my biggest fan, and she was the first one I would call when something good happened in my life. She died... Read more