Dear Franklin Graham, I was dismayed by your interview. You are so unlike your father. He spoke with love and tenderness. You speak with contempt and no love. Gandhi said, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.” I like your father. Over his long and illustrious life, he has exemplified the Christian ethic: love God, love others. He showed his love to the world in countless ways. When asked how he... Read more
Yesterday, Susan wrote about what it was like when our daughter came out. I thought you might like to hear a Dad’s perspective. I know there are lots of other Dads out there. Sometimes it seems we get “left out” of many of the discussions and support groups. Maybe that’s the way we like it. But the truth is that we need to talk and we need each other. And at times some of the harshest, most cruel things I... Read more
Breathe. A whole year has passed since I came out as the parent of an LGBTQ child and an ally. So much happened, and I still have so much still to say! First off, I love you. You have meant so much to me – reading, responding, trusting. You’ve told me you’ve felt heard and valued; well, I’ve felt the same way! There’s not much better than that. Whether you have struggled through the discovery process of your own sexuality,... Read more
Only one year ago today, I wrote my first post about LGBTQ issues. Hard to believe so much has come and gone these past twelve months. I have learned more than I can put into words… but for this blog, I will try! So for the next several posts, I’ll share the changes I’ve seen. I invite you to join me as we celebrate and reflect together! Funny story… Justin Lee, author of Torn and Executive Director of The Gay Christian Network accidentally helped me start this blog. When... 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
You want to shove those words back in and put the lid on. But you can’t. Your child is gay. This goes against everything you’ve been taught. It was not what you had in mind, and you instantly wonder where you went wrong. When you become a parent, you know to expect the unexpected. But for many Christian parents, nothing can prepare them to hear that their beloved child is gay. This is the child you have cradled, spoon fed... Read more
Are you a World Vision supporter? Have you brought hope and life to a child and community through your generous support? If so, please continue. Why did you become a World Vision supporter in the first place? I’m betting it was because you saw good people doing good work you were not able to do personally. Most of us can’t go to third world countries and provide food, shelter, community, and stick around to implement needed changes. But we can give money... Read more
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That’s crap. Absolutely untrue. Bones will heal, words can hurt forever. I have a flood of emotions as I read this letter from a Dad to his gay son. I am a parent of five children and my primary job is to love them and display God’s love in their lives. They will make a lot of decisions about who God is and what kind of God... Read more
Fred Phelps. I’ve been thinking of him these last days of his illness and death. I’ve contemplated what he stood for, wondered why he stood for it, and considered whether he thought, in the end, that standing for it was worthwhile. I wonder what he gained and lost. I wonder if he really did all this because he believed in his heart it was right and if, in those last dying days, he regretted the path he chose. Reports that he was... Read more
Stacey has been facing untold challenges since her gay son came out in their small, southern town. As you read her poem, consider being in her life, dealing with her issues. We all struggle. We all battle stuff no one else sees. We all just want to be loved, and to be free, and to protect our children. Let Stacey’s tender heart speak to yours. With love, Susan I AM I am a mom I am a mom of a gay teenager... Read more
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