“Who am I to judge if someone who’s gay approaches the Lord with an honest heart?” Pope Francis The Pope has made some startling statements, saying our job is not to judge or “interfere spiritually” with the lives of gays and lesbians – a sharp turn from the church’s traditional stand. I was in a homeschool co-op of 20 families, stuff happened and people began to quit… one after another. It just fell apart. One of the leaders said, “Well,... Read more
This dad’s letter beautifully expresses our duty as parents to embrace and protect our children. This is a letter to all of you who might consider me, or Debbie, or one of my children a friend. I ask for your forgiveness and prayers as I confess that we have lied to you for several years. My dearly loved daughter Suzanne is gay and we have lied to you to keep it a secret. When you are faced with a moment in... Read more
Jesus replied, “And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them. Luke 11:46 When Jesus showed up on earth, He blew away the religious elite. And not in a way they liked. They trotted out elements of their systematic theology in an attempt to baffle Him, and Jesus bent them permanently out of shape. He healed the blind,... Read more
Recently I read a list of the top 5 life events that cause stress, and my very first thought was, “Crap. I have 4 of them going on all at once.” This is Rob Cottrell, Susan’s husband. The past few years, and especially the past couple of months, have been an incredible journey. So I want to share what is on my heart today. When my kids were little, they would jump off a wall and I promised to always... Read more
“Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” Whew! I’m glad I’m not under that! A woman publicly commented on my post, To Christian Parents of Gay Children. I share it with you it because it represents way too many in the church today. My reply to her follows. Comment from Jeanne M, September 10, 2013 • 12:51 am ALL SIN is against God, but anyone’s heart can be changed, if they’re truly seeking the Savior.... Read more
I spoke at San Antonio PFLAG Thursday, the day City Council voted to include LGBTQ in their non-discrimination ordinance. I have to tell you – what an evening. Happiness, of course, no longer to be rejected for orientation, but confusion even to have to fight for this. Why should equal access to jobs and housing not be a given? Worse was to learn of the hateful attack of the opposition. Christians (of course, being the main ones stuck on this) brought... Read more
I’m at the Pride Festival today – my first one! – which is a beautiful day to show my support and to walk in the Parade tonight. Today is a great opportunity to pour love freely to people who have often been hurt, betrayed, abandoned. I’m thinking of a friend, someone who understands how much Jesus loves her, someone Jesus has carried through horrific times, someone who knows what it means to forgive unthinkable offenses. I wish she were with... Read more
Coming out to your family can be overwhelming. You don’t know the response until you tell them… and then it’s too late. I hope this article (written with a gay friend) will help. Be honest This is the most fundamental piece of advice, and also the most important. It is so easy to water down the truth of what you are saying out of fear, but this will never work out well in the long run. Instead, be honest and clear... Read more
You may be out, or you may still be in the closet. You may be terrified of telling your parents. You may be the parents. Whoever you are, wherever you are on this journey, please remember… It’s your journey. There is no one right way – and there is no one right timeframe. It’s about your life. It’s about your child. It’s your journey. Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for wherever you are in this difficult process. And... Read more
Has it been awhile since you have felt at home in your life? With your family? At your church? A friend told me the story of being on a long vacation with ten family members in two separate minivans. Near the beginning of the trip, her two-year-old little girl would say “I want to go home.” But when they got to the hotel and she saw the rest of her family, the child would say “We’re home!” Home to her... Read more
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