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
My friend’s daughter Kelsey posted on Facebook the following discourse on the LGBTQ issue. It represents years thought and struggle around this issue. I repost with her permission for any Christian dealing with this issue with family, church, or self. Discourse, by Kelsey People must ignore certain things in order to survive. This is true especially for those who believe in Christianity. Depending on their level of commitment, they will frequently be made aware of their shortcomings. Americans who do... Read more
My desire is to pull us beyond the question of “sin and no sin” and to the place of “now what?” What if someone you love tells you he or she is gay or lesbian? Where do you go with that? I’ve been writing on viewing this through a different lens, opening the possibility that it is not the slam-dunk we are taught, based on intensive study on both sides. I know some of you who are wrestling with this.... Read more
“To live by grace means to acknowledge my whole life story, the light side and the dark. In admitting my shadow side I learn who I am and what God’s grace means.” Brennan Manning What I know about Brennan Manning is he knew (experienced, lived, trusted) the love of God. He lived in his position as God’s beloved child. And Brennan gave that gift to many, many people in his books and talks. Brennan died only recently, but his work... Read more
We’ve been talking about whether or not people are born gay. The other morning I woke up full of conviction of how selfish I am. I had dreamed that a close friend ended our friendship because of my blog. Suddenly everything felt very tender and close to the surface. As I began to read John 18, I was flooded with my own selfishness. People have been helping me nonstop to meet writing deadlines. But I’ve been so focused that I... Read more
I recently came out as a straight, married, Christ-following mother-of-five, in support of the LGBTQ community. Since then, I’ve received quite a few emails and comments — many incredibly encouraging and some less-than-loving. I understand that views on this issue are deeply rooted, and people don’t want to make the wrong move. I took this on because I know in my heart that families are facing this issue every day, and theirs are the hearts I want to connect... Read more
90% of gay men interviewed said they were born gay and have never been attracted to women. They have no experience of having chosen it any more than straight people chose to be straight, and they are told in no uncertain terms that it is sin.That’s my haircutter’s situation. I asked when he knew he was gay. He said, “Oh when I was five years old. I didn’t know what it was, but then the kids at the lunch table... Read more
How do some men and some women — even as children — just seem gay? With the mannerisms, voice, overall demeanor? Of course plenty of gay men and women you couldn’t pick out of a crowd. Does this strike you as interesting? A question worth asking? My haircutter is absolutely flaming. You should see how adorable he is. He dresses like a New Yorker (he’s a Texan) and he told me all about his boyfriend and that they’ve been together... Read more
“The outstretched arms of Jesus exclude no one, not the drunk in the doorway, the panhandler on the street, gays and lesbians in their isolation, the most selfish and ungrateful in their cocoons, the most unjust of employers and the most overweening of snobs. The love of Christ embraces all without exception.” Brennan Manning Someone you love is gay – now what? You know your job is to love, but how do you do it? In Jesus’ last couple days on earth, He’s... 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
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