2022
A lot has happened over the last several years. So many big changes. So many things learned, and so much understanding and enlightenment gained. It honestly has been a wild ride!
Among these things have been the following ideas:
1. Many churches want to do the right thing, and genuinely want to be welcoming to LGBTQIA+ people. The obstacles include such things as:
- A genuine lack of understanding how to even begin to change, or even what change is necessary. It sounds easy, but it takes thought, and wisdom, and courage. Change is not easy.
- A real (and realistic) fear that taking any steps toward welcoming LGBTQIA+ people will result in them losing attendance, and with that, losing finances. Numbers = $$.
- A fear that if they were to try, the church leadership would quickly be out of a job. This is not an unfair fear. Rather, it is entirely possible.
2. When an LGBTQIA+ person finds a church that sees them as a person, rather than a political issue, it is a wondrous experience! I can't begin to explain how it feels, and I've been there myself.
3. Living authentically matters. When an LGBTQIA+ person is able to be themselves, there is freedom, peace, self-acceptance. There is the ability to really live.
4. Support systems matter. A corollary to this is that Family isn't who your blood relatives are, but rather those who have your back, in the midst of the fight.
5. Prayer matters. Prayer works. When you stop praying in fear "Please God, anything but this! Take it away!" and instead ask God to show you who you are (have you ever really thought about that?), the difference in your thought process is quick and breathtaking. Go back and read number 3. Once your mind is open to exploring YOU, gracious, the difference it makes!
6. God really, honestly, genuinely does love us for exactly who we are. He knit us together in the womb, and knew who we were before we were even born. He knew. He knew because He held the knitting needles. He made me as me. He made you as you, too.
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