Posts Tagged ‘biblical interpretation’
When Our Daughter Came Out
Four years ago our daughter came out to us as bi. She was 20. My first thoughts were that we’d never be the same in the church. No kidding. My daughter is telling me something very intimate and scary, several thoughts are going through my head, and I am a little surprised to realize that…
Read MoreThe Family Secrets In My Grandmother’s Bible
My grandmother’s Bible is in remarkable shape, considering it’s spent almost 20 years shuttling between cardboard boxes, garages, and basements, and traveled more than 1,000 miles from Florida to New York. Its soft leather cover is free of cracks, its maroon handles show no strain, and its zipper opens smoothly. But the book inside is…
Read MoreBeing An Ally Is My Divine Destiny
“Once social change begins, it cannot be reversed. You cannot un-educate the person who has learned to read. You cannot humiliate the person who feels pride. You cannot oppress the people who are not afraid.” —Cesar Chavez In studying the life of Cesar Chavez, I was surprised to learn, he couldn’t demand equality for his…
Read MoreSeeing With The Eyes Of The Soul
Picture the scene as Mary Magdalene weeps outside the tomb of Jesus. She’d already witnessed her Lord and friend murdered days earlier, nails hammered hard through his hands and feet, his body dying before her. And this morning she’s up early to clean and anoint him, but he isn’t here! His body’s missing! “They’ve taken…
Read MoreThe Radical Reversal
The recent news that World Vision USA had decided to honor marriages in all forms—between those of opposite genders and those of the same gender—had many within progressive circles of faith elated. I was one who believed that their decision was prophetic in nature, and that by taking this stand, they were saying to same-gendered…
Read MoreAn Open Letter To Sunnie Kahle (And Christian Tomboys Everywhere)
Dear Sunnie, You don’t know me, but this morning I read an article about you. Ever since then you keep crossing my mind. As I went around town today in my jeans and button-down shirt and sweater, I thought about you. As I came home from the gym tonight, I prayed for you. And all…
Read MoreLet It Go: When You’ve Been Nice Enough
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.” I John 4:18 A year ago this month, I came out to myself and the world. I totally overturned my life to seek peace and happiness, because neither my ex-husband nor I was happy, and by extension, our daughter was…
Read More“We’re Nothing Like Fred Phelps”: An Excuse That Can No Longer Be Used
“As a pastor who has served a church where Fred Phelps protested, I have experienced the vitriol he spewed throughout his life. But if my tradition has taught me anything, it has taught me the power of forgiveness. May his funeral be filled with signs that read ‘you are a beloved creature of worth;’ may…
Read More“If My Son Was A Murderer…”
Someone once told me, “If my son was a murderer, I’d still love him, but I wouldn’t love what he did. The same would go if he was gay—I would still love him, but I wouldn’t love what he does.” This statement is what started my journey as an outspoken ally, or as I like…
Read MoreBeyond Either/Or: How I Am Bisexual Everywhere & All The Time
“…in the image of God he created them, male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27) I was recently with a friend who also identifies as bisexual, and we began talking about the widely-held presumption that bisexuals “become” straight or gay depending on the gender of our partner. For instance, since I am faithful in…
Read More