Words DO Matter

Romans 12:2 (NRSV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.”

 

One of my 16 year old son’s classmates committed suicide yesterday. He found out on social media.  The kids are shocked and filled with questions, confusion and disbelief. They don’t know why or how, but expect the school will say more soon.

This tragedy caused me to remember the first time my daughter told me she was bisexual. This same daughter had struggled with social anxiety and low self-esteem for many years and had more than once spoken the words out loud “I want to kill myself.” I never took those words lightly.

When she told me she was “gay,” (her words), my first reaction was, “You know this is okay, right?”

A few days later, I got a call from her dad. “Why are you telling this child it is okay for her to be gay? You are supposed to be a Christian! A pastor! Do you want her to go to hell?!”

Now mind you, this was a long time ago and I didn’t have the resources or the theological grounding on sexuality that I have now—so I simply spoke as a mother that knew the love of God. “God created that child in God’s image and she needs to know she is loved just as she is. God commands us to love—this is what matters most.  I will not have my child die, because some people want to condemn her to hell.  If I am wrong, God can deal with me later!”

I might be a bit more theologically articulate in my answer today, but my heart remains the same. God’s will is that we love all of God’s children to fullness of life.  The fears and condemnation of the world be damned.

Prayer:  Thank you God, for Your perfect love and grace that wills us to see one another with love and to live in this love. Amen.