Love Notes #35

Dear Beloved Child of God,

I want you to know that God sees you for all of who and what you are and knows you as beautiful and whole. May not the limits of this world define you. May not the fears of those who do not understand confine you. May God give you protection and peace within and without. May you find safe harbor and good people to hold space for you when you need it. And may you have true friends who understand and can hear, know, and love you, too. And if you don’t yet have that, I pray you find it soon.

All of who you are becoming—the ways that you are exploring—is part of the transition that God is calling you into. I would tell you, “Be not afraid,” but I could easily understand why a range of emotions would be moving through you. God can hold all of it. I also hope and pray that you can be completely at peace and at home with yourself, with others, with your body, and with God. (That last bit I need to attribute to Rev. Dr. Jay E. Johnson, a queer theologian. They exist, too.)

Sending you lots of love and support, and rays of sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns (or dragons or whatever animal would make you smile) through the rain.

Blessings and Love,

Terry Yasuko

Rev. Terry Yasuko Ogawa, M.S, M.Div.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Area Conference Minister, Northwest Region