A personal story I thought I would share --
I just received a private message from one of my friends on Facebook--a woman who I went to grade school with and who friended me not too long ago. I have been posting a number of gay positive things recently on Facebook, and I also post the occasional Adam as well--of course! Anyway, yesterday I posted about a book I just read a review about a new book written by a straight conservative Christian man who lived as a gay man for a year (called "The Cross in the Closet"). It sounds really amazing, and a really good suggestion for all those people of faith who use their beliefs to justify hatred and opposition to equal rights for all.
She just sent me the following message:
Lisa, your link really spoke to me. My oldest son has 'struggled' with his sexuality for years, coming out, taking it back, saying he's bi, then straight, then gay... I just want him HAPPY! There's so much pain in the world, that who he is, who he loves, should NOT have to be hard. Sexuality should not even be an issue, we are born who God wants us to be, my son should not have to struggle! No one should! Thank you for your posts. I am privately messaging this to you because he's still very private, although I pray daily for him to be strong in who he is, he's still troubled. Sometimes, the church does harm, when we just need to love.
I replied with the following:
Thanks for your message and trusting me with your family's struggles. I seem to have had gay friends forever, and in the 80's whenever I would rave about a cool new guy I met my dad would just ask "is he gay"? HAH!
My cousin Mark has been with his partner Joseph for 26 years this year and they hope to get officially married if the proposition here in Washington State gets passed--and I get to sing at the wedding!
I have long been on the side that God is love -- and that all the judgement that gets passed around is bad for Christians and other people of faith. It's not our place to judge.
I have also become a huge fan of singer Adam Lambert--first because he has a truly amazing voice, and as a singer I am in awe of that. Since becoming a fan, I have also learned what a truly special human being he is because he is kind, loving, confident--and openly gay in an industry that is still not very accepting. I don't know if your son is a pop music fan, but he should check Adam out and some of the things that he has said. He has become a great role model for all of those who see themselves as "different" and promotes being confident in oneself and true to one's ideals. I admire that (and the fact that he is adorable doesn't hurt, either). His music is great and his interviews are even better. You and your son might be interested in his VH1 Behind the Music interview, as it gives a lot of insight into all of this.
Okay, I'll get off my soapbox and fanbox now--LOL!
Blessings to you and your family -- let you son know that you have a Lutheran pastor in your corner who says that you are loved for who you are and not who others think you should be.
So--what do you guys think?
Beautiful, tears here also. I'm sure that she is grateful to have a friend like you. It means so much to know that someone cares, is willing to listen, and offers love and support.
