After being estranged from my religion for many, many years I unexpectedly ended up "witnessing" to someone today.
While recruiting for the Pride parade at work, my table-mate asked me what the Bible said about homosexuals. I told her about the Old Testament laws - "man shall not lie with man.." "widows should marry their husband's next of kin..." "clothes made of one type of cloth.." all the animal sacrifices.. etc. I ended up summarizing it as "really, its meant to show how impossible it is for us mere mortals to please God, which is why Christ was sacrificed on our behalf."
I shared with her how relieved I felt the first time I heard the "Good News." Somehow, I had missed this point in Sunday school and was beating myself up for "coveting" things and not "obeying my parents." I said "you know, for God so loved the world that he sent his only son.. Its an incredible thing really, the idea that God saved humanity like that" Suddenly, she stopped me.
"I just got chills all up and down my body when you said that. I had a friend that told me when you get chills like that it is because someone has just spoken the truth to you."
We talked some more about the New Testament passages that refer to homosexuality. The conversation brought up a lot for me that I want to process and share, for now I will say that having studied the Bible extensively, having been a former opponent of homosexuality among Christians, and now coming out as homosexual myself I have A LOT rolling around in my head. Im taking a creative non fiction writing class in July. I for sure have a lot of material, so, perhaps that means more blog posts to come.
Right now Im just feeling very grateful; after 2 decades of thinking something was fundamentally wrong with me I am surrounded by love and support as I go forth and live the life I was created for. Also, I didnt mean to look so totes queer today. Ive been dying to wear my new suit, and the cool weather today gave me an opportunity to wear my vest AND a collared shirt AND a bowtie. I couldnt help myself!
.JPG)
