25 years ago today, the world lost 21-year-old Matthew Shepard, tortured and murdered because he was gay. In his face we can see the thousands of other horrible stories like his.
Are you at fault? Maybe. Do you believe and perpetuate your church's teachings that LGBT people are sinners destined for hell unless they repent and change? If so, yes, you are raising the murderers and raising the LGBT children who are drowning in the hopelessness they hear all around them, mostly perpetuated by misguided religious teachings. (My dear pastor friends, you must accept the lion's share of this responsibility.)You didn't know better. We do the best we know at the time until we know better. You can repent and change. You can love as Jesus loved. You can read, listen, learn, and speak out for love, acceptance, and affirmation of all God's children.
People do not choose to be LGBT or left-handed or red-headed or blue-eyed . . . You did not choose to be attracted to the opposite sex. It happened naturally to you. Same, my friends, the same.
May we all allow God the Potter to mold our hearts to the heart of Jesus. Forgive us, oh God, and make us anew with the mindset and the love of Christ. Amen.
October 12, 2023
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