In lieu of recent headlines over Kim Burrell’s statements concerning homosexuality, I am obligated to share a story with you. Let me also say, this message isn’t about Kim Burrell and was only triggered from a series of thoughts inspired by news reports.
In 2015, I read an article on a well-known Christian media site that bothered me something seriously and to the point that I sent feedback! The senior editor responded to my message fairly quickly, suggesting I contact the writer directly with my grievances. Here’s a portion of my original message:
The article was informative, but I was distracted by the title. Which can be interpreted as insensitive and can foster offense. The title inadvertently gives the tone of Christians VS Gays.
When people are attacked or feel attacked, one of two things can happen: They can accept it or fight. Rejection has caused the LGBT community to ban together and grow.
Jesus said that we are to be as wise/shrewd as snakes and harmless/gentle as doves. Our messages have greater span when we do this.
I pray that you all will reconsider this title.
Proverbs 18:19 ERV An insulted brother is harder to win back than a city with strong walls. Arguments separate people like the strong bars of a palace gate.
I have yet to receive a response from the writer.
Messages like the one I’d been frustrated with do more damage than you imagine, even if they aren’t meant to. Often they incite hate and division, producing long-term repercussions that span beyond what we see. Unless someone has the grace, the authority, and the prowess to address the sensitive subject of sexuality, their attempts to “liberate” those with adverse views can actually drive them further away.
While I may discuss this, along with the need for organized damage control in the body of Christ later, here I’d like to share my personal experience.
When I approached the later part of my teenage years I met my first love through a group of new people I’d connected with. Weekly, a gang of us would hang out mostly at a park near my house. Some of them had attended school with me and some had not, but none of this hindered the budding relationships and journies we would each embark on together.
Before linking up with this band of misfits, both homosexual and heterosexual, I’d witnessed homosexuality but never had any true interest in it, expressed any genuine curiosity for it, or seriously entertained the idea of being gay. That was up until the summer I met them and I met her – my first love and eventually my first serious relationship.
Throughout my life, I’d dealt with my share of rejection. While I fit in with most cliques, I never really fit in enough. I knew everyone and could easily mingle with different social groups, but I still didn’t have anyone I really identified with. I was pegged too smart by some and often “dumbed myself down” to be part of the in-crowd. My skin color was too dark for one group and too light for others. I didn’t speak as the majority did, but I didn’t talk enough like the everyone else either.
However, when I met this group things were different, they didn’t make me feel any pressure to fit in, they didn’t make me feel awkward, and most importantly they didn’t make me feel like an outsider. This group, having been rejected like myself, accepted me and in their acceptance I experienced a form of love. Eventually, this opened the door for their influence into my life and my destiny.
Although this happened eons ago, within the last few weeks it flashed before me, drawing my attention to the undeniable link between acceptance and influence. With this thought, I considered how much influence would the church have on those they simply chose to accept…
Accepting people is seeing them in the same manner that God sees you. He doesn’t see you for what you are, but what He created you to be and He relentlessly fights for you so that you can see this too. God’s love is not in vain. He does all of this in the hopes that you will accept Him, love Him back, and live out the special plans He has for your life!
DECLARATION
In 2017, I will accept all people without prejudice in the same way that God has accepted me. I will be a positive and successful influence for God’s kingdom. I will transform lives, regions, and atmospheres! I will not only carry the Glory of God inside of me, but I will release the Glory of God everywhere I go!
PRAYER
May the church receive a reset in this area. May we stop rejecting people and start accepting them. As we accept them, may they encounter the true love of God and forever be changed. May those that are graced to speak on these matters come forth in love and truth.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
2 Comments
Rae Karim · at
Great read. Honest and brave and influencing! Thank you for giving a living way to be among people who, though they may not be like me exactly, we are alike in that we are loved by and fought for by God!
Ebony · at
This post was well written. It pretty much sums up how I’ve felt, for years, about the church and its treatment of the LGBT community. Thank you SO much for boldly sharing your thoughts on this!