Story time - A Pride Story She couldn't walk away!

There she was, listening to him spit out his vial words.  Wondering how this was to lead people to God.  He shouted things like "God hates your sin and you won't go to heaven" and "You are evil"  He was turning red with anger and you could see his frustration that people were not listening to him, or if they were, they were not doing what he wanted.

Julie, a newly baptized Christian, feeling a little spunky, just couldn't sit there though and watch this without saying something.  Though she had just been baptized, she was raised in the church.  She knew the Bible inside out.  She studied it and read all she could about the scriptures that were against homosexuality.  She also read many more.  Here was her chance, she had blown it when her father came at her, but now, she knew she could do it!

Walking firm holding on to her cross necklace, she marched up to the guy, through the crowd, and got his attention. She then quoted scripture to him, Starting with Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.

"You have a plank of homosexuality in your eye mam, get it out before you burn!" he spatted back.

She came at him with "Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

"I am to tell you of your sin, I am to to judge you!  You are living in sin!  You are an abomination to God, you are going to Hell"

"You can judge for God?" She comely asked.

"He has charged us to deliver each other from sin, and you are living an unatural lifestyle!" he yelled at her.

"Unnatural? Then why are there animals who are homosexual?"

"Because they live in sin!"

"Animals sin?"

"Yes because of Adam and Eve, all creatures sin!"

"Oh really, interesting"

"You are not a Christian and you must be born again and repent!"

"I am a Christian and been born again!" Julie said confidently

"Do you even know what that means?"

"Do you?"

"I asked you first" His voice still raising and yelling at her.

"John 3 tells us we are born again when we are born through the water and spirit aka baptism, full immersion, done after admission that Christ is the son of God and our Savior." Julie replies calmly.

"No, you don't know, and if that is what you believe then you are not born again!" He yells at her.

Seeing that she was not going to get any where and that the crowd was getting restless and that they were starting to want more then an argument with the guy, Julie thought quick.  She spouted out one more scripture "Romans  14:1-4 Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with—even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.  For instance, a person who has been around for a while might well be convinced that he can eat anything on the table, while another, with a different background, might assume he should only be a vegetarian and eat accordingly. But since both are guests at Christ’s table, wouldn’t it be terribly rude if they fell to criticizing what the other ate or didn’t eat? God, after all, invited them both to the table. Do you have any business crossing people off the guest list or interfering with God’s welcome? If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help."

"I will never fellowship with anyone that doesn't see it my way as it is God's way!" He shouted at her!

"Then you leave me one choice!" She calmly said.

Then Julie took a deep breath, braced herself, and with the loudest voice she could muster, she let out these words: "Heavenly Father, God above all, Hear our prayer, bless us this day and bless this man and bring peace to him and help him deal with this ego that he has.  Help him find that he does not have to find the specks in others eyes when he has many in his own to deal with.  It is okay God, I know he thinks he is doing your work, but he doesn't know the damage he is doing.  Help him move on and find a better use of his energy.  God, loving father, we bow before you, We your people help us show your love to those that don't show us your love.  Help us show your mercy that won't think twice to show it to us.  Let us show that we are all your children!  God, great Father, walk with us guiding us in love!  It is in your son's name we come, amen!"

When Julie opened her eyes, he was silent, he picked up his speaker and walked away.  The crowed cheered. And Julie started one last thing she got them to chant, God is love!

Proud of herself, she whispered, "Thank you God, you did that!"

Story Time: It was her smile

Laura leaned up against the corner of the old brick building.  Looking across the parking lot, she didn't know who to be looking for.  She just knew her name was Jeannette and that she had curly black hair.  Sure she had seen a picture of her, but that didn't mean she knew for sure what she looked like.  Laura sucked down one last smoke and nervously looked around.

This was a date set up by Laura's best friend Tish and Laura was not told much, just that Tish said Jeannette was really nice and will meet her at 5 pm at the Olympian Grill on the Harbor side of the island.  Laura had not been on a date in some time and was not sure what to do.  She just knew though that Tish would never let her hear the end of it if she did not at least make an attempt to meet Jeannette.

Finally, a woman that matched the description and picture started walking up towards Laura.  Laura snuffed out the smoke, nervously fixed her hair, and yet could not get her eyes off this goddess that walked her way.  Laura scoped her out from head to toes.  Jeannette's hair was wild in the wind, her eyes inviting, her smile enticing.  She wore a stripped scarf, deep red sweater, jeans that showed off her curves, rainbow socks, and brown loafers.  Laura knew at that moment, there was going to be more to this date then she had expected.  For it was Jeannette's smile that drew her in and held her wanting more.

"You must be Laura?"

"And you must be Jeannette!"

"Waiting long?"

"Nah, I only been here a few minutes."

"Well shall we go in?"

From there the two of them went into the restaurant.  They ordered a tilapia dish to share.  As they waited on the meal, they talked about how they each knew Tish, about looking for a relationship and difficulties in it, and so much more.  Laura felt her defenses go down as she interacted with Jeannette.  It was still that smile that drew her in, made her feel at ease, and make her want more.

"Shall we continue this at the beach?" Jeannette asked Laura.

"Sure, but I must warn you, I may try to kiss you."

"And I may let you."

With that Laura leaned in and kissed the soft tender lips of Jeannette.  Then she learned it was not just her smile but her kiss as well.

Story time: We grew old together

Elizabeth looked at Anne and could not believe that they had spent 45 years together, but today in wheel chairs, with age taken over, they were going to finally say "I do" and be legally married.  Elizabeth though found a strange nervousness about it.  What if Anne didn't want to?  What if she walked away?  Silly thoughts, this was Anne's idea after all.

Elizabeth thought back to when they first met.  It was years ago, both in college.  How young they were!  Still remembering the outfit Anne wore that day!  It was a simple outfit, jeans, black long sleeve shirt, brown leather boots, a purple scarf, but what stuck out most was the rainbow socks.  Anne told her they were her lucky socks.  Elizabeth, awe struck, just knew this was the woman for her.  Her silky skin, charming smile, curly black hair, just drew her in.  How could Elizabeth study at the local coffee shop with this whimsical beauty sitting there drawing her in?  Elizabeth thought how scared she was, but soon got up and went to ask Anne out.  Oh how she was playful in it!  At first acting like she couldn't, yet laughing.  Just as Elizabeth was to walk away, Anne stopped her and said she would love to go out.

That first date was magical!  The two of them met at a Greek restaurant down on the beach.  They split a large salad with lamb on it.  Then dessert, a large slice of cheese cake.  Anne let Elizabeth feed her bites of it.  During the whole time they talked about classes they were in, things they liked to do, and where they came from.  Elizabeth remembered how easy it was to talk to Anne.  She knew that night that Anne was the woman she would spend the rest of her life with.  And the kiss they shared after Elizabeth walked Anne back to her car, sealed the deal.  Elizabeth remembered being on cloud nine the rest of the night.

Then Elizabeth thought of when they moved in together.  Anne brought a truck and a half with her.  Nick knacks and books galore.  Elizabeth did not know how they were going to fit everything into the two bedroom apartment, but Anne insisted it would work out.  Boxes went everywhere, furniture thrown in and not organized, and bags of clothes piled in the walkway.  Elizabeth's dog not sure about Anne's cat.  The chaos of it all but yet Elizabeth was so proud to have her love live with her and trusted that things would work out as Anne said.

Then there were the dark years, those years when Anne lost her parents.  Elizabeth did not know what to do, just stay at her side.  Fear made her think that she would loose Anne, but yet nothing she did would bring Anne out of the depression that she slid in.  Sure there were days when Elizabeth thought that they were in the clear, but then something would happen and Anne would close back up.  Finally Anne went to get professional help.  Elizabeth stayed strong through it all and eventually got her Anne back.

Maybe it was the adoption of their son that brought Anne back, who knows.  Elizabeth thought back to that day.  When she held Anne's hand as they walked down the hospital hallway to pick up their son.  That was a day more special to her then any other day.  Anne glowed with joy.  A healthy boy, 5 pounds 8 ounces, 19 inches long.  Anne named him Johnathan David, JD for short.  Elizabeth remembered not getting much say in the name but how she loved it when Anne told it to her.    Elizabeth remembered how happy Anne glowed as she held JD.  Finally they had their family, even if Anne and Elizabeth never were married.

Now JD is grown and has a family of his own.  Anne was so thrilled when he got married and when the grand kids were born.  Elizabeth thought about how Anne would care and play with the children when they came over for visits.  The spark of life really showed in Anne when the family was together.  Elizabeth thought of how she would get treats for the kids and brighten up with anticipation for their visits.

So today, the day that almost felt like an end of a life time, the two were to say "I do" and be legally married.  Elizabeth knew that it was just a ceremony, but Anne wanted to be legal.  Elizabeth always gave Anne what she wanted.  How could she not?  Anne already gave her the one thing she wanted, Anne's heart.

"Beth, honey, answer the priest" Anne whispered startling Elizabeth out of her thoughts.

"Elizabeth, it is time now to say your vows."  the priest instructed.

"Okay, okay, here it goes.  Anne my love, my joy, my hope, my life.  How can I say what it is like to be with you and what it will continue to be like.  I love you more than any other.  We have had 45 wonderful years together and all I can say is it is not enough!  I want everyday to be with you, raising chaos, laughing, loving, and being part of this world.  Anne, you already gave me the one thing I want in life, your heart and I promise everyday I will give you mine. I love you and vow to continue through life as you as my partner, my friend, my lover, my wife!"

Finally the two will grow old together as each other's wife, but long ago they already gave what mattered, their heart.

Story time: She made the move first.

Alex walked down the long bleak ally, taking back streets so that she did not have to face people.  She just wanted to be left to her thoughts and not bothered.  As she walked, she thought about the way things were changing from a new president to now a country blocking others from coming in.  Was this the world that she wanted to be a part of?  What was to happen to her rights as a citizen if she did not believe the way that was expected of her?  

Now 40, Alex finally knew who she was.  A strong lesbian woman!  And yet she was scared to say that out loud.  Alex knew that prayer was the answer, but yet that didn't seem to be enough for her.  She saw other protest and wished that she had the courage to do so.  Yet fear of loosing family and friends, fear of loosing her job for taking off for it, and fear of being arrested kept her from stepping up.  Fear, oh how it ruled.

Alex walked a little more and soon found herself at her favorite diner.  It was one of those old fashion burger joints.  It was open 24/7 and usually at this late hour, no one was there.  Alex walked in and got a booth off in the back where she could take out her computer and type up something on her blog.  But then walked up the waitress that she always eyed but never moved to ask her out.

Judy was about 38 and one of those cute little fems.  She wore her rainbow button proudly and was well known in the LGBT community as an activist.  She worked part time at the diner to help make ends meet.  Alex never saw her with anyone but the thought crossed her mind several times that she should ask her out.

"So, my shy friend, usual tonight?" Judy asked as she walked up to the booth.

"Just a coke and fries tonight." Alex let her know while trying not to look at her.  Alex just knew if she did that Judy would know that Alex wanted her and so she kept her head down.

"So what are we working on tonight?" Judy asked taking Alex by surprise.  Judy never asked anything just let her write and brought her food and soda.

"Not sure yet, there is so much to touch on and yet my thoughts are all over the place."

"So can I ask you something?"

"I guess."

"When are we going to go out?"

Taken off guard by this, Alex just stared up at her not knowing what to say.

"Alex, you come here every night, I know it isn't for the food," which was right as there were better places in town.

"I, uh, I want to go out with you but I don't know, I'm sorry, you want to go out with me?"

"Yes, is that hard to believe?"

"Well, when do you get off?"

"Now!"

"Then don't wait on me and let's go get something together."

Alex heart got excited and a new feeling of pride came over as the one she pawned over wanted to go out with her.  Alex was thankful Judy made the move first, but now the hard part of actually going out with her was upon her.  

Judy rejoined Alex and the two of them walked out of the diner.  They went to a local jazz club, chatted it up, and before they knew it the sun was dawning another day.  They went on many more dates in the months to come and soon afterwards, they got married.

Six years later, the two are still together.  Judy teases that she had to make the first move, and Alex thanks her everyday for doing so.  Their love has grown and the two of them still pass that diner and think back to the night they first went out.

Story: Alone in the dark

Desperately looking around the cold house, Susan looked for any sign that this was all real.  Had she just spent her whole adult life caring for her parents that she lost track of others?  Now her parents had died and Susan did not know what to do.  Sure on Facebook she had tons of friends, but really who did she have?

Susan finally sat down and let the overwhelming despair hit her, she was alone and it was no one's fault but her own.  She had chosen to take care of her elderly parents and put off being part of other's lives.  Now in her greatest hour of need, there was no one there.  Susan was all alone.

Just as Susan was starting to wonder what to do from this point, the phone rang.  It had been days since the phone rang and even then it was just a bill collector.  Wanting to hear another's voice, Susan reached for the phone.  To her surprise it was a woman she considered a friend but never once spoke on the phone.

"Hello" Susan said in a very shy and uncertain voice.

"Susan, this is Toni, are you there?"

"Yes, what can I do for you?"

"Well, we had not seen you at church in some time and we know that a few weeks ago your parents passed away."

Before Toni could finish, Susan interrupted her. "Yes, they did, so why are you calling?"

"Well, I was just getting to that.  Some of us ladies want to take you out to lunch.  Can you be ready in an hour and we will pick you up?"

Susan went silent.  Here she craved attention and being out with others, but at the same time she feared it.  If she said yes, how bad could it be?  If she said no, would there be another chance?  And maybe is not an answer.  It had been some time since she did some thing with someone other then her parents.

"I will go, but don't know what kind of company I will be."

"Great we will see you soon!" and with that Toni hung up.

Now Susan had to get out of her old t-shirt and sweat pants and become presentable.  With each step to the closet, she kept wondering what she was doing.  Susan stood at her closet and had no clue what to wear.  Finally she laid out her jeans, a nice slender blouse, and her short leather boots.

From there, Susan walked into the bathroom and got ready to shower.  Today was one of those days that she did not feel pretty.  Not to say she wasn't, but over time, life had taken a tole.  Susan stood looking at her now plump figure, her sagging eyes, her salt and pepper hair, and the wrinkles that took over.  How did this happen?  She remembered a time when she was thin, full of life, and a face so thin.  Time taking care of her parents really took a toll.

After getting showered and dressed, Susan went to the front room and lit up a smoke.  Her anxiety started to run wild and Susan struggled to get it under control.  Reaching for the prescription her doctor gave her for anxiety, Susan forced herself to take just one.  She hadn't even opened the bottle till now, but giving she had not left the house except for work since the funeral, she had no need to.

After a bit of time passed, Susan started to wonder if they forgot to get her.  Just great she thought, call me up, invite me out, and then don't show!  No wonder there are no friends!  As this rampant of negative thoughts started to set in, Susan felt her eyes swell up with tears, and she swore that she would not agree to this again.  

Just as she gave up though, the door bell rang.  Susan startled back to reality not the dark depths she had just gone, put out her smoke, and grabbed her purse.

When Susan opened the door, there stood Toni, Jill, and Lesley.  Three women that Susan didn't even think thought of her one minute.

"You just going to stand there or are we headed out?" Jill jokingly said to Susan.

And with that the girls were off.  They had lunch, went to the mall, and then to dinner.  They would not let Susan get too far off, and was determined to show her that people care when she let's them in.  Susan ended up enjoying the day and found that though she had set aside her friends, they never left her.

Moral of the story, don't let go of the ones that are there and get out and enjoy life with your peeps!

Story time - First Date part two

Kelly and Angela arrived at Olympian Grill just in time to miss a big crowd that was leaving.  They optioned for a table outside by the ocean.  The sun was just setting.

"Isn't sunsets just beautiful on the water?" Kelly asked Angela.

"Yes, I love the colors of it, it helps also bring out the red in your hair." Angela responded taking Kelly by surprise.

Kelly had taken time to dress up for this date.  She put on her best jeans, boots, and a white button up that showed off her attributes.  She had also actually fixed her hair instead of just putting it up in a ponytail.  The fact that Angela acknowledged her hair, told Kelly that Angela liked what she saw as much as Kelly liked what she saw in Angela.

As the girls talked more about their likes and dislikes, Kelly found herself falling for Angela.  There was something in the way she felt with her.  Even though they were just starting to know each other, Kelly felt like she had known Angela her whole life, just waiting for her to be part of it.

"Excuse me, what are you two doing here?" asked John as he started walking up.

Both surprised, they in unison said, "On a date!"

"So I guess yall are hitting it off then."

"You can say that, what brings you here?" Kelly responded to John.

"I too am on a date with my wife...we don't usually come here, but decided tonight to get out." John pointed back to his table where Debbie, his wife sat.

"I hear this is a good place, my first time here." Angela said.

"Well, I won't keep yall, just wanted to say hi." John said as he walked back to his table.

"Small world, huh?" Kelly said to Angela giggling.

"Yeah, I was just thinking that...don't look but over there next to where they are seated is another couple, I would have not said anything but that is my ex and I think she just saw me.  I hope she don't try to come over and start anything!"

"Well, if she does, she has me to go through."

"That is sweet, but I don't want any trouble tonight, I just want to get to know you and see where we go from here."

Soon the waiter came and took their orders.  Kelly could not help but let her mind wonder what would happen if Angela's ex came over.  How would Angela react? How would Angela introduce her?  Before she could wonder much more, her fear came true.

"Angela, what are you doing here?" Stacy said as she walked up.

"I am on a date, this is Kelly."

"Well, just be better to her than you were to me."

"Stacy, don't go there, besides looks like you are on a date too."

"Oh her, she is just a friend.  I am still waiting on you to wake up!"

"Stacy, just go!"

Just as Stacy was about to say something else, Kelly stood up.

"My date, Angela, asked you to go.  I recommend you follow that advice and leave!"  Kelly demandingly said.

"This don't concern you!"

"That is where you are wrong, this is my date, not yours, and I will not let you come over and interrupt it and make Angela upset.  Now, she left you, time you moved on!"

The manager now walked over.

"Ladies, is there a problem?" the manager asked.

"No sir, this person was just leaving." Kelly said firmly.

With a huff and a puff, Stacy walked away and got her friend and left.

"I am so sorry Kelly, thank you for defending me though." Angela said while lowering her head in embarrassment.

"No need to apologize, I am here for you and I was not going to let her ruin this night."

"You are too kind."

"Nah, just me!"

With that, dinner came and the ladies enjoyed themselves.  Neither talking more about what just happened but Kelly feeling proud that she was there and Angela feeling thankful that Kelly was so protective.

"I am not ready for this to end...up to a show?"  Kelly shyly asked Angela.

"Sure, what you got in mind?"

"I know a little drag show that is fun."

With that the ladies headed off to Robert LaFitte's, the oldest gay bar in Texas!

Stay tuned next week as we conclude the date.  Will there be a first kiss?  What do the queens do that embarrasses Kelly?  How will the date end?

Story Time - The First Date part one

When we left Kelly and Angela, they had just met.  After seeing each other a few times at church, they decided to try a date.  Let's catch up with them...

Kelly, nervous as all get out, walks up to Angela's apartment.  She hides behind her back a flower.  Thinking this is cheesy to take a flower to her, but she wanted to make her smile.  Kelly took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

Angela, stood at the door for just a few minutes.  Is she really going to go out?  It had been years since she dated and the thought of getting out there just frightened her.  But with Kelly, nerves settled down and she felt calm around her. So with a deep breath and a quick prayer, she opened the door.

"Hey, I got you this, nothing big, just something for you." Kelly blurted out nervously.

"Oh thank you, I love flowers!" Angela replied.

The two of them just stood there staring at each other.  Neither knew that the other took their breath away.  That nothing seemed wrong in the world when in each other's presence.  Kelly and Angela just knew that they really liked the other and both prayed that this would become special.

"So, where are we going tonight?" Angela asked to break the silence.

"Oh, I figured to get a bite to eat and then if still want to continue the date, I got a little surprise for you."  Kelly replied.

Angela took the flower in and put in the vase and grabbed her things while Kelly waited at the door.

Kelly stopped Angela real quickly and asked if they could pray before they head out.  Shocked by this, Angela agreed.

Kelly prayed, "God, be with us as we discover more about each other and help us to just be ourselves with each other.  Remembering to put you first in all we do.  Let us have an enjoyable night and grow in our friendship. In Your Son's name Amen."

Angela, really liked this and was actually impressed that Kelly wanted to share a prayer with her before they went on their date.  It seemed to take the pressure off and let Angela relax a little more with Kelly.

They walked to Kelly's SUV and Kelly got the door for Angela.  She then ran to the other side smiling as she hoped in.  Not knowing what to say now, Kelly just focused on driving to the restaurant. One problem though, she did not know which one to go to yet.

"So, Angela, my dear, where would you like to eat? What are you in the mood for?" Kelly tried to ask all smooth.

"I don't know, surprise me!" Angela responded quickly.

Oh great, where was Kelly to go now...she had hoped to make that decision when Angela told her what she wanted.  Kelly decided then that she would go to a little Greek restaurant that she liked down on the coast.

On the way, they talked about church and what they liked about it and didn't like either.  They talked about music they liked and Kelly even put the station on country just for Angela.  Both became really intrigued with the other and found conversation to be easy for the two of them.

Stay tuned next week for part two as we follow them on their date...what does it have in store for them? Who will they run into at the restaurant? Where does Kelly take Angela next on the date?  Stay tuned to part two and three!

Story time - An Answered prayer

Kelly sat in her pew and read Ruth one more time.  You know the passage, it is used in many weddings.

"But Ruth replied, "Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.  Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.  May the Lord deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me." When Naomi realized that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped urging her." Ruth 1:16-18

Kelly wondered if she would ever know that kind of love.  The kind that makes a person want to stay with you no matter what.  To choose to change location, people, and religion.  Kelly had not dated yet, but how could she find love in a straight church.  She was comfortable in church and loved the people, but no one except the preacher knew she was gay.

Kelly then prayed quietly in her seat, "God, help me meet a good Christian woman, one that goes to church here.  Help me find true love like I see in the Bible, in your Son's name Amen"

Once church was over, Kelly was walking out and John stopped her.  "Kelly, I want you to meet someone, follow me."  So Kelly followed the preacher man till he came up to a beautiful red head.  Kelly was taken back by her beauty and smile.  "Kelly meet Angela, I believe the two of you can relate and find a common bond."  And with that John walked off.

"Hello" Angela said hesitantly.

"Hi, how are you?" Kelly quickly replied.

"I am good, so I wonder why John wants us to meet." Angela said while thinking Kelly was just the cutest gal she has ever met.

"Well, I could always use more friends." Kelly unsure of what to say and still over taken by Angela.  Her nerves got to her as she stood there.

"Me too, I see you wear a rainbow ring, does it mean what I think, are you family?" Angela came out and asked.

"Why yes, yes I am family...you are the first to put that together here.  Maybe that is why John put us together." Kelly now wondered was John playing match maker, could Angela be a potential date?

"Well, I have to run, but I will be back tonight, want to meet up then and continue this conversation?" Angela not sure what to do, wanting to know Kelly but nervous as she was not sure Kelly would even want to get to know her.

"That would be awesome, maybe after church we can have dinner?"  Kelly hopefully asked.

"Sounds good, see you tonight." Angela then took off to the parking lot.

Kelly just stood there amazed and thought, maybe just maybe God heard her prayer and brought a beautiful lady in her life.

Stay tuned in next week as we see what happens with Kelly and Angela!