Change is in the air!

Change is in the air!  The first one is that this is no longer just a lesbian blog but moving to a LGBT+ blog!  There will be new authors, videos, and more!  I am so excited for this change!

Another change is there will be a page for churches that are affirming or accepting listed.  This way we can know where to go when visiting or moving to different places.

Keep watch for all the changes!

Lesley

Can you hear me?

Jesus told them, “Go back and tell John what’s going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side. “Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!”

Matthew 11:4-6

The deaf hear!  As I look at what is going on in our nation, I wonder if the "deaf" hear the cries of the people.  I am not a political person, one to go out and protest, or one to riot.  I am though thinking of my part in things.  I wonder if every person that has been oppressed from race to sexuality got out and stood in front of the white house, what that would do.

I think of Christ and what he would do.  I don't think he would sit quietly and let things happen.  I know he would riot but only destroying what needed to be.  I think this because of him destroying the tax collector booths, he did not destroy the temple, just the injustice of the tax collectors.

I know you know the story but can you just see it?  Here he comes into a temple and sees the injustice so what does he do?  Jesus throws the tables over, sets free the animals, and shouts "Not in my Father's house"

Are not the rioters doing the same?  I get it, innocent people have had damage to their property.  But here they are saying "No more, not in my country!"  There should be no second class citizen.  We should have equality for all!

Mental health should be given to those that need, sexuality should not have to be a coming out story, blacks and other races should not have to live in fear.  I see the differences and am glad for that.  Each person is different.  Each person deserves to strive for the best in life.  Each person deserves a life without fear.

As a white Christian in America, I am privileged to go about life.  Yet as a lesbian, I get shunned for my "lifestyle".  I can't walk hand in hand with a love without catcalling or slurs thrown my way.  I can't walk into a church of Christ and be accepted with a partner for the most part.  I can't show PDA at all without someone saying something.

Some ways we have come a long way, but many areas still need to grow up!  I just pray we learn how to before more lives are taken in some form or fashion.

Cynical Christians!

Don’t be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people.

2 Timothy 3:1-5

Well, one might say that we are in the end times.  I don't know.  I just know that I don't like what I see.  I see hate where there should be love.  I see fear where there should be safety.  I hear concern.  Yet I see people being cynical.

What is cynical though?  Google dictionary says:

1. Believing that people are motivated by self-interest; distrustful of human sincerity or integrity
   "her cynical attitude"
2. Concerned only with one's own interests and typically disregarding accepted or appropriate standards in order to achieve them.
   "a cynical manipulation of public opinion"

1. • 
     

Man how do we see people being motivated by self.  Not by what God wants or says.  Yet have I been self motivated lately?  Do I try to self direct where I shouldn't?  I often wonder this.  As christians are we imposing what we selfishly want and not what is truly in the Bible?

I know that there are times that I (and I must speak for myself here) have tried to get the answer I want out of the Bible and not what it actually says.  Yes, it is true.  I want to be justified in my actions not to realize that really I need to accept the consequences and try my hardest to do better and live a life based on the guidelines of the Bible.

It is like I want to have sex, but it is wrong to when not married.  I tried to say cause it was not heterosexual sex so it was okay, but it is not.  Sex is still sex.  I must be celibate and wait till either I am married or not at all if I stay single.  Yet here I struggle.  I want to move forward in my walk with God, but the flesh is weak.  So how do I deal with it?  I don't go to the barbers!  Meaning I don't put myself into situations that tempt me.

But how do I not be cynical?  How do I get out of me?  I remember that I am here to serve God and through that service to others.  I give me to help others.  I think of others.  I am there for others.  It is not a world that revolves around me but a world where I revolve around it.  Well, there is my two cents.

Faith Unashamed (Acoustic) - openly gay Christian Artist, Shawn Thomas

Torn by Justin Lee

Description from Amazon:  

As a teenager and young man, Justin Lee felt deeply torn. Nicknamed "God Boy" by his peers, he knew that he was called to a life in the evangelical Christian ministry. But Lee harbored a secret: He also knew that he was gay. In this groundbreaking book, Lee recalls the events - his coming out to his parents, his experiences with the "ex-gay" movement, and his in-depth study of the Bible - that led him, eventually, to self-acceptance.

But more than just a memoir, Torn provides insightful, practical guidance for all committed Christians who wonder how to relate to gay friends or family members - or who struggle with their own sexuality. Convinced that "in a culture that sees gays and Christians as enemies, gay Christians are in a unique position to bring peace," Lee demonstrates that people of faith on both sides of the debate can respect, learn from, and love one another.

My thoughts:

I love how easy of read this was.  I could not put it down.  I read it in record time.  I could relate to the story of Justin and at times felt myself saying me too!  I recommend this book to any gay christian out there.  Though there was times that I thought hard about where I stand on things, any great book will make you do this.  I love the ease Justin has on it.  

I love how also he reminds us to walk and act in grace.  So often we forget to.  Overall I give this book a five star rating!