Being Kind

This has been sitting with me for awhile and I have been struggling trying to figure out how to address it, or if I even should because of the backlash I may get.  But I can't be worried about that - the well being of my family and others is too important.   "Hate the sin, love the sinner".   I hate this phrase, especially when it is thrown at the LGBTQ+ community.  These words are why we left the church we had been going to when the girls were born. (Yes you all have done a lot for us when we needed help and I will always be thankful.  But this matters and this has hurt us)  Here is the thing: that phrase is never in the Bible. Jesus calls us to love thy neighbor as thyself. But when one use that phrase, you are not viewing them as your neighbor - you're passing judgement. It isn't our place to judge and condemn.  Our job is to love.  Most people I've talked to claim they say those words out of love and tolerance. But when these words are said to LGBTQ+ people -- people like our brothers, sisters, parents, children, grandchildren, neighbors, coworkers, etc -- you are implying that who they are and how they love is somehow inferior to you. It implies that you view them as less of a person, over something they have no control over. While it may seem trivial, this has dramatic, far-reaching effects. Queer people have always had to fight for their right just to exist. I'm sure most of you remember a time not that long ago when just Being gay was illegal, let alone being in a gay marriage. And despite how 'woke' the world feels right now, queer people all over are still struggling just to be accepted by their friends and family. It's devastating enough to have your family disappointed in your choices, but to have them say they disapprove of you as a person, that they fundamentally think you are inferior to them and a destined to rot in hell - thats life-shattering. It's  no wonder why the mental health issues, rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide are astronomically high within the LGBTQ+ community.  We are all children, even those of which you disapprove. And if you don't approve of the life choices, that's fine you are free too. But those words and rhetoric like that should never be said.  If you think I am over reacting, do some reading, do some research. Better yet ask a school counselor or a therapist why the words you say matter.   God never said those words. They are not in the the Bible.  He does say love thy neighbor as thyself.  He does tell us not to pass judgement. I'm willing to bet you know people in the community; if not your kids, your kids friends. If you love and care for them, please don't say those things to them. And if you love me, and know that I love my kids beyond belief, do not ever say these words to them. 

I try to be a patient and caring person like Jesus calls me to be, but if being a good Christian and respecting my boundaries is too much, feel free to leave. I will be sad if you go, but I am not really responsible for your choices.I am responsible for keeping my kids and those I take in safe. At the end of the day, only God can judge us. And in the eyes of God, all sins are equal. But Love is not one of them. 

God bless 🙏