Those of you who have known us for a long time know that Don has had a…tumultuous relationship with the church. He has been maligned and attacked by many, many hateful people in different ways. And the amazing thing is: it’s not for casting anyone out, for treating people poorly, or any of the many horrible ways the Christian community often represents itself to the world. In most of the cases in which someone chooses to attack Don, our family, or our church, it’s for being too welcoming and loving to the “wrong” people. Or, it’s because Don actually chooses to ask questions and explore the Scriptures for himself instead of believing whatever was taught to him from a pulpit. Because of these things, he has sometimes been decried as a heretic or a false teacher, for twisting Scripture to fit his own “agenda.” But here’s the irony of those epithets: I have never met ANYONE who loves and studies the Text as thoroughly as Don does. ANYONE. His knowledge is astonishing, and his love for G-d even more so. Any theological position he holds right now he holds because of years of studying the Text and its context. And yet, the accusations fly. These accusations and unkind treatments have caused us much anguish over the years. Some times are worse than others, and the last few days have been rough. A Facebook post Don meant to be celebratory was instead hijacked by those who wished to malign a particular group of people and accuse Don of being a false teacher (to boot: these were also mostly people Don doesn’t even know). One individual in particular was extremely hateful in his remarks, continued to harass Don via instant message, and even tried to post negative comments on our church’s Facebook page. Immediately following this incident, a friend messaged Don with some great insight. She said (to probably paraphrase poorly) that in some ways, it is helpful and good that Don has experienced this, because if he intends to bring healing and help to a maligned population, it is helpful for him to understand what that population has experienced. Don had considered this in the past, but for some reason it didn’t really sink in with me until today. What we have experienced is just a fraction of the hatred, vitriol, and violence that the LGBT community has experienced. A mere fraction. I can’t even begin to tell you the stories of hatred and hurt that these kinds folks have shared with us, and the kinds of self-torture they’ve put themselves through as a result. Honestly, it’s no wonder why so many people hate the Church, and why the statement “I speak the truth in love” often seems so shallow. Because of these experiences - mixed with some other stressors in my life – I was feeling pretty defeated yesterday. I was ready to just throw in the towel on everything and walk away. But not now. Not when I know that there are people out there suffering. Do I think I need to rescue them? No. That’s not my place. But I am called to love them (everybody). And if we get bullied out of the Church because some self-proclaimed gatekeepers declare that we don’t deserve to be there (how’s THAT for hubris?), then that’s two fewer people who are willing to show love to a maligned population. And isn’t that what we’re called to do? Love? So, in a way, I guess I should thank this guy. This random guy who bullied, maligned, accused, and judged. Because instead of being the straw that broke the camel’s back, he became the straw that lit a fire under me. I’m not going to stand by and watch my friends or any other part of humanity be treated like that by someone who claims to represent G-d. To my last dying breath, I will attempt to live out the life I believe G-d has called us to – to love one another with all our hearts, souls, minds, strength. And to love our neighbors as ourselves. This won’t be easy, I know. I have many faults to overcome and I’m not always the best at showing that love to others. But damnit, I’m gonna try. Because humankind deserves better.
Posted on: Wed, 25 Jun 2014 23:12:18 +0000
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