LGBT conversations don't have to be so awkward!

Why is talking about LGBT issues in the church so awkward? Why can't sincere, honest, hard questions be asked without people freaking out? Is it because the loudest voices are from angry men and women full of self-righteousness and smugness? They sure make me nervous! Where's the Jesus-love in any of that? Doesn't feel quite right, does it.

I sure can't discuss or debate the fine things of theology (especially the five or so specific bits of the Bible too often used against the LGBT community). But doesn't heart count for something? I'd rather love than lambaste! But if anyone seems to be bad for the church's reputation, it sure has to be Christians! Or, as "God" said on Twitter (@TheTweetOfGod) recently: "The trouble with Christianity is Christians." Weird, huh.

And as for the Bible, hasn't it been sorely used and abused! So wonderfully helpful in the right hands -- and a powerful force for grief (a weapon!) in the wrong ones! Used to corner people and judge people and put people in their place. Not much grace or mercy or love in any of that! The more I work my way back and forth through it, I find more and more about justice and grace, mercy and love -- and less and less about fear and hate, judgment and harm. I suppose it's down to what you're looking for.

If we're going to pluck verses out of the bible, why don't we at least pick some happy, hopeful ones! If we use these ones a bit more than the "send-them-to-hell-for-being-who-they-are" verses that seem so popular, we might make some real progress! Here's some of what I'd like to be held accountable for in my own life:

"Love your neighbor as yourself." (Bam!)
"Love is kind." (Whoosh!)
"Defend the oppressed." (Kappow!)
"As far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men." (Oh yeah!)
"Love your enemies..." (Zing!)
"Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." (Wowzer!)

BTW, my parenthetical responses after the verses are in honor of San Francisco's Bat Kid! @sfbatkid (Kaboom!!)

Here's how we can narrow the gap between the "Us's" and the "Thems:" Lay aside the Bible (but not the love and hope it represents!), look a gay man or woman lovingly and kindly in the eyes, and say -- with real sincerity! -- "Tell me about yourself..." (Or whatever phrase will build a conversation and a friendship!) Sometimes we have to learn to love. And that's how we're going to change the church and the world: One loving relationship at a time! Like this...

Make it personal.
Calm down.
Take time.
Listen.
Ask good questions.
Empathize.
Care.
Smile.
Laugh.
Cry.
Love.

I'm going to keep trying! You, too?

Love and prayers and loud cheers (lots of all 3!) to everyone who's trying to do their bit...including YOU!  :-)  xo