"Gay Christian" is NOT an oxymoron...!

If we're ever going to stop (or at least lighten up on!) the painful, angry, shouting, ridiculous, unnecessary, unhelpful, getting-us-nowhere war between the church and the LGBT community, we need to two things: (1) a LOT more love, smiles, and laughter, and (2) a reminder!

What I want to say to every sneering religious leader is:  Name the gay people you know and spend time with. Or, if I wanted to be snootier about things, here's what I'd ask people shouting most loudly against the LGBT community: Who are the members of the LGBT community that you actually know? Would you consider any of them a friend? Would any of them consider you their friend? Then I'd knock them upside the head with the biggest Bible I could find! (No, not really...but you probably understand that feeling!) The more we really know each other -- the deeper we go into each other's heart and soul -- the more likely we are to find things to appreciate and respect about each other. We might even find a point of empathy -- and (could I dare believe?) real love.

My point is, everyone needs to spend more time together -- really getting to know each other -- as people, not according to our labels! But that doesn't happen as often as it should because neither side wants to! After all, let's be honest: Who actually chooses to hang out with their enemies?! Ugh! But, if I want to be part of the solution -- a catalyst for positive change -- and I do! -- then I'd better be ready and willing to do just that!

We need to tell our stories. We need to express our fears. We need to share things in common and things that are unique to each of us. We need to laugh and cry together. We need to be glad and sad together. We need to rejoice over the common ground we share -- an awful lot if we stop and think! And sure need to laugh more -- a lot more -- at each other and with each other -- until our cheeks hurt and our stomachs ache! Smiles and laughter change everything.

We need more joybringers and laugh-inducers! Is that you? :-)

Then I'd shout out the most important reminder to the shouters on the LGBT side of the street and the shouters on the Christian side of the street: "'Gay Christian' is NOT an oxymoron...moron!" (Yes, I realize it might help if I drop that second "moron." But, you know how it is when you're frustrated! Lol.)

What a tough spot to be in! That poor gay Christian man or woman standing between the two teams they're on -- as if they're mutually exclusive! -- getting rotten eggs and tomatoes thrown at them (as it were) from both sides of the street!

"How can you be a Christian?! They hate you!!"
"What do you mean you're gay?! Be gone with you...away from my holy presence!!"

Sound like fun to you?!

If anyone deserves our sympathy and respect, it's LGBT Christians! Talk about bravery -- taking it on the chin simply because they dare to be who they are. And hated for it...twice!

Rodney King's tragic word still echo -- "Can't we all just get along?!" (or something like that). No, Rodney -- we can't! Because we don't want to...right? Because we choose sides and stick to them as if our lives depended on it!

But maybe some of us can choose a better way -- the way of love and laughter! I want you on my side -- no matter what side you're on! As long as you bring lots of love and smiles and laughter with you!  :-)  Love ya! xo