Being LGBT isn't a passing fad!

I'm desperately hopeful that hate decreases and love increases in 2014...not least of all because 2013 wasn't a banner year in terms of loving kindness, if you ask me! I regret sometimes spending so much time reading about the hate the LGBT community has had to endure. It's as if some folks think that if there's more volume on the hate, it's going to somehow make "the gays" disappear. Whatever the thinking, let me share one vital, simple, plain thought on the subject:

Being LGBT isn't a passing fad!

"They" are not going away. And if haters changed their harsh and hateful ways, they might actually learn something better: That LGBT people aren't a thing to be bemoaned, they're people to be appreciated, respected, admired, and loved! That's why I have no trouble kindly and respectfully asking any hater of any kind of any people anywhere to do something better with their time and energy and voice in 2014:

Learn to love...please...!

I don't know if haters are New Years Resolution Makers, but that one would be a win for us all! There are lots of ways to make love happen; would any of these work for you?

-- Go somewhere you wouldn't normally go, and spend time with people you wouldn't normally spend time with -- i.e. gay bar/club, church, LGBT community resource center, Christian food pantry or homeless program...whatever...wherever!

-- While you're there, make a point of meeting someone -- by name -- in that group of people you've struggled with previously. Have a real conversation, meaning: Be honest about who you are; then honestly listen as they share who they are.

-- When you meet someone who's been harmed by "your kind," say you're sorry -- and mean it! And keep saying it until you're both convinced!

-- Remember, there's no such thing as a "simple" act of love or kindness! Hug, handshake, kiss, love in whatever way you can, as often as you can, to as many people as you can! Especially those with whom you were formerly uncomfortable.

-- Memorize this verse from the Bible (whether you like the Bible or not!): "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18 NIV) Then live it in thought, word, and deed! Do your part!

If all else fails, and 2014 doesn't move you from hate all the way to love, remember: Even if you can choose to hate less, that's progress! :-) My plan is to love more people more intentionally and more often throughout 2014 than I did in 2013! You?

Happy New Year...hope your 2014 is wonderful! Love and prayers to you and everyone you love and everyone you're learning to love! :-) Steve xo