Today’s Readings: Psalm 52; Numbers 10:29-36; Luke 23:13-25; Ephesians 3:7-13; Psalm 43
Today marks the 20th anniversary of National Coming Out Day (NCOD). NCOD was created by Dr. Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary in 1988 to provide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people (and their allies) the opportunity to come out and share the fullness of themselves with those around them – thereby raising people’s awareness of LGBT people in their lives and moving us closer toward a just and more inclusive world. The timing of NCOD coincides beautifully with today’s reading from Ephesians. For in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote: “When we trust in [Christ], we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!” (Ephesians 3:12-13 from The Message). Each Coming Out Day, I realize that it’s not just members of the LGBT people who need to heed Paul’s advice to be “bold to go wherever we need to go”. There are lots of other people who feel as if they too need to hide a piece of themselves in order to be acceptable to others: people who have lived/who are living in abusive relationships, people living with physical or mental illnesses, people living in poverty, people struggling with addictions… sadly, the list of those who have been shamed or silenced could go on and on. Maybe there’s an element of your life that you have felt compelled to keep hidden– not knowing how that element would be received. On this National Coming Out Day, I would encourage you to think about finding someone you trust and sharing that piece of yourself. If you don't feel safe enough to share that piece of yourself with another, then stand in front of a mirror - look into it - and "come out" to yourself. In taking that “bold” step, you wouldn't just be making a bold statement about yourself. You'd be making a bold statement about God. You will be saying God’s love and embrace is deeper than any bias or prejudice that might be perpetrated by those who profess to follow God. Til next time…
Today marks the 20th anniversary of National Coming Out Day (NCOD). NCOD was created by Dr. Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary in 1988 to provide Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender people (and their allies) the opportunity to come out and share the fullness of themselves with those around them – thereby raising people’s awareness of LGBT people in their lives and moving us closer toward a just and more inclusive world. The timing of NCOD coincides beautifully with today’s reading from Ephesians. For in his letter to the Ephesians, Paul wrote: “When we trust in [Christ], we’re free to say whatever needs to be said, bold to go wherever we need to go. So don’t let my present trouble on your behalf get you down. Be proud!” (Ephesians 3:12-13 from The Message). Each Coming Out Day, I realize that it’s not just members of the LGBT people who need to heed Paul’s advice to be “bold to go wherever we need to go”. There are lots of other people who feel as if they too need to hide a piece of themselves in order to be acceptable to others: people who have lived/who are living in abusive relationships, people living with physical or mental illnesses, people living in poverty, people struggling with addictions… sadly, the list of those who have been shamed or silenced could go on and on. Maybe there’s an element of your life that you have felt compelled to keep hidden– not knowing how that element would be received. On this National Coming Out Day, I would encourage you to think about finding someone you trust and sharing that piece of yourself. If you don't feel safe enough to share that piece of yourself with another, then stand in front of a mirror - look into it - and "come out" to yourself. In taking that “bold” step, you wouldn't just be making a bold statement about yourself. You'd be making a bold statement about God. You will be saying God’s love and embrace is deeper than any bias or prejudice that might be perpetrated by those who profess to follow God. Til next time…
1 comment:
Dear Emerging Craig: Very, very well said indeed. You are an inspiration to many including me. Peace. Sincerely, Jon Wallace
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