Clive Jones, who mentored a politician named Harvey Milk and who initiated the AIDS memorial Quilt in the late 1980's, has reengaged in the gay rights movement. Here is an excerpt from the AP article:
There was a time when I thought I would never be happy again," Jones says, standing barefoot in the tiki-torched yard of the California desert bungalow where he has lived since 1999 but is rarely home long enough to enjoy. "I feel so connected to the movement again."
That he feels compelled to comment on his good fortune says a lot about the twists Jones' own life took after 1978, the year openly gay San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk was assassinated.
Culture watchers will remember that Jones, the 23-year-old City Hall intern portrayed in "Milk," went on to create the 47,000-panel quilt that humanized the lives lost to AIDS. Less widely known is that during the decade he spent weaving one of the world's largest folk art projects into the nation's fabric, Jones was preparing to die himself.
Instead, he became one of the AIDS epidemic's earliest survivors.
"If I'd known I was going to live this long, I would have saved money and joined a gym," laughs Jones, who shows the puckish sense of humor actor Emile Hirsch exhibited as his on-screen alter-ego.
When talk turns to the National Equality March scheduled for the second week of October in Washington, however, Jones turns serious.
His goal is to build an army of activists drawn from each of the nation's 435 congressional districts. Afterward, participants will be sent home to pressure their representatives and the White House into removing the remaining barriers to gay equality, such as the policy that prevents gays from serving openly in the military.
If successful, Jones' vision would represent a sea change in the gay rights movement's strategy of securing victories piecemeal on the local or state level.
"We got locked into this pattern of fighting for fractions of crumbs — 'Oh please, sir, in this county could we please not be fired for being gay if it's all right in this county for you to evict us for being gay?'" he says. "It's been this ping-pong with our basic civil rights....If you are a free and equal people, why would you settle for this?"
Jones agreed to organize the march at the urging of veteran activist David Mixner, who proposed it as a way to lobby President Barack Obama to follow through on his campaign promises.
"When he has a sense of righteousness about a mission, he has a tenacity I have rarely seen," said Mixner, who has known Jones since the 1970s. "He is not a person who has ever put himself before the mission."
The National Equality March has yet to be universally embraced by leading GLBT advocates, but then again neither was the AIDS Quile and look at the lasting impact that has had on our culture and the was that AIDS is viewed by society.
Click here to read the rest of the AP article.
July 21, 2009
July 20, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/20/09-"Baptism By the Bay"
Here's something a bit different-a baptism. While it's not a normal podcast or sermon, there is certainly a message in watching GLBT people being baptized. These were performed by Rev. Sandra Turnbull of the Glory Tabernacle Christian Center in Long Beach, CA. They have a rockin' praise and worship band and are one of the churches we link to in our weekly Sunday Worship. Enjoy.
Driving the Demons Out of Homophobia
I recently shared the video here of the church that tried to perform a "gay exorcism." Rev. Candace Chellew-Hodge, author or Bulletproof Faith, wrote this essay as a response to it. Candace also shares the inherent problem of being a GLBT Christian minister. Here's an excerpt:
As a Christian, who just happens to be a lesbian, I find myself a minority within a minority. A large number of gay and lesbian people have abandoned Christianity - and with these sorts of shenanigans going on in the name of God, it’s really no great leap of logic to figure out why. When you have someone, in the name of God, painting gays and lesbians as demon-possessed people with an abhorrent “lifestyle,” God gets a pretty bad rap in the deal.
I always begin my workshops by proclaiming the good news that God loves gays and lesbians just as they are and they should never believe anyone who says differently. As I say this, however, I’m showing images of homophobic people protesting at pride parades and other gatherings holding signs like “Sodomy is sin.” The point is to drive home the mixed messages gays and lesbians get from religion. On one hand lesbian pastors like me say, “God loves you,” while the religious right, with the aid of their large media microphone, screams, “God hates fags.” Who can blame our community for being confused?
The ramifications of this rejection of God in the gay and lesbian community are great. I recently wrote a book aimed at the gay and lesbian Christian community called “Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians.” I expected to have a warm reception by the gay and lesbian media. After all, this is a book written for our community, by someone in our community imparting the good news that God loves gays and lesbians, made us just as we are, and that we have nothing to fear from anyone - especially those like McKinney who believe God hates us or that a demon has infested us.
Except for an online excerpt in the Advocate, my book has been like Kryptonite to the gay press. A few smaller, local papers have done an article here and there, but by and large, I can’t get anyone to even mention it, let alone actually do a story on it. The comments on the Advocate article really tell why. I’m attacked for believing in some imaginary friend and questioned about why I would want to stay in a club that didn’t want me as a member.
That type of hostility Candace refers to is one of the primary reasons we have this ministry here and are working hard to put it in front of as many people as possible--not to promote Jim and Brenda in any way but to offer a voice different to the hateful one Candace refers to in her essay.
She has much more to say, click here to read the rest of her esssay.
As a Christian, who just happens to be a lesbian, I find myself a minority within a minority. A large number of gay and lesbian people have abandoned Christianity - and with these sorts of shenanigans going on in the name of God, it’s really no great leap of logic to figure out why. When you have someone, in the name of God, painting gays and lesbians as demon-possessed people with an abhorrent “lifestyle,” God gets a pretty bad rap in the deal.
I always begin my workshops by proclaiming the good news that God loves gays and lesbians just as they are and they should never believe anyone who says differently. As I say this, however, I’m showing images of homophobic people protesting at pride parades and other gatherings holding signs like “Sodomy is sin.” The point is to drive home the mixed messages gays and lesbians get from religion. On one hand lesbian pastors like me say, “God loves you,” while the religious right, with the aid of their large media microphone, screams, “God hates fags.” Who can blame our community for being confused?
The ramifications of this rejection of God in the gay and lesbian community are great. I recently wrote a book aimed at the gay and lesbian Christian community called “Bulletproof Faith: A Spiritual Survival Guide for Gay and Lesbian Christians.” I expected to have a warm reception by the gay and lesbian media. After all, this is a book written for our community, by someone in our community imparting the good news that God loves gays and lesbians, made us just as we are, and that we have nothing to fear from anyone - especially those like McKinney who believe God hates us or that a demon has infested us.
Except for an online excerpt in the Advocate, my book has been like Kryptonite to the gay press. A few smaller, local papers have done an article here and there, but by and large, I can’t get anyone to even mention it, let alone actually do a story on it. The comments on the Advocate article really tell why. I’m attacked for believing in some imaginary friend and questioned about why I would want to stay in a club that didn’t want me as a member.
That type of hostility Candace refers to is one of the primary reasons we have this ministry here and are working hard to put it in front of as many people as possible--not to promote Jim and Brenda in any way but to offer a voice different to the hateful one Candace refers to in her essay.
She has much more to say, click here to read the rest of her esssay.
July 19, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/19/09
Lord,
There is so much hate in this world and in the United States. What sickens me is how much of it is in your name--some of the loudest and most hateful.
Lord, you told us in your word that you are love. If there is any one thing you made clear in the Bible, that's it, yet so many people choose to ignore or twist that into showing love for you by hating others they perceive are living outside your rules.
Lord, you tell us that what we do for the least we do for you. Doesn't that also mean that what we do TO the least of those we do TO you? Please help people open their eyes and hearts to understand that before more people get hurt and some of those die.
Lord, even those not directly hurt by this hatred are often emotionally scarred, pushed away from you by those who claim to be your followers. You know how many GLBT people I run across that are angry at you when they should actually be angry at those who so grossly misrepresent you. For many of them, the only God they see through people claiming to be Christian is an angry, judgmental God that I personally wouldn't want anything to do with either.
Lord, help those of us who understand and seek to bring your love to those who have only seen hate acted out in your name, help us gather larger, stronger, louder forces to counteract the anger and hatred attached to your name. Help us save lives of people who don't want to know you because of the false image they have seen of you.
You told us that love conquers all. Please help us make that happen here on Earth.
Amen.
There is so much hate in this world and in the United States. What sickens me is how much of it is in your name--some of the loudest and most hateful.
Lord, you told us in your word that you are love. If there is any one thing you made clear in the Bible, that's it, yet so many people choose to ignore or twist that into showing love for you by hating others they perceive are living outside your rules.
Lord, you tell us that what we do for the least we do for you. Doesn't that also mean that what we do TO the least of those we do TO you? Please help people open their eyes and hearts to understand that before more people get hurt and some of those die.
Lord, even those not directly hurt by this hatred are often emotionally scarred, pushed away from you by those who claim to be your followers. You know how many GLBT people I run across that are angry at you when they should actually be angry at those who so grossly misrepresent you. For many of them, the only God they see through people claiming to be Christian is an angry, judgmental God that I personally wouldn't want anything to do with either.
Lord, help those of us who understand and seek to bring your love to those who have only seen hate acted out in your name, help us gather larger, stronger, louder forces to counteract the anger and hatred attached to your name. Help us save lives of people who don't want to know you because of the false image they have seen of you.
You told us that love conquers all. Please help us make that happen here on Earth.
Amen.
Sunday Worship 7/19/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
July 18, 2009
July 17, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/17/09-God puts your tears in a bottle
In Brenda's latest podcast, she tell how God remembers our sorrows and keeps track of our tears based on Pslam 56:8.
The Dating Life of a Christian Transman
Yeah, how DOES that work? Lincoln Rose wrote an essay for Whosoever about his experiences as he engages in a whole new kind of dating world. Here is an excerpt:
I do struggle at times with what my role as a man will be with a Christian woman. There is so much I've questioned about manhood in general as I've transitioned, that I find myself picking apart the Christian male "rules" almost automatically. Be a leader, real men either do (or don't) cry depending on whose book you're reading, you need to be a prayer warrior, all family decisions are your responsibility, get a good job so you can provide, and remember: women want you to pursue them! That's how God ordained relationships to be.
If that's so, do I stand a chance of living up to this? I think my situation brings an extra wrinkle with it. Will a Christian woman who is Queer identified or has been in/around the community for any portion of her life expect the same things from a Christian man that my evangelical dating books are telling me she wants? If I train myself up and can show a woman that I can do most of the things these books are telling me to do, is a Christian woman from my community going to be impressed? Or will she back slowly away from me, muttering something under her breath about the patriarchy and outdated ideas?
And what about my own life? How do I know when I'm a "good enough" Christian man that I can pursue a woman's heart with honor and integrity? Yes, now I have a good job, housing, and have made a start paying down my debts. And that's great, but it's not everything. And God definitely let me know that. You see, last month, just when I thought I had a few things right (and was getting a little puffed in the chest about it).
Sometimes it all seems like too much. Cultural cues are giving me input from everywhere, and I can't make heads or tails of the conflicts over all the noise. Like Peter on the water, I aspire to be something I see as much greater than who I am right now. And maybe that's the root of the problem. I'm spending all my energy trying to guess what the women around me want when I should be figuring out what I can give based on both the kind of man I am and what I have available to me. Right now that's not much. But hopefully just like with the material blessings I've been enjoying, some hard work and reliance on the Lord will bear good fruit in the spiritual realm as well.
There's a lot more to this story and I encourage you to click here and read the rest of it at Whosoever.
I do struggle at times with what my role as a man will be with a Christian woman. There is so much I've questioned about manhood in general as I've transitioned, that I find myself picking apart the Christian male "rules" almost automatically. Be a leader, real men either do (or don't) cry depending on whose book you're reading, you need to be a prayer warrior, all family decisions are your responsibility, get a good job so you can provide, and remember: women want you to pursue them! That's how God ordained relationships to be.
If that's so, do I stand a chance of living up to this? I think my situation brings an extra wrinkle with it. Will a Christian woman who is Queer identified or has been in/around the community for any portion of her life expect the same things from a Christian man that my evangelical dating books are telling me she wants? If I train myself up and can show a woman that I can do most of the things these books are telling me to do, is a Christian woman from my community going to be impressed? Or will she back slowly away from me, muttering something under her breath about the patriarchy and outdated ideas?
And what about my own life? How do I know when I'm a "good enough" Christian man that I can pursue a woman's heart with honor and integrity? Yes, now I have a good job, housing, and have made a start paying down my debts. And that's great, but it's not everything. And God definitely let me know that. You see, last month, just when I thought I had a few things right (and was getting a little puffed in the chest about it).
Sometimes it all seems like too much. Cultural cues are giving me input from everywhere, and I can't make heads or tails of the conflicts over all the noise. Like Peter on the water, I aspire to be something I see as much greater than who I am right now. And maybe that's the root of the problem. I'm spending all my energy trying to guess what the women around me want when I should be figuring out what I can give based on both the kind of man I am and what I have available to me. Right now that's not much. But hopefully just like with the material blessings I've been enjoying, some hard work and reliance on the Lord will bear good fruit in the spiritual realm as well.
There's a lot more to this story and I encourage you to click here and read the rest of it at Whosoever.
July 16, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/16/09
Lord,
Thank you for answering prayers in YOUR time, not ours. That's not easy to say, and even harder to mean, but some things are worth the wait. Brenda received some wonderful news today when a friend of hers who she has been estranged from for several years responded to her several inquires about reestablishing contact. After trying for quite a while, Brenda had that prayer answered today and is anticipating what direction the relationship will take as it redevelops.
You've also answered prayers I even gave up praying in the last few months as my career has developed far beyond I had expected for a long, long time. You waited until I was ready to receive the blessings and was prepared to take advantage of them before you provided the opportunity, and as I walk with you through each day on the job. those blessings are clear and visible to others.
When things are tough and we are frustrated with our current lot in life, we need to remember that you have a plan far better than anything we can come up with on our own, and your timing is what will optimize it. As you unfold our ministry through this website and various contacts we are making, I ask your help in not moving ahead of your plan for it, that we surrender to your plan and your timing knowing that is the way to recognize the greatest impact of our efforts.
Amen
Thank you for answering prayers in YOUR time, not ours. That's not easy to say, and even harder to mean, but some things are worth the wait. Brenda received some wonderful news today when a friend of hers who she has been estranged from for several years responded to her several inquires about reestablishing contact. After trying for quite a while, Brenda had that prayer answered today and is anticipating what direction the relationship will take as it redevelops.
You've also answered prayers I even gave up praying in the last few months as my career has developed far beyond I had expected for a long, long time. You waited until I was ready to receive the blessings and was prepared to take advantage of them before you provided the opportunity, and as I walk with you through each day on the job. those blessings are clear and visible to others.
When things are tough and we are frustrated with our current lot in life, we need to remember that you have a plan far better than anything we can come up with on our own, and your timing is what will optimize it. As you unfold our ministry through this website and various contacts we are making, I ask your help in not moving ahead of your plan for it, that we surrender to your plan and your timing knowing that is the way to recognize the greatest impact of our efforts.
Amen
Encouraging Words 7/16/09-"Is Homosexuality An Abomination?"
Justin Lee, the Executive Director of the Gay Christian Network, talks about the video "Through My Eyes" that his organization produced and answers the question in the title.
Gay Pride: WWJD?
That's the interesting question that Steve Schmidt takes a crack at on Whosover.org. Here's an excerpt:
Would Jesus go to a Gay Pride parade? You bet he would. I doubt very much he'd be marching in it (he tended to avoid political activism since that wasn't his purpose), but he'd certainly have a booth out on the fair grounds with big signs telling people that God loved them. He'd be shouting into the crowds (in a very undignified way), "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He'd say, "Come to me, all who are hungry, and let me give you what you're seeking. Come to me, all of you who are thirsty, and I will give you water to drink that will fill your souls and overflow out of you to water others." (Mt 11:28; Lk 1:53; Lk 6:21; Jn 7:38)
Especially at Gay Pride celebrations, where so many Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual and Transgender people have been rejected by our religious organizations, our churches, hurt by family, told they are hated by God, told they are going to hell. Is there any other group of people more needing of the love and acceptance of Jesus? Would he be among the conservative church goers there, holding up protest signs that say "Fags go to Hell", or hurling insults at those dressed in feather boas or sexually-explicit costumes? Would he be among those throwing stones? Did he EVER do that in the Gospels? No. Today, at any Gay Pride parade or picnic he went to, he'd walk up to such scandalous people, wrap his arms around them, kiss them on the cheek, and say "You are SO loved by the Father." Some people would reject him, now just as they did 2000 years ago. But those who hunger for a relationship with God would hug him back, and follow him to some grassy picnic area where he'd tell them stories about how the Kingdom of God is made up of people such as themselves. And from such people, he would raise up followers who would know the grace of God and see a face of God that those who grew up in the church have never seen and will never experience.
Yep, sounds like the Jesus I know and love. Click here to read the rest of the essay at Whosoever.
Would Jesus go to a Gay Pride parade? You bet he would. I doubt very much he'd be marching in it (he tended to avoid political activism since that wasn't his purpose), but he'd certainly have a booth out on the fair grounds with big signs telling people that God loved them. He'd be shouting into the crowds (in a very undignified way), "Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He'd say, "Come to me, all who are hungry, and let me give you what you're seeking. Come to me, all of you who are thirsty, and I will give you water to drink that will fill your souls and overflow out of you to water others." (Mt 11:28; Lk 1:53; Lk 6:21; Jn 7:38)
Especially at Gay Pride celebrations, where so many Gay and Lesbian and Bisexual and Transgender people have been rejected by our religious organizations, our churches, hurt by family, told they are hated by God, told they are going to hell. Is there any other group of people more needing of the love and acceptance of Jesus? Would he be among the conservative church goers there, holding up protest signs that say "Fags go to Hell", or hurling insults at those dressed in feather boas or sexually-explicit costumes? Would he be among those throwing stones? Did he EVER do that in the Gospels? No. Today, at any Gay Pride parade or picnic he went to, he'd walk up to such scandalous people, wrap his arms around them, kiss them on the cheek, and say "You are SO loved by the Father." Some people would reject him, now just as they did 2000 years ago. But those who hunger for a relationship with God would hug him back, and follow him to some grassy picnic area where he'd tell them stories about how the Kingdom of God is made up of people such as themselves. And from such people, he would raise up followers who would know the grace of God and see a face of God that those who grew up in the church have never seen and will never experience.
Yep, sounds like the Jesus I know and love. Click here to read the rest of the essay at Whosoever.
July 15, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/15/09; How Did a Straight Guy Get Involved in GLBT Ministry?
In Jim's first podcast, he shares how he became involved in GLBT ministry using Jeremiah 29:11 as a base.
Teaching the "Homo-Naive"
That's what Loren A. Olson thinks GLBT people, especially older ones, should do when opportunities present themselves. He shares those thoughts as he and his partner prepare for their legally recognized wedding in Iowa. Here's an excerpt that gets to the point:
Because a wedding between two people of the same sex is inherently revolutionary, our wedding will confront all of our guests with their own values about homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Some of our friends are Baptists, Catholics, and yes, even Republicans. Although they all love us and always treat us respectfully, after they leave the reception celebration they will be asking a question they may have censored, "What will they do on their wedding night?"
As members of the LGBT community, where these questions were answered for us during the process of our coming out, we often forget that others are just beginning to examine the nature of our gay relationships. Sometimes we get reactive and are quick to judge others as homophobes and bigots, and some of them are, but many of them, like our relative, are just homo-naïve. Gay marriage can be legislated; tolerance cannot be.
Those of us who are older gay men and women, since our generation is most strongly opposed to gay rights, have a particular obligation to teach others of our generation that our relationships are just like theirs, even though our weddings may not be. We are obliged to teach them that our relationships are simply about loving another person.
I think this is wonderful advice. If someone is interested enough to ask a question, even though it may seem stupid, that can be their way of reaching across and sincerely tryling to understand what this whole same-sex marriage thing is about. As this article suggests, don't smack away that hand, reach back with tolerance of their ignorance and teach them. There's a chance they might take back what they learn and tell their equally naive straight friends. Education and living a life that doesn't "threaten' anyone are two of the best tools the GLBT community can use to bring people in off the sidelines and have them engage as allies in the fight for equality.
Click here to read the rest of the essay at The Bilerico Project.
Because a wedding between two people of the same sex is inherently revolutionary, our wedding will confront all of our guests with their own values about homosexuality and same-sex marriage. Some of our friends are Baptists, Catholics, and yes, even Republicans. Although they all love us and always treat us respectfully, after they leave the reception celebration they will be asking a question they may have censored, "What will they do on their wedding night?"
As members of the LGBT community, where these questions were answered for us during the process of our coming out, we often forget that others are just beginning to examine the nature of our gay relationships. Sometimes we get reactive and are quick to judge others as homophobes and bigots, and some of them are, but many of them, like our relative, are just homo-naïve. Gay marriage can be legislated; tolerance cannot be.
Those of us who are older gay men and women, since our generation is most strongly opposed to gay rights, have a particular obligation to teach others of our generation that our relationships are just like theirs, even though our weddings may not be. We are obliged to teach them that our relationships are simply about loving another person.
I think this is wonderful advice. If someone is interested enough to ask a question, even though it may seem stupid, that can be their way of reaching across and sincerely tryling to understand what this whole same-sex marriage thing is about. As this article suggests, don't smack away that hand, reach back with tolerance of their ignorance and teach them. There's a chance they might take back what they learn and tell their equally naive straight friends. Education and living a life that doesn't "threaten' anyone are two of the best tools the GLBT community can use to bring people in off the sidelines and have them engage as allies in the fight for equality.
Click here to read the rest of the essay at The Bilerico Project.
July 14, 2009
Live chat at 9:00 Eastern
Join us at 9:00 PM Eastern time for our first Straight, Not Narrow chat:
http://tinychat.com/snn071409
http://tinychat.com/snn071409
Internet Radio Appearance Wednesday-6 PM Eastern
I'll be on Jase Preston-Yocom's program "GLBTQ Issues" on BlogTalkRadio tomorrow during the 6PM Eastern hour. Here's some info on the show:
We're going to talk about drug abuse, sexuality, coming out of the closet and other topics facing the GLBTQ community. Our special guests will be blogger, Jim Johnson from Straight Not Narrow and author, Terry Oldes who has first hand experience about tackling drug abuse.
Here's the link to listen live or to the podcast later:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theoutlet/2009/07/15/GLBTQ-Issues
We're going to talk about drug abuse, sexuality, coming out of the closet and other topics facing the GLBTQ community. Our special guests will be blogger, Jim Johnson from Straight Not Narrow and author, Terry Oldes who has first hand experience about tackling drug abuse.
Here's the link to listen live or to the podcast later:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/theoutlet/2009/07/15/GLBTQ-Issues
Encouraging Words 7/14/09-"A House Divided"
Pastor Allen Pope of New Hope Fellowship Church in Dallas, TX preaches from Luke 11:14-28 in his sermon "A House Divided"
http://www.nhfcdallas.org/sermons/NHFC_2009_04_19_A_House_Divided.mp3
http://www.nhfcdallas.org/sermons/NHFC_2009_04_19_A_House_Divided.mp3
First Live Chat TONIGHT at 9 PM Eastern
We're going to try something new on Tuesday, hosting our first live chat right here at Straight, Not Narrow. Please bring your questions about our ministry, something going on in your own life, concerns about GLBT social issues, and we'll both do the best to provide answers and/or facilitate discussion.
It will start at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern time and last an hour if the discussion carries that long. The link will be provided a few minutes before the chat in a seperate blog post. We hope this is something people will want to participate in and has value. Spread the word to anyone who might want to join in.
It will start at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern time and last an hour if the discussion carries that long. The link will be provided a few minutes before the chat in a seperate blog post. We hope this is something people will want to participate in and has value. Spread the word to anyone who might want to join in.
Congress Urged to Act on Bullying
The issue of the bullying of GLBT kids in school and the sometimes tragic consequences that result are continuing to receive more attention. This story from ABC News focuses on a recent hearing of the House of Representatives Education Committee on the subject. Here's an excerpt:
Sirdeaner Walker was cooking dinner for her family while her son Carl was in his room, where she thought he was doing his homework.
Instead, she later discovered, Carl had hanged himself with an extension cord around his neck. He was 11 years old.
Before his death in April, Carl told his mother he was being pushed around and teased for being "gay" and called a "faggot." But when Walker alerted the school, she said they portrayed Carl as the problem.
"I did everything that a parent is supposed to," Walker said. "I choose a 'good' school; I joined the PTO; I went to every parent-teacher conference; I called the school regularly and brought the bullying problem to the staff's attention. And the school did not act. The teachers did not know how to respond.
"School bullying is a national crisis and we need a national solution to deal with it," Walker said. "Teachers, administrators and other school personnel need additional support and clear guidance about how to ensure that all kids feel safe in school. Congress can make sure they have that guidance and support by making anti-bullying policies mandatory at all of our nation's schools."
There's a lot more in the article. Click here to read the rest of it.
Sirdeaner Walker was cooking dinner for her family while her son Carl was in his room, where she thought he was doing his homework.
Instead, she later discovered, Carl had hanged himself with an extension cord around his neck. He was 11 years old.
Before his death in April, Carl told his mother he was being pushed around and teased for being "gay" and called a "faggot." But when Walker alerted the school, she said they portrayed Carl as the problem.
"I did everything that a parent is supposed to," Walker said. "I choose a 'good' school; I joined the PTO; I went to every parent-teacher conference; I called the school regularly and brought the bullying problem to the staff's attention. And the school did not act. The teachers did not know how to respond.
"School bullying is a national crisis and we need a national solution to deal with it," Walker said. "Teachers, administrators and other school personnel need additional support and clear guidance about how to ensure that all kids feel safe in school. Congress can make sure they have that guidance and support by making anti-bullying policies mandatory at all of our nation's schools."
There's a lot more in the article. Click here to read the rest of it.
July 13, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/13/09
Lord,
I spent the day at a training class for my job, learning about a powerful piece of report-writing software that will be extremely useful once I can master it and share that knowledge with my staff. I thank you for that opportunity, and I got to thinking about it while I was inching through traffic on the way home.....
Isn't both learning, then sharing what we learn with others, a critical part of our mission, our very purpose, here on earth? If I hoarded knowledge and did not share it with those who could benefit from it, I would merely be fortifying my own position, increasing my own perceived standing, by selfishly declining to help others. Oh Lord, I know we have so much of that in our world today--people who feel they must enhance their standing in society by keeping others down. Yet when you walked the earth as a human, Jesus did just the opposite. The Bible tells us that he relished the opportunity to gather those less fortunate and impart his divine knowledge, realizing they were the most teachable and the most willing to learn.
Lord, I thank you for the opportunity, both in the workplace and in this blog, to share lessions I have learned, ones you have either directly taught me or placed me in the position to be taught by others. Thank you for loving us enough not to want us to stay the same but to grow, into our gifts you blessed us with and into a closer relationship with you.
Amen
I spent the day at a training class for my job, learning about a powerful piece of report-writing software that will be extremely useful once I can master it and share that knowledge with my staff. I thank you for that opportunity, and I got to thinking about it while I was inching through traffic on the way home.....
Isn't both learning, then sharing what we learn with others, a critical part of our mission, our very purpose, here on earth? If I hoarded knowledge and did not share it with those who could benefit from it, I would merely be fortifying my own position, increasing my own perceived standing, by selfishly declining to help others. Oh Lord, I know we have so much of that in our world today--people who feel they must enhance their standing in society by keeping others down. Yet when you walked the earth as a human, Jesus did just the opposite. The Bible tells us that he relished the opportunity to gather those less fortunate and impart his divine knowledge, realizing they were the most teachable and the most willing to learn.
Lord, I thank you for the opportunity, both in the workplace and in this blog, to share lessions I have learned, ones you have either directly taught me or placed me in the position to be taught by others. Thank you for loving us enough not to want us to stay the same but to grow, into our gifts you blessed us with and into a closer relationship with you.
Amen
Encouraging Words 7/13/09-God made you who you are
In Brenda's latest podcast, she discusses how God knew how you would turn out and loves you intimately using Psalm 139 as background.
So What About "Bruno"?
Sacha Baron Cohen's uber-hyped film "Bruno" opened this weekend to mixed reviews but still finished #1 at the box office with an estimated $30 million in receipts.
This movie was also reviewed by GLAAD, The Gay & Lesbian Aliance Against Defamation, and they weren't exactly thrilled (hat tip to Gay Agenda). The senior director of GLAAD, Rashad Robinson, wrote an op-ed piece for the Los Angeles Times about the movie. Here is an excerpt:
It's not that we don't get it. The makers of the film "Bruno," Sacha Baron Cohen's just-released follow-up to "Borat," have said that they intend to satirize and expose homophobia. But even when filmmakers have the best of intentions, there can be a disconnect between the concept and the execution. In "Bruno," the satire often loses sight of the way gay people are treated in real life.
In some scenes, the film's method cleverly skewers anti-gay attitudes. But in others it loses its way. In the film's finale, a disguised Bruno takes part in a no-holds-barred cage match in Arkansas (a state that in November voted to effectively ban gay people from becoming adoptive or foster parents). The situation is a set-up, and in the middle of the fight, Bruno begins to rip the clothes off his opponent and kiss him. The audience for the cage match, which is not in on the joke, goes berserk, screaming epithets and hurling objects -- including a chair -- at the two men. (The film's production notes say that the confrontation "lasted many hours" and required 40 police officers "to rescue the cast and crew and quell the angry mob.")
Whatever this scene may reveal, it is disturbing on a number of levels given the pervasive violence gay people often face. Late last year, the FBI reported that anti-gay hate crimes have been on the rise since 2005. Last month, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported that violent hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people increased 24% in 2007 and additional 2% in 2008.
Another scene has Bruno on a TV talk show with a baby in tow. Intended to spoof celebrity adoptions, the scene suddenly veers to a photo of Bruno and the baby in a hot tub with a number of naked men, followed by a photo of what appears to be sexual activity between Bruno and the men in the background -- while the baby is still in the foreground of the photo. Naturally, the talk show audience turns against Bruno.
In too many places, scenes like these are not going to turn homophobia back on itself. They aren't going to help gay people who are struggling to overcome and overturn the unjust treatment and the deeply ingrained hostility they face on a daily basis. And they aren't going to help lesbian and gay parents in places like Arkansas who must struggle to safeguard their families in the face of laws designed to put them at risk.
We have no plans on watching the movie. We never thought "The Ali G Show" or "Borat" was very funny--they came across to us as more of a "what gross and embarrasing thing can we get away with" than actual clever humor. We are curious, however, to get your reactions or those of someone you know who saw it.
This movie was also reviewed by GLAAD, The Gay & Lesbian Aliance Against Defamation, and they weren't exactly thrilled (hat tip to Gay Agenda). The senior director of GLAAD, Rashad Robinson, wrote an op-ed piece for the Los Angeles Times about the movie. Here is an excerpt:
It's not that we don't get it. The makers of the film "Bruno," Sacha Baron Cohen's just-released follow-up to "Borat," have said that they intend to satirize and expose homophobia. But even when filmmakers have the best of intentions, there can be a disconnect between the concept and the execution. In "Bruno," the satire often loses sight of the way gay people are treated in real life.
In some scenes, the film's method cleverly skewers anti-gay attitudes. But in others it loses its way. In the film's finale, a disguised Bruno takes part in a no-holds-barred cage match in Arkansas (a state that in November voted to effectively ban gay people from becoming adoptive or foster parents). The situation is a set-up, and in the middle of the fight, Bruno begins to rip the clothes off his opponent and kiss him. The audience for the cage match, which is not in on the joke, goes berserk, screaming epithets and hurling objects -- including a chair -- at the two men. (The film's production notes say that the confrontation "lasted many hours" and required 40 police officers "to rescue the cast and crew and quell the angry mob.")
Whatever this scene may reveal, it is disturbing on a number of levels given the pervasive violence gay people often face. Late last year, the FBI reported that anti-gay hate crimes have been on the rise since 2005. Last month, the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs reported that violent hate crimes against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people increased 24% in 2007 and additional 2% in 2008.
Another scene has Bruno on a TV talk show with a baby in tow. Intended to spoof celebrity adoptions, the scene suddenly veers to a photo of Bruno and the baby in a hot tub with a number of naked men, followed by a photo of what appears to be sexual activity between Bruno and the men in the background -- while the baby is still in the foreground of the photo. Naturally, the talk show audience turns against Bruno.
In too many places, scenes like these are not going to turn homophobia back on itself. They aren't going to help gay people who are struggling to overcome and overturn the unjust treatment and the deeply ingrained hostility they face on a daily basis. And they aren't going to help lesbian and gay parents in places like Arkansas who must struggle to safeguard their families in the face of laws designed to put them at risk.
We have no plans on watching the movie. We never thought "The Ali G Show" or "Borat" was very funny--they came across to us as more of a "what gross and embarrasing thing can we get away with" than actual clever humor. We are curious, however, to get your reactions or those of someone you know who saw it.
July 12, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/12/09
Updated 7/13 to delete names for their safety on strong advice from someone familiar with the situation in Mauritania.
Lord,
I am petitioning you with a specific request tonight. My dear friend Bruce has asked for prayer for his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. They are traveling tomorrow to the country of Mauritania, on the northwestern coast of Africa, to serve as missionaries, spreading the good news about you.
You know that Mauritania is a dangerous place for Christian workers and that one of them was brutally shot and killed over there recently. Lord, we ask for your covering over them, to protect them and bless their work as they bring the Good News to many who may not otherwise hear it.
I also pray for all of those brave, committed souls like Boaz and his family who uproot themselves and put their lives and needs on hold to travel to hostile places like Mauritania to serve you. Please richly bless these people who truly understand the concept of servanthood, denying their desires and working for the greater good.
Also Lord, thank you for a wonderful weekend and I ask for your blessings for the week ahead.
Amen
Lord,
I am petitioning you with a specific request tonight. My dear friend Bruce has asked for prayer for his son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. They are traveling tomorrow to the country of Mauritania, on the northwestern coast of Africa, to serve as missionaries, spreading the good news about you.
You know that Mauritania is a dangerous place for Christian workers and that one of them was brutally shot and killed over there recently. Lord, we ask for your covering over them, to protect them and bless their work as they bring the Good News to many who may not otherwise hear it.
I also pray for all of those brave, committed souls like Boaz and his family who uproot themselves and put their lives and needs on hold to travel to hostile places like Mauritania to serve you. Please richly bless these people who truly understand the concept of servanthood, denying their desires and working for the greater good.
Also Lord, thank you for a wonderful weekend and I ask for your blessings for the week ahead.
Amen
Sunday Worship 7/12/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
July 11, 2009
Live Chat Tuesday 7/14 at 9:00 PM EST
We're going to try something new on Tuesday, hosting our first live chat right here at Straight, Not Narrow. Please bring your questions about our ministry, something going on in your own life, concerns about GLBT social issues, and we'll both do the best to provide answers and/or facilitate discussion.
It will start at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern time and last an hour if the discussion carries that long. The link will be provided a few minutes before the chat in a seperate blog post. We hope this is something people will want to participate in and has value. Spread the word to anyone who might want to join in.
It will start at 9:00 PM U.S. Eastern time and last an hour if the discussion carries that long. The link will be provided a few minutes before the chat in a seperate blog post. We hope this is something people will want to participate in and has value. Spread the word to anyone who might want to join in.
July 10, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/10/09-" The Power of Small"
Rev. David Pettit of New Hope Christian Center in Pensacola, FL preaches from 1 Samuel 17:32-49 in his sermon "The Power of Small."
http://www.blogofhope.com/?p=217
http://www.blogofhope.com/?p=217
Tony Campolo Speaking In Favor of the Hate Crimes Bill
What would Jesus do? For one thing, in evangelist Tony Campolo's opinion, he would support the Hate Crimes bill currently being considered by Congress. Here is his speech at the HRC's Clergy Call rally:
July 09, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/9/09
Lord,
I pray for all those people with idle hands these days, those who want to work but don't have the opportunity and are struggling to deal with it. Brenda has been wrestling with that for two months now and is making some headway in finding a new path that we believe you are laying out for her. Thanks to the way you have so richly blessed me in my career, both in stature and salary, she has options that don't have to include working a 9-5 job. This is something she had trouble embracing, but is starting to do that now and is becoming open to a plan "outside the box" that you appear to be laying our for her/us.
One of my closest friends has a spouse who has been out of work several months and does not have any opportunites on the immediate horizon. The emotional and financial strain is beginning to take a toll, especially because they don't have you in their lives. When we try to carry the burdens of life all on our own, they can way us down pretty quickly, and the more difficult burdens can break us. I don't want my friends to snap, but I fear that is possible. Lord, please use their difficulties to give me or someone else the opportunity to speak into their lives how much you love them and help them know you are always there for them.
Lord, I thank you that we don't have to figure things out on our own--you will guide us if we yield ourselves to your will and seek your direction. I ask that you help my friends and everyone who is searching for a new direction, a new purpose to fill their lives, and for that to be centered on you.
Amen.
I pray for all those people with idle hands these days, those who want to work but don't have the opportunity and are struggling to deal with it. Brenda has been wrestling with that for two months now and is making some headway in finding a new path that we believe you are laying out for her. Thanks to the way you have so richly blessed me in my career, both in stature and salary, she has options that don't have to include working a 9-5 job. This is something she had trouble embracing, but is starting to do that now and is becoming open to a plan "outside the box" that you appear to be laying our for her/us.
One of my closest friends has a spouse who has been out of work several months and does not have any opportunites on the immediate horizon. The emotional and financial strain is beginning to take a toll, especially because they don't have you in their lives. When we try to carry the burdens of life all on our own, they can way us down pretty quickly, and the more difficult burdens can break us. I don't want my friends to snap, but I fear that is possible. Lord, please use their difficulties to give me or someone else the opportunity to speak into their lives how much you love them and help them know you are always there for them.
Lord, I thank you that we don't have to figure things out on our own--you will guide us if we yield ourselves to your will and seek your direction. I ask that you help my friends and everyone who is searching for a new direction, a new purpose to fill their lives, and for that to be centered on you.
Amen.
Encouraging Words-"No Condemnation"
In her latest podcast, Brenda references Romans 8:1 to point out that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Seduced By the Bright Lights in Washington
Wayne Besen is concerned that GLBT activists, including himself, have been seduced by the access to power and the lure of the bright lights of national politics in Washington, DC. Besen believes that leadership needs to refocus on more grass roots level issues. Here's an excerpt from his column:
Getting thrust into the national storyline means hundreds of news stories that feature your name and the bright lights of television. Of course, such massive media hits are important and serve a larger purpose. But, the downside is our movement can become intoxicated with Washington at the expense of broader issues.
Let me be clear, it is crucial that the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement have a strong voice in Washington. It is vital that we support our national lobby groups. Solutions at the federal level are often preferable because they apply to conservative states where it may take decades to achieve equality.
Political discourse has become an aphrodisiac that has seduced our community away from equally important issues. Perhaps it is time we go into rehab and free ourselves from the Washington crack pipe. It is a cheap high that rarely lasts and often leaves us broke and unsatisfied.
We all wanted King Obama to sweep into office, wave his magic wand and make discrimination disappear. I really wish he would, but it is clear that he won’t - or at least not as quick as we desire. So, why don’t we pry ourselves away from DC for a moment and try using our resources in alternative ways?
Anyone remember AIDS?
Ever hear of the multi-million dollar ex-gay industry that pumps out reams of propaganda to portray gay people as sick and “sexually broken?” Few people seem to notice, even though these groups spread harmful myths and poisonous stereotypes that impact our daily lives.
What about increasing funds to help GLBT youths who are thrown out of their homes? Or, scholarships, so these teens can succeed in life and maybe one day run for Congress?
How about focusing on the abuses against GLBT people overseas?
The aforementioned issues will not get you on a Congressman’s speed dial. It is unlikely that you will win a sparkling trophy or have a marble bust made of your head. The cable shows may not be dialing you at a frenzied pace. But, you might have a disproportionately positive impact and even save a few lives.
Hard words and some deep thinking from soneome who looked in a mirror and wasn't happy with what he saw. We should all do that every now and then.
Click here to read the rest of Wayne Besen's column.
Getting thrust into the national storyline means hundreds of news stories that feature your name and the bright lights of television. Of course, such massive media hits are important and serve a larger purpose. But, the downside is our movement can become intoxicated with Washington at the expense of broader issues.
Let me be clear, it is crucial that the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender movement have a strong voice in Washington. It is vital that we support our national lobby groups. Solutions at the federal level are often preferable because they apply to conservative states where it may take decades to achieve equality.
Political discourse has become an aphrodisiac that has seduced our community away from equally important issues. Perhaps it is time we go into rehab and free ourselves from the Washington crack pipe. It is a cheap high that rarely lasts and often leaves us broke and unsatisfied.
We all wanted King Obama to sweep into office, wave his magic wand and make discrimination disappear. I really wish he would, but it is clear that he won’t - or at least not as quick as we desire. So, why don’t we pry ourselves away from DC for a moment and try using our resources in alternative ways?
Anyone remember AIDS?
Ever hear of the multi-million dollar ex-gay industry that pumps out reams of propaganda to portray gay people as sick and “sexually broken?” Few people seem to notice, even though these groups spread harmful myths and poisonous stereotypes that impact our daily lives.
What about increasing funds to help GLBT youths who are thrown out of their homes? Or, scholarships, so these teens can succeed in life and maybe one day run for Congress?
How about focusing on the abuses against GLBT people overseas?
The aforementioned issues will not get you on a Congressman’s speed dial. It is unlikely that you will win a sparkling trophy or have a marble bust made of your head. The cable shows may not be dialing you at a frenzied pace. But, you might have a disproportionately positive impact and even save a few lives.
Hard words and some deep thinking from soneome who looked in a mirror and wasn't happy with what he saw. We should all do that every now and then.
Click here to read the rest of Wayne Besen's column.
July 08, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/8/09
Lord,
I can only imagine how frustrated you must get with us, but I got a small taste of it today. Someone I know and care about came to me with a problem, but shared so little of it that I felt my hands were tied in being able to help. You've given me a heart that wants to reach out and help people, but we are limited to what they tell us and show us.
It's got to be even more frustrating for you because you know our problems even without us telling you, so when we don't turn to you for help, you know just how foolish we are being, usually even better than we do.
Lord, I pray for my friend and the issue they are dealing with. I pray that they don't try to handle it without help, but they'll need to let down their guard with someone and let them in before help can be given.
Please help us to let down our guard with you and ask for your help, whether the issue is large or small, there's nothing in our lives that you don't feel is worth your time, and for that I stand in amazement and thank you profusely for blessing us the way you do.
Amen
I can only imagine how frustrated you must get with us, but I got a small taste of it today. Someone I know and care about came to me with a problem, but shared so little of it that I felt my hands were tied in being able to help. You've given me a heart that wants to reach out and help people, but we are limited to what they tell us and show us.
It's got to be even more frustrating for you because you know our problems even without us telling you, so when we don't turn to you for help, you know just how foolish we are being, usually even better than we do.
Lord, I pray for my friend and the issue they are dealing with. I pray that they don't try to handle it without help, but they'll need to let down their guard with someone and let them in before help can be given.
Please help us to let down our guard with you and ask for your help, whether the issue is large or small, there's nothing in our lives that you don't feel is worth your time, and for that I stand in amazement and thank you profusely for blessing us the way you do.
Amen
Encouraging Words 7/8/09-"All Past - No Peace"
Pastor Tee M. Hines of Emmanuel Fellowship Church in Akron, OH brings a message about how dwelling on your past only adds to your burdens and the sack of rocks you’ve stored up in your soul in "All Past - No Peace".
http://web.mac.com/efcakron/iWeb/EFC/EFC%20Podcasts/370B8627-0244-45F1-89B4-5533ABB9FA56.html
http://web.mac.com/efcakron/iWeb/EFC/EFC%20Podcasts/370B8627-0244-45F1-89B4-5533ABB9FA56.html
A Look At Relationships Between Straight and Gay Men
From the New York Times:
The most important factor I have found, though, is mutual respect. As I had the opportunity to share in a room full of gay men at The Evangelical Network's recent conference, I have the deepest respect for them to plow through the pain and abuse they have taken, emotionally and sometime physically, and still found their way to God, to love and be loved by Him. The commonality of Christian faith can get through a LOT of barriers to a strong, healthy relationship.
As a straight man who has several close gay male friends, I have found that a sense of humor from both parties is essential to cutting through the differences that could be somewhat awkward, particularly if one or both men take each other too seriously. I have given my gay friends abuse for not knowing anything about football, and they have busted me for my total inadequacy in.....the kitchen (what did you THINK I was going to say?).The kinship between gay men and straight women is familiar to the point of cliché (see: “Sex and the City,” “Will and Grace,” Kathy Griffin’s audience, etc.), but friendships between gay and straight men have barely registered on the pop culture radar, perhaps because they resist easy classification. For every sweeping statement one can make about such friendships, there is a real-life counter example to undermine the stereotypes. And as with all friendships, no two are exactly alike.
But as America’s openly gay minority becomes more visibly interwoven into society — a 2007 poll by the Pew Research Center found that 4 out of 10 respondents had a close friend or family member who was a gay man or a lesbian — the straight world becomes more aware of the gay world. Although male friends of opposite orientations can face formidable obstacles — sexuality, language, peer pressure, inequality — there seems to be more mutual appreciation and common ground.
“The younger generation understands the spectrum and fluidity of sexuality much more than generations of the past,” said Tom Bourdon, director of the Lesbian, Gay,
Bisexual, Transgender Center at Tufts University. “Most liberal-minded straight
guys today could say they have gay friends, and people wouldn’t bat an eye.”
Pop culture has also been picking up on this, serving up gay characters who have broken out of old stereotypes. In “I Love You, Man,” Andy Samberg plays
a fist-bumping sports nut who is gay but makes the straight man, Paul Rudd, look
prissy. On “The Sarah Silverman Program,” the gay couple acts so pathologically
straight that they express their feelings with lines like, “I’m totally gay for you, dude,” between bong hits.
Still, as Billy Crystal remarked in “When Harry Met Sally,” it’s difficult for men and women to be friends because “the sex part always gets in the way.” The same can be true between gay and straight men — only it gets way more complicated.
The most important factor I have found, though, is mutual respect. As I had the opportunity to share in a room full of gay men at The Evangelical Network's recent conference, I have the deepest respect for them to plow through the pain and abuse they have taken, emotionally and sometime physically, and still found their way to God, to love and be loved by Him. The commonality of Christian faith can get through a LOT of barriers to a strong, healthy relationship.
July 07, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/7/09
Lord,
I come to you asking for a new level of discipline. Brenda has been after me nearly as long as we've known each other to cut back the fast food and eat healthier, and she has gone the extra mile to plan out menus and do some extensive shopping to fit meals into my narrow, picky taste. Help me find the discipline to stick with it and not cheat when I'm away from home, drinking less soda and more water and orange juice, eating more fruit and less snacks.
I also thank you and praise you for leading me to a spouse who loves me so much, who worries about my health and wants me to be the best I can be as we work together to execute your plan for our lives.
Thank you for caring about the details in our lives. Thank you that there is nothing too big or too small for you to be concerned about and that we can bring to you.
Amen
I come to you asking for a new level of discipline. Brenda has been after me nearly as long as we've known each other to cut back the fast food and eat healthier, and she has gone the extra mile to plan out menus and do some extensive shopping to fit meals into my narrow, picky taste. Help me find the discipline to stick with it and not cheat when I'm away from home, drinking less soda and more water and orange juice, eating more fruit and less snacks.
I also thank you and praise you for leading me to a spouse who loves me so much, who worries about my health and wants me to be the best I can be as we work together to execute your plan for our lives.
Thank you for caring about the details in our lives. Thank you that there is nothing too big or too small for you to be concerned about and that we can bring to you.
Amen
Encouraging Words-"You are NOT an abomination!"
Brenda offers clarification of the Leviticus 20 scripture in her latest podcast.
"Confirmed-God Is Slightly Gay"
In this SFGate column, Mark Morford writes about the extensive evidence of homosexuality in the animal kingdom and what it tells us about how God views same-sex relationships. Here's an excerpt:
You can click here to read the rest of the article. Thanks to my friend Doug Sewell, the pastor of All Saints Community Church in Cortland, Ohio for the link.
That's a pretty interesting job of connecting the dots, of stepping back and looking at the big picture God has created instead of focusing on a few verses often taken out of context from the Bible. That's okay, because God created us with a brain to figure things out--we should try that more often.Here's the shocking new truism: In the wilds of nature, to not have some level of homosexual/bisexual behavior in a given species is turning out to be the exception, not the rule. Would you like to read that statement again? Aloud? Through a megaphone? To the Mormon and Catholic churches? And the rest of them, as well? Repeatedly?
Would you like to inform them that such behavior is definitely not, as so many hard-line Christian literalists want to believe, some sort of poison that snuck into God's perfect cake mix, nor is it all due to some sort of toxic chemical that leeched into the animal's water supply, suddenly causing all creatures to occasionally feel the urge wear glitter and listen to techno and work on their abs?
And so we extend the idea just a little bit. Because if homosexual/bisexual behavior is universal and by design, if gender mutability is actually deeply woven into the very fabric of nature itself, and if you understand that nature is merely another word for God, well, you can only surmise that God is, to put it mildly, much more than just a little bit gay. I mean, obviously.
But let's be fair. That's not exactly true. God is not really gay, per se. God is more... pansexual. Omnisexual. Gender neutral. Gender indeterminate. It would appear that God, this all-knowing and all-creating and all-seeing divine energy that infuses and empowers all things at all times everywhere, does not give a flying leather whip about gender.
You can click here to read the rest of the article. Thanks to my friend Doug Sewell, the pastor of All Saints Community Church in Cortland, Ohio for the link.
July 06, 2009
Evening Prayers 7/6/09
Lord,
This was one of those days when I just felt overwhelmed. I love my job, but today I felt that I just had to pour it out with very little time to catch my breath, and then had another rough commute home because of the continued issues with the DC subway system.
In your word, you told us we could do everything through him who gives us strength (Phillipians 4:13), and I claim that tonight as I recover from the day. I claim that for tomorrow, heading into the city again and facing another challenging schedule. Lord, there are no challenges put before us that you can't get us through. I know sometimes you allow things to happen in our lives that wear us down, that force us to draw on your strength because ours alone is not enough.
Lord, I thank you for the times that humble me, and I was humbled a couple of times today. I thank you for the things that keep my ego in check, that remind me I am enjoying the success I currently have in my life not because of my greatness but thanks to your blessings.
I thank you that I can look forward to tomorrow with anticipation, not trepidation. I thank you for filling me with hope and not fear.
Amen
This was one of those days when I just felt overwhelmed. I love my job, but today I felt that I just had to pour it out with very little time to catch my breath, and then had another rough commute home because of the continued issues with the DC subway system.
In your word, you told us we could do everything through him who gives us strength (Phillipians 4:13), and I claim that tonight as I recover from the day. I claim that for tomorrow, heading into the city again and facing another challenging schedule. Lord, there are no challenges put before us that you can't get us through. I know sometimes you allow things to happen in our lives that wear us down, that force us to draw on your strength because ours alone is not enough.
Lord, I thank you for the times that humble me, and I was humbled a couple of times today. I thank you for the things that keep my ego in check, that remind me I am enjoying the success I currently have in my life not because of my greatness but thanks to your blessings.
I thank you that I can look forward to tomorrow with anticipation, not trepidation. I thank you for filling me with hope and not fear.
Amen
Encouraging Words 7/6/09-"Interview-For the Bible Tells Me So"
The website "NathanOUTLoud" has a podcast interview with Daniel Karslake, the director/writer/producer of the wonderful documentary "For the Bible Tells Me So."
You can listen to it here.
You can listen to it here.
Stonewell Still Making a Difference Across the Pond
Plenty has been written about the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, commemorated last weeek, but I thought this article from the BBC was particularly interesting, reminding us that the impact of that event was felt far beyond American borders. Here's an excerpt:
It seems a world away from modern-day Westminster, where openly gay MPs and peers sit around the cabinet and shadow cabinet tables while politicians on all sides of the House profess their tolerance.
On 28 June 1969, following a campaign of police harassment, patrons of Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn - mostly gay men, lesbians and transvestites - fought back following a raid.
The event prompted the first gay pride marches, inspired a new wave of the equality movement and eventually gave its name to the campaign group Stonewall.
The impact of this movement can be witnessed during the past dozen years when the age of consent was equalised, civil partnerships were permitted and the ban on gays in the military was overturned.
And another legacy has been to allow gay and lesbian politicians into the mainstream - not just demanding equal rights, but as representatives of the wider community.
Click here to read the rest of the BBC article.
It seems a world away from modern-day Westminster, where openly gay MPs and peers sit around the cabinet and shadow cabinet tables while politicians on all sides of the House profess their tolerance.
On 28 June 1969, following a campaign of police harassment, patrons of Greenwich Village's Stonewall Inn - mostly gay men, lesbians and transvestites - fought back following a raid.
The event prompted the first gay pride marches, inspired a new wave of the equality movement and eventually gave its name to the campaign group Stonewall.
The impact of this movement can be witnessed during the past dozen years when the age of consent was equalised, civil partnerships were permitted and the ban on gays in the military was overturned.
And another legacy has been to allow gay and lesbian politicians into the mainstream - not just demanding equal rights, but as representatives of the wider community.
Click here to read the rest of the BBC article.
July 05, 2009
Site Updates
If you've been following this blog regularly, first off, I hope you have been blessed in some way because that's our intent. We're not doing this to build ourselves up, we're doing it to build others up and encourage them by pointing them toward the Lord.
We also hope you've noticed the changes we've made over the last few weeks as we move toward a committed ministry effort with a sprinkling of GLBT issues instead of the other way around, which is how we started back in June 2005. In the last few weeks we've added:
o Encouraging music at 12:00 PM(Eastern time) every weekday (a video with the words to the song).
o Encouraging words, either a podcast or sermon, at 6:00 PM every weekday.
o A mini-concert of a popular Chrsitian artist every Saturday morning at 6:00 made up of five videos, usually recorded live.
o A new search function so you can look for any specific topic within over 1,400 posts we've made on this blog.
o In addition to news feeds from popular GLBT focused blogs, we've added a Google news feed picking up stories with GLBT, LGBT, gay, lesbian, and transgender key words.
o A listing of GLBT affirming books available for purchase through Amazon.com (we get a small referral fee if you click through from this site).
As we continue these features along with a daily news/ministry story every weekday morning at 6:00 and our Sunday Worship feature on Sunday mornings at 6:00, we have a couple more things to roll out.
o Starting tomorrow night, I'll be posting "Evening Prayers" at 10:00 PM. I'll be sharing a portion of my prayer life with you, hoping you'll add your prayer support and also that you'll join in by adding your prayer requests so Brenda and I can prayer over the needs and desires of you and those you know and love. Tonight I will just ask you to pray for our ministry as we continue to seek and find opportunities to spread our message of healing, encouragement, affirmation, and love into the GLBT community. I was on a GLBT-focused radio program in Dallas today for nearly an hour talking about Straight, Not Narrow and what we are trying to do--what a wonderful opportunity the Lord presented!
o Within a couple of weeks, I'll be joining Brenda in recording podcasts, something I'm very much looking forward to.
o We have set up a Cause on Facebook, not to raise money but just another way to gather people who are supportive of our mission and establish some form of community. If you are on Facebook, please check it out and consider signing up--let yourself be counted as a supporter of equality for all in God's kingdom.
o Within a couple of weeks, we'll be starting a live chat on Tuesday evenings.
Also, if you have a church or other group that you think would be interested in hearing our message, please let us know. We are open to road trips, possibly including some help with travel expenses depending on how far away you are from the Washington, DC area.
We are very excited about the direction our ministry is heading. We thank you for your support and will continue to build this site into a useful resource that can bless people.
We also hope you've noticed the changes we've made over the last few weeks as we move toward a committed ministry effort with a sprinkling of GLBT issues instead of the other way around, which is how we started back in June 2005. In the last few weeks we've added:
o Encouraging music at 12:00 PM(Eastern time) every weekday (a video with the words to the song).
o Encouraging words, either a podcast or sermon, at 6:00 PM every weekday.
o A mini-concert of a popular Chrsitian artist every Saturday morning at 6:00 made up of five videos, usually recorded live.
o A new search function so you can look for any specific topic within over 1,400 posts we've made on this blog.
o In addition to news feeds from popular GLBT focused blogs, we've added a Google news feed picking up stories with GLBT, LGBT, gay, lesbian, and transgender key words.
o A listing of GLBT affirming books available for purchase through Amazon.com (we get a small referral fee if you click through from this site).
As we continue these features along with a daily news/ministry story every weekday morning at 6:00 and our Sunday Worship feature on Sunday mornings at 6:00, we have a couple more things to roll out.
o Starting tomorrow night, I'll be posting "Evening Prayers" at 10:00 PM. I'll be sharing a portion of my prayer life with you, hoping you'll add your prayer support and also that you'll join in by adding your prayer requests so Brenda and I can prayer over the needs and desires of you and those you know and love. Tonight I will just ask you to pray for our ministry as we continue to seek and find opportunities to spread our message of healing, encouragement, affirmation, and love into the GLBT community. I was on a GLBT-focused radio program in Dallas today for nearly an hour talking about Straight, Not Narrow and what we are trying to do--what a wonderful opportunity the Lord presented!
o Within a couple of weeks, I'll be joining Brenda in recording podcasts, something I'm very much looking forward to.
o We have set up a Cause on Facebook, not to raise money but just another way to gather people who are supportive of our mission and establish some form of community. If you are on Facebook, please check it out and consider signing up--let yourself be counted as a supporter of equality for all in God's kingdom.
o Within a couple of weeks, we'll be starting a live chat on Tuesday evenings.
Also, if you have a church or other group that you think would be interested in hearing our message, please let us know. We are open to road trips, possibly including some help with travel expenses depending on how far away you are from the Washington, DC area.
We are very excited about the direction our ministry is heading. We thank you for your support and will continue to build this site into a useful resource that can bless people.
Sunday Worship 7/5/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
July 04, 2009
Radio Appearance Tomorrow
I'll be making my first appearance on a GLBT-oriented radio program Sunday at 1PM Eastern time when I will be guesting on the program Lambda Weekly on 89.3 KNON-FM in Dallas, TX. We'll be discussing the raid of a gay bar in the Ft. Worth, TX area and hopefully a little about what we're doing with the Straight, Not Narrow ministry.
You can listen to the program through the station's live Internet feed here.
You can read about the program on their website here.
You can listen to the program through the station's live Internet feed here.
You can read about the program on their website here.
July 03, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/3/09-"Control Issues"
Pastor Jerrell Walls of Christ Chapel of the Valley in North Hollywood, CA preaches from Romans 8:1, 8-17 on the topic of "Control Issues"
http://web.mac.com/kevrev/Sermons/Library/Entries/2009/6/7_Control_Issues.html
http://web.mac.com/kevrev/Sermons/Library/Entries/2009/6/7_Control_Issues.html
Local News Coverage of an Affirming Church in GA
Pastors Colley Williams and Danny Davenport of New Life in Messiah Fellowship in Columbus, GA sent word out that their church was featured in a news story on local television a couple of weeks ago. Thanks to Apostle Dale Jarrett from Believers Covenant Fellowship for forwarding the link. We've linked to their church on our list of Independent Affirming Churches and are happy to share the video with you. We hope that God will use this exposure to lead people in that area that need what their ministry is offering to visit them for worship.
Click here for the video from WTVM television.
Click here for the video from WTVM television.
July 02, 2009
Encouraging Words-" Praying Without Ceasing"
Brenda talks about what it means to pray without ceasing from I Thessalonians 5:17.
Did The Peanuts Comic Strip Have a Lesbian Couple?
An article on AfterEllen.com offers support for answering YES to that question. I always wondered about Pepperfmint Patty, but I hadn't viewed her and Marcie as a couple before. Now, well, I wonder.....
Here's evidence from the movie "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown," a story about the Peanuts gang away as summer camp:
1) As soon as the Peanuts gang arrives at camp, they're ushered into a big tent and forced to fill out questionnaires. What follows is this conversation between Peppermint Patty and Marcie:
Peppermint Patty: I'm going to put down a lot about baseball; they'll probably make me captain of the team.
Marcie: How come they don't have trips where you just stay home?
Peppermint Patty: If you want a better way of life, Marcie, you always have to cross an ocean, or a desert, or a mountain. Sometimes, however, your whole life can be changed by crossing a crowded room.
Marcie: That's a romantic thought, sir.
Talk about your number one lesbian couple argument! One person wants to go out for an adventure — or, you know, drinks — while the other person just wants to cuddle on the couch. The adventurer feels pinned down, and starts off on a tirade about pirates, which eventually just turns into a lengthy circumlocution on love.
There's more evidence in the article. Click here to read it and have some fun thinking about Peppermint Patty and Marci snuggled up together talking about motorcycles and their next home improvement project.
Here's evidence from the movie "Race For Your Life, Charlie Brown," a story about the Peanuts gang away as summer camp:
1) As soon as the Peanuts gang arrives at camp, they're ushered into a big tent and forced to fill out questionnaires. What follows is this conversation between Peppermint Patty and Marcie:
Peppermint Patty: I'm going to put down a lot about baseball; they'll probably make me captain of the team.
Marcie: How come they don't have trips where you just stay home?
Peppermint Patty: If you want a better way of life, Marcie, you always have to cross an ocean, or a desert, or a mountain. Sometimes, however, your whole life can be changed by crossing a crowded room.
Marcie: That's a romantic thought, sir.
Talk about your number one lesbian couple argument! One person wants to go out for an adventure — or, you know, drinks — while the other person just wants to cuddle on the couch. The adventurer feels pinned down, and starts off on a tirade about pirates, which eventually just turns into a lengthy circumlocution on love.
There's more evidence in the article. Click here to read it and have some fun thinking about Peppermint Patty and Marci snuggled up together talking about motorcycles and their next home improvement project.
July 01, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/1/09-"Finding God Right Here"
Rev. Patrick Stout from Community Church of Hope in Phoenix, AZ preaches on "Finding God Right Here"
http://www.communitychurchofhope.com/Sermons/5_3_9_Finding_God_Right_Here.mp3
http://www.communitychurchofhope.com/Sermons/5_3_9_Finding_God_Right_Here.mp3
A Spiritual Profile of Homosexual Adults
If you want analysis of spiritual trends in the United States, it's hard to find a better source than the Barna Group led by pollster and author George Barna, an evangelical Christian himself. Barna recently published a report profiling trends among spiritual gays. Here's an excerpt (thanks to Ex-Gay Watch for the link):
Click here to review the statisitcal analysis of Barna's report.
Not hard to figure out why so many GLBT folks have rejected orthodox biblical teachings--those teachings have usually rejected them.George Barna, whose company conducted the research, pointed out that some popular stereotypes about the spiritual life of gays and lesbians are simply wrong.
“People who portray gay adults as godless, hedonistic, Christian bashers are not working with the facts,” declared the best-selling author of numerous books about faith and culture. “A substantial majority of gays cite their faith as a central facet of their life, consider themselves to be Christian, and claim to have some type of meaningful personal commitment to Jesus Christ active in their life today.
“The data indicate that millions of gay people are interested in faith but not in the local church and do not appear to be focused on the traditional tools and traditions that represent the comfort zone of most churched Christians. Gay adults clearly have a different way of interpreting the Bible on a number of central theological matters, such as perspectives about God. Homosexuals appreciate their faith but they do not prioritize it, and they tend to consider faith to be individual and private rather than communal.
“It is interesting to see that most homosexuals, who have some history within the Christian Church, have rejected orthodox biblical teachings and principles – but, in many cases, to nearly the same degree that the heterosexual Christian population has rejected those same teachings and principles. Although there are clearly some substantial differences in the religious beliefs and practices of the straight and gay populations, there may be less of a spiritual gap between straights and gays than many Americans would assume.”
Click here to review the statisitcal analysis of Barna's report.
June 30, 2009
Brenda's Story
How does a straight woman got involved in a LGBT ministry? Brenda shares her story with you.
"Transgender People Are Everywhere"
That's the title of an essay by someone who should know, Donna Rose, who is an advocate for transgender issues. She wrote this essay for CNN after Chaz Bono went public as a transsexual. Here's an excerpt:
A transgender person could be your neighbor, could be your teller at the bank, perhaps even sitting in the cubicle next to you at work. Most importantly, unlike what right-wign rhetoric would like to have you believe, the very fabric of society has NOT been destroyed as a result.
Click here to read the rest of Donna Rose's essay on CNN.com.
Transgender people -- that is, people who may not experience or express their gender in ways that are necessarily typical for the physical sex of their body -- have been part of the fabric of cultures for as long as history has been recorded.
We're a cross-section of society -- pilots, engineers, doctors, factory
workers, artisans and pretty much anything else you can imagine. It was only a
matter of time before we came to Hollywood. Make no mistake -- Chaz isn't the first and certainly won't be the last.
Despite what others choose to believe, transsexual people are no longer relegated to hiding in safe little shadows for fear that society will detect them and punish them. We are far more than traditional stereotypes of transpeople as hookers, drug-users, porn stars or social misfits relegated to the fringes of society.
In a very real sense, transgender people are no one thing. We are everyone,
everywhere. Whether you realize it or not, we go to your school, we are active in your communities of faith, we are your neighbors, your co-workers, your family members.
A transgender person could be your neighbor, could be your teller at the bank, perhaps even sitting in the cubicle next to you at work. Most importantly, unlike what right-wign rhetoric would like to have you believe, the very fabric of society has NOT been destroyed as a result.
Click here to read the rest of Donna Rose's essay on CNN.com.
June 29, 2009
Encouraging Words 6/29/09-"The 23rd Psalm"
Pastor Susan George from Living Water Fellowship in Kenmore, WA preaches on the 23rd Psalm.
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1657868
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1657868
Coverage of the "Homosexual Exorcism"
Many of you have probably seen the disturbing video of a teenage boy having the "homosexual spirit" driven from him in a church in Connecticut. We've got two video links below to shed more light on this story. First, an interview on CNN with the pastor of the church. We thought the interviewer did a great job of staying focused on the facts and allowing the pastor to express herself. She spouted teachings we've never heard of to justify her actions--you can evaluate it for yourself. Warning--part of the "casting out" video is included here.
Leave it to Stephen Colbert to put things into perspective--now he's worried about a "gay demon" running loose. Ridiculous? Of course, that's the point.
Leave it to Stephen Colbert to put things into perspective--now he's worried about a "gay demon" running loose. Ridiculous? Of course, that's the point.
June 28, 2009
Sunday Worship 6/28/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland, TX
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with us.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
VIDEO
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake, MI
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland, TX
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
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