They say,
“Have you ever considered how easy it is
to be in favor of same-sex marriage?”
Not for me.
Not for so many who share the past that was mine
when any balanced or moderate mention–or favorable, god forbid!
of those who refused to deny their love
was met with vitriolic reaction
hostility
the lashing out of a fragile, cave-dwelling worldview
that hates a glimpse of light
For me, it has been anything but easy
to see those who love without shame as people
as real, loving, love-worthy creatures of the earth
each unique and beautiful
who cannot be fit into our labels
whose hearts break from the hate of those
who by all rights ought to love them the most
♥
They say that few “dare to disagree”
as if most secretly hate gay people
and just feel pressured into affirming their personhood and worth
Is it such a strange concept that we might be sincere?
That we are truly happy for these brothers and sisters?
So when people ask you why you oppose equal rights,
you call it persecution
but when you spit damnation and virulence
it’s just “speaking the truth”
and LOVING?!
What the fuck.
Really?
All I see is anger and disdain
eyes stubbornly shut
a sputtering “I do not approve!”
“Listen, everyone! I DO NOT approve! Hear me!”
♥
They say,
“Yahweh laughs”
they mean in derision
why would the creator not love the created?
but I laugh in relief and joy
in celebration with my fellow beings
Today, I rejoice with those who rejoice
as society begins to recognize their inherent dignity
as we take a step in the right direction
♥
They call this an attack on religious freedom
…uh, how?
These people you assail,
they do not care if you continue to practice religion and marriage as you will
They ask only that you let them do the same.
Why must the world be a war?
Why must each issue be us vs. them
a battle of wills
of brute force
with hearts ripped to shreds
in gory red carpets
the shameful wake of “victory”?
♥
They say,
“marriage is the key to strong family life
and should thus be between one man and one woman”
Please, tell me again how divorce isn’t a thing
how one man and one woman will always remain together
Oh, and tell all the hurting hearts
who are the progeny and casualties of such unions gone awry
♥
Wait, they say that gay marriage advocates are
“dismissive of others’ beliefs in the name of love”?
Pardon my ignorance
Please explain
How is requiring another to live by your rules
regardless of whether their worldview coincides with your own
not “dismissive of their beliefs”?
How is it dismissive
to ask for a little respect and freedom
not expecting you to change your lifestyle
or even your mind?
♥
Once upon a time
there was a girl who lived in a bubble
in fear
listening to tales of the outside world
trembling at the images of its bloodthirsty desires
venomous fangs
It was horrific
two-dimensional
black and white
They were out to get me
When I heard their “evil” words, bile rose in my throat
even tears to my eyes
I smugly told myself, “this is righteous anger and grief”
Oh, the remorse that pierces my heart when I see my past self
Truly, I feared the unknown
the strangers longing for love
Not even daring to examine my own unknown mind
I hated the existence of the other
even the existence of the self
Then my bubble popped
I found souls hiding behind masks
afraid to be yet again betrayed and ripped to shreds
and others standing strong and beautiful
despite the caustic words
the searing, blind hatred of those who claimed to love all
I learned to love
and there is no fear in love
Epiphany
No matter how “doctrinally sound” our conclusions
they are useless in the face of reality
Like the Pharisees who denied Jesus’ healing
because he broke the Sabbath
therefore was a sinner
and sinners cannot work miracles
So theologically sound to them
So heinously wrong and blind
♥
This is not about an issue or a political position
This is about people
We are human
Spontaneous expressions of starshine and earth
dust and flame
We are not robots
manufactured copies
mechanically constructed
subject to codes and mental straitjackets
What is so wrong with acknowledging that we are all different
as varied and beautiful as a field of wildflowers
and that our diversity is a good thing?
Please, stop trying to speak for God
as if you can know the mind of the divine
Maybe start giving a shit about the people who need your love
Maybe stop giving a shit about your own opinions
your comfort
the trivialities that divert your attention from the eternal
Maybe, just maybe
You will find that hate cannot extinguish love
So love.
I’m a trans who hasn’t come out of the closet. If I did I would be kicked out of my home. I don’t have anywhere else to live right now and can’t live like the guy I feel I am inside. What is your advice as a Christian? Do I just keep hiding my true self? Do I learn to live with everything? or do I do something about it all?
Thanks.
Mat
Thank you so much for your openness, Mat. I can’t begin to imagine the inner turmoil your situation must cause. To be honest, I feel very under-qualified to give any sort of advice on the matter, particularly “as a Christian,” since my beliefs are currently in quite a state of flux.
That said, it seems unhealthy on many levels, as well as unnecessarily painful and shackling, not to be honest with others about who you are. Those who really love you, who are worth sharing life with, wouldn’t shun you for it. From how you describe your home situation, coming out would be a huge risk, but I pray that you can find the bravery to do whatever you decide is best. And remember, there are others out there who understand exactly what you’re going through, who would have your back in ensuing difficulty. I hope that you can know the peace and relief of being fully and openly who you are. If you need to talk, please feel free to email me me at thesongsofawayfarer@gmail.com.
Love you!
Megan
It took a lot of courage to say these words, and I’m proud of you for going through with saying them, sister.
Thanks, sister, for both the encouragement and editorial advice! You’re the best. Love you!
Reblogged this on Away from Rome and commented:
This is our cousin/friend/fellow stargazer Megan. She writes good things.