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Sunday, January 19, 2014

Why you shouldn't listen to me

First of all, thank you so much for your wonderful encouragement so far. Starting this blog is something I've been wanting to do for a very long time but haven't felt brave enough until now.

The reason why I've been so hesitant is because I want to do right by all of you. Fitting into the conservative Christian world as a gay person is like fitting a square object into an oval shaped hole. The same goes for being a Christian in the gay world.

So here is my disclaimer:

Just because I have a fancy blog (that my mom helped me design) does not mean I have all the right answers.

And it definitely doesn't mean I want you to blindly agree with me.

Critical thinking is a practice that is slowly but surely going extinct.

What happened to good old fashioned doubt? Since when do our pastors and our leaders suddenly know all of the answers? Are they not also human beings created by God just trying to do their best?

Before I go any further, I want to say this is not to discredit church or fellowship. Learning from each other is a beautiful and Biblical practice. I'm suggesting that it has gone too far. If I had any artistic talent whatsoever, I would draw the following sketch:

An entire congregation of Christian people bowing and praying to their pastor on stage. And God would be above with his arms raised saying, "WHAT THE HECK, YOU GUYS?"

Coming back to Christian culture after having been gone for awhile has really opened my eyes to some things that I think would make God very sad. For example, allegedly we all have the Holy Spirit, right? And he's our teacher, right? So maybe we put too much stock in what other people say and don't listen to him ourselves like we should.

Hebrews 8:10-11

This is the covenant I will establish with the people of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.

Why is it so hard for us to challenge ourselves and ask questions? I encourage you to take everything I say and assume I'm wrong. Do your own Bible study and prayer and ask God if he agrees with the things people are telling you.

God is big enough. God can handle it.

The most I can do is promise to be as brutally honest as I can be throughout this blog. I'll share every thing I feel has been laid on my heart to share with you all, but please please don't take my word for it.

I'm sure Paul was happy when people double-checked his teachings and went straight to God instead:
Acts 17:11

Now the Berean Jews were of more noble character than those in Thessalonica, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.

I guarantee every answer you and God come up with together will be far more comforting and convincing than anything I, or anyone else, could ever have to say.

8 comments:

  1. Again a wonderful blog! Such wise words, but just to be safe, I will check it out with God! (Tongue in cheek) He has given you a gift and I am glad you are using it for His glory! Keep it up!

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  2. Thank you so much! I will do my best to make God proud, but people like you need to keep me in check!

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  3. My mom helped me too. Moms rock! Thanks for your words and wisdom. Everyone needs to hear each others views and hear the truth from God. You are helping shed light into dark places.
    Nikki

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    1. Moms do rock! Mine continues to be my biggest support system. I hope my blog can help start a dialogue between the gay community and the Christian community who have both been far too silent on this topic.

      Thank you for reading :)

      Missa

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  4. just EXCELLENT. something my dad use to say as a preacher was: I am just a man. called to preach. you need to take what I say and research it yourself. And if you find I am wrong, please come to me so I can research it again! I am so glad God is giving you the words to share with others!

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  5. Your dad sounds like a very wise man! It's definitely something to keep in the back of your mind at all times.

    Thank you for sharing :)

    Missa

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  6. Hey Missa, I'm so glad you started this blog - I think it's great how willing you are to discuss these needed topics as honestly as you do. -Hannah

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    1. Thanks Hannah! I think it's really important for people to be vocal about this. The current stance most Christians have on this topic is very dangerous and harmful to a LOT of people. I hope I can at least get them thinking.

      Thanks for reading :)

      Missa

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