To all who received him, to those who believe in his name, he gave the right to become children of God -- children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.

John 1:12-13, New International Version

"You're not my child anymore!"

Those words have been heard by too many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people as they grow up, and tell their families about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Mothers and fathers send them packing, unable to love their own children.

It's devastating to hear the people who gave you life tell you they no longer recognize you as one of their own. Rather than hear those words, many have sought to change. They've tortured themselves with ex-gay ministries, therapies and other techniques designed to help them deny their God-given sexual orientation or gender identity.

More often than not this only leads to more misery, shame and horror for families and their children. But, they'll endure because they don't want to cast out by their families and told they are no longer welcome.

Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people have heard the church say the same thing. Because of their orientation or their gender identity, they are told they are not God's children. The church preaches that to become a child of God, first they must change.

Hear the good news, my brothers and sisters, you are God's child. To be God's child you do not have to change your orientation, you do not have to deny your gender identity. It's really quite simple: all who receive, and believe, will be called children of God.

It is Christ who beckons us to come home, and take our rightful place in the family of God. Receive the call, and believe. You will be welcomed home.

Blessings,
Candace