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Readers are an integral part of Whosoever. We appreciate hearing from our readers, whether they have praise or hot coals to heap on our heads. With the new year, we're beginning this new feature of a reader forum. Here's some of the things our readers are saying.
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Editor:
Great article by Kathy Quinn: The Worst Rejection of All. I will send her
an e-mail as well. As a pastor in the church -- even at the two Lutheran
(ELCA) churches I have served -- I have seen many professing Christians
reject or ignore others based on some bias, pre-conceived notion,
stereotype, assumption or cultural dictate. It is sick, contrary to
everything Christ teaches, and embarrassing to God. Unfortunately, we who are
responsible (I include myself because I am a part of the whole community,
and it is the community that rejects, not just an individual person) rarely
see or hear the results of our poor choices and our exclusive actions.
Kathy's article is important for all church leaders -- clergy and laity --
to hear, no matter what denominational label one bears.
Fortunately, I have also witnessed those moments and acts of acceptance,
tolerance, inclusivity, bridge-building, understanding, reconciliation and
forgiveness which characterized Jesus' own actions and teachings -- the
ones that are supposed to be the signs and symbols of our Christian faith.
I have seen eyes opened, hope restored and lives changed by simple gestures
of kindness, hospitality and love. I have shared in the excitement and joy
when the light bulb comes on, when both the recipient and the giver of
those gestures realize they are standing on holy ground, basking in the
light of God's unconditional embrace, sensing that Christ himself is in
their midst. At those times, about the only thing one can say is "YES!
Praise and thanks to you, God! YES!"
And when those moments happen, even though not as frequently as I would
like, it is as if I can hear Jesus whisper across the ages, "Look. Listen.
The Kingdom (Reign) of God is near." (See Mark 1:14-15)
God's Peace!
Jay Hilbinger
Editor:
I am a Christian and a lesbian who has been struggling with my sexuality
for the last few months. I feel that this is a wonderful site, I know that
Gods loves me, but to know that others are struggling with the same problem,
lets me know that maybe there is a purpose in my life, and that I don't have
to continue to struggle day in and day out. I dedicated my life to Jesus a
few months ago and I feel that God has a special calling for me, and now I
don't have to feel guilty about answering His calling. I know I will probably
still have those days where I still may struggle a bit but I know that God's
Love is unconditional and all will work out for those who love the Lord. I
will continue to pray for you and your site, I know God has used you in a
mighty way to let people, like myself, know that there is hope and even if
others don't understand our struggles, I hope we all learn to love one
another the way God loves us.
Much continued success.
God Bless,
Jackie
Editor:
I want to let you know how much I appreciate all the time effort that you put
into being the editor. It is a wonderful place to come and just be. I also
thank God for your passion, and convictions about oppression. You are an
awesome woman. Thanks.
Peace,
Alan
Editor:
I have just finished reading your article Got Grace? in
Whosoever. It is one of the best essays on the topic I have read. I would
like to use it in my church school class. May I copy it off the site? If
you charge a fee for reprints I would be happy to pay. Keep up the good
work. In Christ,
Karen
Editor:
Just a quick e-mail to say thanks!
For years I have struggled with homosexuality and Christianity - never thinking that God accepted homosexuality, or me.
After reading your site, and the biblical passages I realised that homosexuality was O.K. This changed my view of God, from being a harsh, judgemental, dictator, to a loving father who accepts me as I am - whether gay or straight.
Thanks,
Bex
Editor:
My name is Danelle and I am 19. I used to be a very devoted Christian and my
relationship with God was so amazing. . . but through high school as I
struggled with my feelings for the same-sex. . . I began to lose what I had
with God. I felt like I was horrible. . . my friends that I shared my
feelings with told me I had to change if I wanted to go to Heaven. . . .
constantly I heard homosexuals condemned by the church. . . . and when my
parents found out about my feelings for the same sex I felt even worse due to
their responses. Seeing how "Christians" acted towards my situation made me
feel a resentment towards any religion. . . and I grew apart from God - but
the whole time I missed my relationship with Him - but I felt I couldn't have
it again unless I were to change. Today I came across Whosoever. . . and I
think it is what I have been needing to help me get back to where I was with
God. I can't begin to tell you how much it means to me to hear that I am
not horrible or condemned to hell because of how I feel. . . . I wish I could
say everything that I feel. . .but I don't know how to put it in words.. . .
all I know to say is THANK YOU!!!!
What you are doing is such a blessing to so many people. . .
Thank you again! Take care & God bless!
Love in Christ,
Danelle
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