Today’s scripture: Luke 12:8-12 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Lynnette Pullen):
I am mad. Yup, I’m downright angry. It’s nothing you’ve never heard before, but I can’t believe this happened. And you know what else? I’m hurt, disappointed, and a little confused.
It’s the Christmas season, and my family is planning a get together. We have not assembled in several years. My aunt announced that we are having a huge dinner and all are invited. I have missed them so much. I have not seen my cousins and their children in years. I wondered how tall they are, what grade they are in. I was so ready to eat some of my Aunt’s homemade rolls. I could almost smell that turkey sizzling in the oven.
Then I got a phone call from a well-meaning member of the family. She said “It’s true, you are invited but several people may have an issue with you and your partner. Your Uncle doesn’t know about you and he may not want you in his home.” What?! I have been with my partner for 3½ years! I’ve never hidden it. Why is this happening now?
I’ll admit it. I was irritated. I began to list the sins of my family (gluttony, envy, adultery, fornication, etc.) and questioned why (even if I know I’m not sinning) am I invited but not welcomed? Why am I rejected and everyone else is still accepted? Don’t they still love me? This particular family member didn’t have an answer. Of course not. I thought and prayed about it for a long time. I cried about it, too. One day while listening to my inner voice it sort of came to me.
It is because I profess to be a follower of Christ. It is because my relationship with Christ is a visible part of my being. I sincerely acknowledge the divinity and authority of Christ in all I do and say. My family is unable to reconcile my sexuality and my relationship with God. Luke 12:8 states:
And I tell you, whoever declares openly and confesses that he is my worshiper and acknowledges Me before men, the Son of Man also will declare and confess and acknowledge him before the angels of God.
To all of those who have been rejected by family, friends, and loved ones, fear not. Know that you have been accepted by the most high. You will be invited and welcomed into God’s home just the way you are. God is not concerned with who you love but how you love. It still hurts to be rejected by loved ones; there is no way around that. But, I look forward to creating some new traditions in my family. I have visions of hosting the family dinner where all are truly welcomed. Yes, the fornicators, the alcoholics, and the lonely. I want to love like Christ loves. I want to open my doors to ones who shut theirs to me. God willing, I will.
Prayer for the day: Lord, there are many people who spent these holidays alone. There are many who were rejected by their family for being the way you made them. Please bring them comfort. Help them find a good place where they are welcomed and loved. Help us to be strong and acknowledge your divinity while affirming our own identity to those who oppose us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.