John 12:24-26

       Life from death

       Unless a grain of wheat falls and dies, it cannot bear much fruit. The cycle of life is such that we know death precedes life. Life is constantly changing. From the time we 'die' to kindergarten to attend grade school; watch the leaves on the trees die in autumn to yield a new crop in the spring; to having to experience our lives change at the actual death of someone we love. All require a death and new beginnings, wanted or unwanted.

         In many cases the death that occurs is required in order for the growth to occur.  That is not to say it's easy. Change never seems easy but it is a requirement of life. The butterfly struggles to emerge from its' cocoon but the struggle from moth to butterfly is extraordinarily beautiful.

         In coming to terms in your own life with being gay, the struggle is no less difficult. No matter what the personal situation, it often involves dying to deceit and lies about who we are. We have to move from darkness into the light, from the darkness of the closet to the light of self awareness. It is quite appropriate that the symbol of acknowledging who you are, in saying I am gay, a beautiful and special creation of our God; the symbol is a rainbow flag not unlike the beauty of a butterfly. 

         The theme of death to life is the story of Jesus's death and rising, to our own death and promise of rising to new life with him in eternity. First we must flourish as who we are, to be the best of what God created us to be.  That is true no matter who we are or even what we are in God's glorious creation.

          Be not afraid little grain of wheat. Die to yourself and become the beautiful creation God wants us to be.