Matthew 13:44-46
Heavenly treasure
As a gay person, the parable of "The heavenly treasure and the pearl of great price" takes on special meaning. What a treasure it is to know who you are, to find oneself and what price does a gay person pay for such treasure?
For more reasons than I'd care to delve into but mostly ignorance and fear, the world has judged being gay as sin. It is perceived as immoral and a deviant 'lifestyle'. While this is not universally true in all societies, a gay person intentionally or subconsciously, learns to hide who they are. Gays in general and I myself for sure, have used every psychological trick in the book to deny, supress, divert suspicion, bifurcate the lives and personalities all in an attempt to hide who they are - even to themselves.
When one looks at the world and sees the diversity of creation that God has created, homosexuality is part of that world. While it is not the norm for all, it is the norm for some. Some say as much as ten percent of humanity ( and that number is not open to 'converts' ). If we can put aside actual immoral living which I characterize as disrespecting yourself and others by fleeting and meaningless sexual encounters, any gay person can live and I believe is intended to live a long happy life of committed love. As a note, when one does think of an immoral lifestyle, it is more a characteristic of heterosexuals than gays and perpetuated more by them as well. Prostitution, sex clubs, 'meatlocker' bars, one night stands and divorce all began in the realm of hetersexual 'love'. One could argue that heterosexuality is the more deviant 'lifestyle'. However that would be confusing physical acts and immoral actions with what a person is, who they are attracted to and to whom they wish to live a life of just love.
It is clear to me that my sexuality is a gift from God. How I choose to live is what will elevate me or condemn me, but the fact that I am gay is a gift as it is a gift for so many. Again, perhaps ten percent of the population. Imagine the joy then at coming to the realization that you are gay and that God loves you. Wow, powerful stuff. A treasure and a pearl of great value.
But realize the value and the price that is paid. All the denials. Secret lives. Lies to loved ones and self. And because being gay is looked down upon by so many, the price of coming out or acknowledging who you are is a huge question mark. Will I lose my family? my friends? my God? These concerns are so huge and manifest it sometimes causes a person to end their own life.
I thank God for the growing awareness and knowledge that being gay is not a sin, it is not a lifestyle. Lifestye is a choice for everyone, straight or gay to make. Being gay is a gift of God's creation. Surely then, when you pay the price to come out, when you pay the price and gain the courage to ackowledge who you really are - you have the greatest gift of all. You have self awareness and hopefully know that God loves you and created you this way. Embrace it and rejoice in it. This joy, this pride, this celebration can be seen manifest in a gay pride parade and in te gay community at large.
Out and proud because we have been given a great treasure, a pearl fo great value and God loves us !
For more reasons than I'd care to delve into but mostly ignorance and fear, the world has judged being gay as sin. It is perceived as immoral and a deviant 'lifestyle'. While this is not universally true in all societies, a gay person intentionally or subconsciously, learns to hide who they are. Gays in general and I myself for sure, have used every psychological trick in the book to deny, supress, divert suspicion, bifurcate the lives and personalities all in an attempt to hide who they are - even to themselves.
When one looks at the world and sees the diversity of creation that God has created, homosexuality is part of that world. While it is not the norm for all, it is the norm for some. Some say as much as ten percent of humanity ( and that number is not open to 'converts' ). If we can put aside actual immoral living which I characterize as disrespecting yourself and others by fleeting and meaningless sexual encounters, any gay person can live and I believe is intended to live a long happy life of committed love. As a note, when one does think of an immoral lifestyle, it is more a characteristic of heterosexuals than gays and perpetuated more by them as well. Prostitution, sex clubs, 'meatlocker' bars, one night stands and divorce all began in the realm of hetersexual 'love'. One could argue that heterosexuality is the more deviant 'lifestyle'. However that would be confusing physical acts and immoral actions with what a person is, who they are attracted to and to whom they wish to live a life of just love.
It is clear to me that my sexuality is a gift from God. How I choose to live is what will elevate me or condemn me, but the fact that I am gay is a gift as it is a gift for so many. Again, perhaps ten percent of the population. Imagine the joy then at coming to the realization that you are gay and that God loves you. Wow, powerful stuff. A treasure and a pearl of great value.
But realize the value and the price that is paid. All the denials. Secret lives. Lies to loved ones and self. And because being gay is looked down upon by so many, the price of coming out or acknowledging who you are is a huge question mark. Will I lose my family? my friends? my God? These concerns are so huge and manifest it sometimes causes a person to end their own life.
I thank God for the growing awareness and knowledge that being gay is not a sin, it is not a lifestyle. Lifestye is a choice for everyone, straight or gay to make. Being gay is a gift of God's creation. Surely then, when you pay the price to come out, when you pay the price and gain the courage to ackowledge who you really are - you have the greatest gift of all. You have self awareness and hopefully know that God loves you and created you this way. Embrace it and rejoice in it. This joy, this pride, this celebration can be seen manifest in a gay pride parade and in te gay community at large.
Out and proud because we have been given a great treasure, a pearl fo great value and God loves us !
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