The waiting game

James 5:7-10

          We all know what it is like to be impatient. Patience is not a commonly held virtue in today's society. The media advertises things that we are told we need or deserve right away. Why wait? You deserve it!

At the same time we are also aware of so many examples of waiting. Whether it's waiting for a banana to ripen or finding true love, some things cannot be rushed.

            A few weeks ago I was graced to be in a presence of a group of  LBGTQ youth. Our spirtulity group was hosting some youth from a nearby home for misplaced youths. As out adults, we shared some of our coming out stories, good and bad and the all the combinations thereof. One young girl was heading home to her parents on break and wondered aloud whether she should tell her parents that she was gay. She feared it would not go over well. I think the consensus was that it would not make sense to put yourself in a dire situation by coming out., especially if you suspected you might be disowned, physically beaten or thrown out with no place to go and no shelter for yourself.  Everything in due time. There is a season for everything under the sun. As much as we need to acknowledge who we are for our own self respect, dignity and mental well being, we also need to be very practical. The world is not universally embracing the gift God gives us in being gay.  We need to plan and protect ourselves.

        On this Independence day, as many youth and closeted adults seek their own independence by coming out, we must realize how difficult that is.  Support and love should always be a hallmark of our community as well as our straight allies. Still, everything in due time. Be patient, plan and the right time will come. We will celebrate and support, but in due time.

   

Patience in Suffering

Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near. Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged. See, the Judge is standing at the doors! As an example of suffering and patience, beloved, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.