22 6
Being gay touches a lot of lives other than the one that’s gay. One of the first and most asked questions when I shared what God was and is doing in my life, is “what about the parents?” So many parents feel helpless and hurt and feel as though they’ve failed some how. I’ve seen and heard of so many various reactions of parents when they learn their child is gay. Some take on the attitude of our society and accept their kids “choice” to live out his or her desires and let them go to live their life. Then other parents find themselves confused and embarrassed about having a gay child, not condoning the “choice” made. Or they see it as we’ve talked earlier, a sin against God, and feeling the only “right” thing to do is cutting them off from any family ties forever and separating themselves from that sinful nature.
I didn’t experience any of those reactions because I chose not to formally “come out” to my parents. I just went on with my life. At the time I lived the “shut up and hopefully they won't ask” philosophy. But let’s face it, my parents were intelligent people and having a son that was living with another dude for years and both of us in our thirties… kind of forces you to come to the conclusion that something’s up. I truly believe that the reason I’m here talking to you now is that my parents followed the perfect handbook for raising their children. It wasn’t a renowned shrink’s blog or some politically correct tutorial filtering through the internet.
It’s funny how you can hear something all your life and accept it as truth without a blink, which I did about the phrase, “God’s word is alive”. Every word is alive because God uses them to comfort, encourage, heal, correct, strengthen and renew. I never questioned it at all. Here’s the thing, it can only be “alive” if you take the time to read it!!! daaaa! Those words bound in between paper, plastic or leather, in a phone or pad are powerful, oh and alive! I thank God constantly for what my parents did for me by doing exactly what Proverbs 22:6 says. “Train up a child in the way they should go, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE OLD THEY WILL NOT DEPART FROM IT.” I have a tendency to take God’s word literally. It doesn’t say, there’s a good chance that they won’t depart from it, or maybe if we’re lucky they won’t depart from it…. it states in a definite non wavering way… THEY WILL NOT DEPART. No if ands or buts about it. What a genuine insurance package! The policy/word also states, “when they are old ”this tells me that, Mom and Dad, you need to trust God, mixed with faith, love, prayer and patience. Which ironically, is a perfect definition of my parents. Mom and Dad you haven’t been left out in the cold with all this, you have the word to stand on, “they will not depart”. Don’t hesitate to remind God that you’re holding this policy close to your heart!
Then use the most powerful weapon in your arsenal, prayer! I’ve said before, I believe my dad prayed for me everyday and made sure that I knew that he loved me. He was my safety net. I see Jesus in him. No judgment, no anger, no rejection, just love… I knew it was ok to run home at anytime to my safe place. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he was disappointed in me and hurt but he didn’t let it overtake his trust in God. Jesus gave you Proverbs 22:6 to stand on! If you’re reading this and believe that God created the world and us, that He came to earth as His Son and died for us than why in the world wouldn’t you believe words directly from the inspired word of God! THEY will NOT depart! Walking away from the tomb, Jesus DEFEATED satan! The only way satan has any chance of winning anything is by us not showing the victory Jesus has over him with trust in His word. I’ll say it again I’m living proof that His word is not just ink on a page being reprinted for generations telling nice stories to make you feel good. It’s a love letter from God Himself with the added ingredient of truth, salvation and power!
Every family’s situation is different, but the way you address and handle your relationship with your offspring should be the same in any situation. We’ve been directed to be Christ like in all we do…I don’t recall any time while Jesus was on earth that he condemned someone*… but showed His Father’s perfect love. “neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more” there it is…love at it’s finest from the One with out sin. The thing is, God loves everyone, He understands our temptations and weaknesses and He’s there when we cry out for help and understanding.
*I recently heard of parents disowning their kid when they came out to them. No longer a part of the family, never acknowledged or talked about. GONE. The thing that I don’t understand is that the entire Bible was written for just that kid. The Bible shows us God’s love and judgement, His faithfulness and power, but most of all His LOVE. We were created in His image for the purpose to commune with God. BUT satan was able to twist the truth and we fell. BUT our atonement, our absolute reconciliation happened with the ultimate sacrificial act…. Jesus! Satan’s power…defeated! I’m living proof… he has no longer any power over me unless I let him… and that’s not happening!!! I’m a child of the most high God. Co-heirs with Christ! I’m the head and not the tail! I”m the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus! NO weapon formed against me will prosper! Shall I go on? Take authority with the word! Stand on His promise…. “ THEY WILL NOT DEPART”.
The battle has been won…. it’s up to us to act like it…let them see Jesus in you. Then let the Father love on them!!!