Today, I simply want to reconnect...with myself and all of you. There seems to be some confusion amidst the real and "the Facebook" about my identity and personal ideologies. So, I will utilize this platform as a basis for clarification regarding where I stand theologically, personally, politically, and in regards to most anything...
This morning a "friend" that I have known since the age of twelve commented on a post on my timeline. I merely posted the following link Same Sex Marriage will Generate Millions in Spending For Louisiana. My friend and fellow Christian posted the following "Are you for or against same-sex marriage? I do not feel money is a legitimate reason to overturn God's designed and perfect plan."
Sigh.
My response immediately was just that...to sigh. It hurts my heart that I've been less than clear about my response to LGBTQ issues. However, I prayed for a few moments and this was my response to my dear friend (and also to all of you):
I think God's perfect plan is only overturned when we try to mandate love and what that looks like. This economics article would be a bonus, not a reason. If you want to discuss things further, I will do so happily. But, I'm attending an open and affirming Seminary/Divinity program at Wake Forest University. Peace and love.
I am well aware that many might be unaware of where my faith has led me. But, it has led me to the Divinity School at Wake Forest University. Here I am free to love and be loved. I've witnessed some of the most beautiful transformations of spirit and heart and it's been just a few short months. I've suffered various personal and spiritual crises of my own...that only this community could have addressed.
Moreover, I'm a woman that has experienced abuse and poverty as a child and as an adult. I can no longer sit on a fence that does not love and advocate for the love of all. God created us uniquely, beautifully, and perfectly. If we are to claim God/Christ/Holy Mother as our story...we have to stop looking at each other with contempt and claiming that who we are collectively or individually is not of God.
Mark 4 is the parable of the sower and the seed. The issue is ground and holiness...who are we to say what ground is holy? I know that I will get some responses and biblical passages that state otherwise...But, the more I learn, the more I know...the more I come to realize that more, not less is holy. What I think is dirty and unworthy is always holier than I could have dreamed and certainly holier than I thought of myself.
We need to stop thinking that we as Christians have all the answers and be willing to accept that there is no great than or less than. We might very well be a part of a cosmic math problem. But, the great mathematician is not us. We don't decide who fills the role of positive/negative/imaginary(marginalized)numbers, husband/wife, child/parent, teacher/student...we are simply called to love and allow those in God's Kingdom to self-define.
So...I am for whatever prevents those without rights to have them. In studying Hebrew...Eve was not described as Adam's wife...but, simply a woman...a partner. And, it was not until Adam "tried" out some other options that Eve was created. We are called to seek justice and allow peace, love, and the beauty of God's creation to shine...
I was able to sing with a choir from churches across Winston last week...This song intimately describes my personal theology and call to ministry. I hope these words speak to your soul as well...
For Everyone Born, a Place at the Table
For everyone born, a place at the table,
for everyone born, clean water and bread,
a shelter, a space, a safe place for growing,
for everyone born, a star overhead,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For woman and man, a place at the table,
revising the roles, deciding the share,
with wisdom and grace, dividing the power,
for woman and man, a system that's fair,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For young and for old, a place at the table,
a voice to be heard, a part in the song,
the hands of a child in hands that are wrinkled,
for young and for old, the right to belong,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For just and unjust, a place at the table,
abuser, abused, with need to forgive,
in anger, in hurt, a mindset of mercy,
for just and unjust, a new way to live,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
For everyone born, a place at the table,
to live without fear, and simply to be,
to work, to speak out, to witness and worship,
for everyone born, the right to be free,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
* Optional verse
For gay and for straight, a place at the table,
a covenant shared, a welcoming space,
a rainbow of race and gender and colour,
for gay and for straight, the chalice of grace,
and God will delight when we are creators
of justice and joy, compassion and peace:
yes, God will delight when we are creators
of justice, justice and joy!
Shirley Erena Murray
Words © 1998 Hope Publishing Company
For Everyone Born
Go delight with God in the creation of justice and joy...because it's maddening and beautiful all at the same time. The table is messy, varied in color, thought, mind, body, ability...perfect and beautiful.
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