tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post5589609227665029269..comments2024-02-01T17:19:36.475-05:00Comments on My heart goes out...: an e-mail from Brandon, and my replyCarolhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14545146592743875490noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-28763361957156371842012-01-07T20:09:00.348-05:002012-01-07T20:09:00.348-05:00I worked with Ray several years ago and can tell y...I worked with Ray several years ago and can tell you he's a man of integrity and strong faith. I have never questioned his ministry for one second and the lyrics he wrote/writes are truth. I support Ray and his decision to live in truth in his life. I cannot imagine the personal hell he went through for many years..but every step of the way maintained being a faithful husband and father. That is integrity at it's finest.<br /><br />Carol, I deeply respect you. I am amazed of your strength for your family and to support what you believe in your heart is right. I wish you well as you continue on living life and loving on your grandchildren. I also wish Ray well..I still think highly of him. I try to live life as I get older reminding myself of the woman at the well and the way Jesus treated her. There was no hate-rid in His heart. What an example that as Christians we often blow in judgement. I just can't believe that God, who inspired Ray in his ministry would of used him all those years to help change thousands of lives if He planned on judging him later in life. God knows every hair on our head and I believe He knows well before we do on what orientation we will choose in life. Thank goodness in eternity the ignorant judgement of humans will mean nothing. Blessings to you!Toddnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-56170466651630134342011-08-21T02:48:43.633-04:002011-08-21T02:48:43.633-04:00I just read this posting... you expressed yoursel...I just read this posting... you expressed yourself very elegantly. One very important thing I would have told this man is that being gay means that two people of the same sex can have not only physical attraction (lust) toward one another, but a desire and capacity to LOVE one another in a lifelong, committed, monogamous relationship, with God at the center. <br /><br />Lust is sinful, and we are all tempted and tested. <br /><br />A lot of people think of sexual orientation as a physical, fleshly life "style" or choice, and (very ignorantly, I'm afraid to say) completely miss the point that one man or woman can love another of their same sex deeply, and EMOTIONALLY. <br /><br />To reduce homosexuality, being gay, or sexual orientation to an act of lust is so very sad. Many gay people seek lust over love (although I'd say in larger percentages) just like some straight people do. It is a trait of the gay community I've never stood BEHIND, that's for certain. <br /><br />We all need to love and to allow ourselves to be loved - that's what makes us all human. I know you already know all this, Carol. Not sure Mr. Man knows this. It'd give him something else to think about besides the fact that he didn't choose his eye color just like he didn't choose his sexuality. <br /><br />Being gay is about love between two people of the same sex and, <br /><br />God IS Love.<br /><br />Thanks for being a voice, Carol.<br />Ianajpolarbearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07053097338659169057noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-13594654890716027772011-08-20T00:02:36.310-04:002011-08-20T00:02:36.310-04:00Hi Carol,
Hope all is well for you and yours, and...Hi Carol,<br /><br />Hope all is well for you and yours, and congratulations on your new grand-baby.<br /><br />In The Catholic Church we receive Christ's body, soul, blood, and divinity in The Holy Eucharist. We fully embrace Him and He fully embraces us in a special and literal way in that sacrament. <br /><br />I believe that this is the missing piece in the puzzle of many peoples' lives, even Christians' lives. They crave for more and more of Christ; but don't know that they can reach Him is this tangible and sacramental way, and not just in a spiritual relationship.<br /><br />JimAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-69300887294291880282011-06-26T01:10:09.670-04:002011-06-26T01:10:09.670-04:00I so admire that you allow your light to shine thr...I so admire that you allow your light to shine through your choice of words and love for others. There is so much in the Bible about loving our neighbor, loving one another, and treating others the way we want to be treated. Thank you for reminding the world that these are the greatest commandments. I have no read all of your posts, but I have read enough to know that your light shines brightly. You give hope to people who are often condemned by others. We all need to focus on not casting stones or picking splinters out of others eyes while we have 2x4s in ours. <br /><br />So THANK YOU!<br /><br />And just in case you are wondering, my family is a God-centered Christian family living in the suburbs in the South with a husband, wife, 2 kids and a dog. Of course that doesn't matter, but as long as we are breaking stereotypes....let's break that one too! <br /><br />Matthew 22:36-40 (NIV)<br />36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”<br />Amen!!!RachelHhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11189080219280714198noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-91722759382249354782011-06-23T20:35:50.635-04:002011-06-23T20:35:50.635-04:00What I think it so sad about so many of these emai...What I think it so sad about so many of these emails is how misinformed people are about what they believe to be so "biblically clear" Every time someone says that I just think, wow, they don't realize that they are speaking with a great deal of ignorance right now about something they may have never even actually studied in the bible! Thank you so much for sharing, as an ally I am so thankful for the community you create through your writing.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15285194283580731641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-16440174841997103162011-05-14T22:17:43.263-04:002011-05-14T22:17:43.263-04:00I loved your response to that email, Carol.
God a...I loved your response to that email, Carol.<br /><br />God amazes me through you.<br /><br />I'm so glad I don't have to deal with letters from people I've never met (though we may be siblings in Jesus), inviting me to re-wrestle with such a personal issue, that was so hard to go through the first (million!) times: what I think about my gay ex-spouse's orientation and/or "lifestyle choices". <br /><br />At most I have to deal with occasional emails from close friends with whom I disagree. <br /><br />Grace, Peace, and Love in Christ,<br /><br />Scott C.SChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05274555358830822047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-11543611610230123212011-03-22T06:31:36.739-04:002011-03-22T06:31:36.739-04:00"Do not be deceived... no... greedy people....."Do not be deceived... no... greedy people.. will inherit God’s kingdom" 1 Cor 6:7-11<br /><br />It always gets me that this scripture is quoted. How many of us in the West can say we have not been or indeed are continually greedy. Our culture is materialistic. If this scripture will exclude gay people from the Kingdom then it also excludes many in the church who love stuff too much.<br /><br />We must read scripture in the light of God's love and the cross, being slow to judge others but quick to judge ourselves.Mikenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-37791292548579721632011-03-18T20:31:28.994-04:002011-03-18T20:31:28.994-04:00Well done, Carol.
I was in a similar situation a...Well done, Carol. <br /><br />I was in a similar situation as Ray. My ex-wife was less than accepting but that doesn't bother me all that much. It was quite a while ago now.<br /><br />A lot of these disagreements seem to be caused by people's view of "the truth". <br /><br />Like you, I think there is no point trying to argue over what is the truth or not. No one knows. But the more important thing is - live and let live and leave the judgement to one who cuts through the crap and sees the heart.<br /><br />I envy Ray for having such a wonderful companion for many years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-3097316671857093042011-03-07T18:33:40.445-05:002011-03-07T18:33:40.445-05:00If you do decide to have a standard email response...If you do decide to have a standard email response for such intrusive folks, you may want to include something like this:<br /><br />"Since you have taken it upon yourself to judge my former marriage, my motivation and the motivation of my former spouse, the state of our souls, the quality of our faith, our truthfulness and our commitment to the lordship of Jesus Christ, perhaps you would be willing to share publicly how it is you ignore the biblical admonition to "judge not lest you be judged."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-31413871459621629012011-03-03T11:26:33.693-05:002011-03-03T11:26:33.693-05:00Oh boy. Good grief! You are stronger than me to re...Oh boy. Good grief! You are stronger than me to respond so kindly to these same messages over and over. God bless you for that! And it helps give me an idea of how to respond too since I've been getting those lately too. Although I don't think I can keep my patience as you have done. Kudos to YOU!!Trista Winsteadnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-86365441754501312842011-02-28T14:54:23.124-05:002011-02-28T14:54:23.124-05:00A good response but I'm with Matt and Chris.
...A good response but I'm with Matt and Chris.<br /><br />Blessings on you."Sir"https://www.blogger.com/profile/03459619874470824848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-52755029873422395852011-02-24T17:25:06.918-05:002011-02-24T17:25:06.918-05:00You think the grammar bothered me? Not nearly as ...You think the grammar bothered me? Not nearly as much as his further reply (via e-mail) where he gets graphic about sex acts. I was offended, and can't understand why anyone would put forth such crude descriptions for a fellow christian.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14545146592743875490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-56672468496758767472011-02-18T01:58:33.477-05:002011-02-18T01:58:33.477-05:00Am I the only one who is bothered by his lack of p...Am I the only one who is bothered by his lack of proper grammar?! This man spends his livelihood speaking, teaching and writing, and he can't even punctuate a sentence properly! (I'm a pastor who values proper grammar). <br /><br />All that aside though, I think one's view hinges entirely on whether or not you believe someone "decides" to be gay or not. And Carol, you answered that argument perfectly. Those who are gay don't choose to be so. Why would they choose a life that will very likely involve turmoil, struggle, and rejection? Saying that one chooses their sexual orientation is the equivalent to saying that I chose my disability. Ugh.jvzdutchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14859944696741673542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-22193004965366307932011-02-17T20:43:53.685-05:002011-02-17T20:43:53.685-05:00I would be so tempted to tell this man to take his...I would be so tempted to tell this man to take his narrow-minded misinterpretation of the Bible and shove it. You, however, quite eloquently stated your point and refused to get sucked into his "dialogue."<br /><br />One day, some day, I pray we'll have a world where all people understand that being gay is not a choice.Shelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-88126030515264730002011-02-17T10:43:25.406-05:002011-02-17T10:43:25.406-05:00Thanks for your input, Chris. It's so appreci...Thanks for your input, Chris. It's so appreciated.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14545146592743875490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-20779696625638929762011-02-17T09:25:24.230-05:002011-02-17T09:25:24.230-05:00I am burdened for people who are not loving enough...I am burdened for people who are not loving enough to leave what they don't understand alone. It is so true that no one DECIDES their sexual orientation. That is the BIGGEST lie of all...Carol - I admire and respect you so much for the loving, yet honest way you deal with this most complex issue. As a straight, married, middle-aged woman, I support and defend your stand. Much love to you.Chris Andrewsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-45148918331554057372011-02-17T07:33:47.513-05:002011-02-17T07:33:47.513-05:00I think the best part about this is you don't ...I think the best part about this is you don't desire a dialog with this guy. <br />Live on!<br />All of us as straight allies should speak out for LGBT friends and family but we cannot convert everyone we meet.<br />I backed off after having two sets of parents of gay sons refuse to accept the orientation of their children. The kids themselves don't even talk about it. They just want to live and move on. <br />If they can you can, I can. That doesn't mean no voice but it does mean grandchildren, family and personal interests can have their proper place as well.<br />You deserve your life too.Tim Morrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02634031365136508478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-34658612578136905302011-02-17T07:32:03.118-05:002011-02-17T07:32:03.118-05:00Matt - Yes, I keep meaning to make a "standar...Matt - Yes, I keep meaning to make a "standard" reply letter. Just haven't done it. (And yes, I get a few a week, and I also get some wonderfully supportive ones.) My first thought is to blow off the ones who have yet to see the light, then I consider that I once thought like they do, and I want to simply and tactfully, and most of all gracefully, let them know I will disagree but not belabor the issue. Your suggestion is a good reminder for me to make a form letter. Thanks, Matt.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14545146592743875490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-67529520901236968092011-02-17T06:22:56.667-05:002011-02-17T06:22:56.667-05:00The following passage was highlighted to me recent...The following passage was highlighted to me recently on a Christian forum, during a discussion about grace. I believe it applies here (emphasis mine):<br /><br /><i>"<b>Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.</b> One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.<br /><br />One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.<br /><br />...<br /><br />Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that <b>nothing is unclean in itself.</b> But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean."<br /><br />(Romans 14 vs. 1-6, 13-14 NIV)</i>Tavdyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10109151555493408645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-57560910897570343992011-02-17T03:15:42.321-05:002011-02-17T03:15:42.321-05:00Well done, Carol. Your grace and strength are exam...Well done, Carol. Your grace and strength are example-setting. :) God bless you and Ray both!Bryannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6023809369245556096.post-29230157198946853672011-02-17T01:21:41.239-05:002011-02-17T01:21:41.239-05:00You are so much kinder than I am about people who ...You are so much kinder than I am about people who "have a burden" to "open a dialogue" "in love."<br /><br />Ugh. You must get a lot of these. Try not to let them get you down. <br /><br />Have you thought about putting together a form email so that when you decide to respond you don't have to go through it over and over?Matt Algrenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09626052718821794580noreply@blogger.com