Another week has passed, and instead of the I’m Christian, unless you’re gay post slowing down, it actually brought in record traffic, and with it record comments, record emails, and record “wow moments” for me.
If I’m being honest, it has completely taken over my life for the moment. I so badly wanted to have the third installment of my love-yourself series done and posted for this week, but it has been impossible to finish. So, I’m super sorry, you’ll have to wait till next week (if I can make it happen by then!)
The emotional side for me has been overwhelming since posting I’m Christian, unless you’re gay. I never expected it to do what it did, spread the way it has, or make the kind of impact in individual lives that it has. And I suppose that’s why I keep sharing things about it. I suppose that’s why I share with you data about the amount of traffic it’s getting. I suppose that’s why it remains my focus.
And if I’m being honest, it will probably demand my attention for a little while yet.
You see, it’s a message that is spreading not because it’s perfect or even great writing. It’s a message that’s spreading because so many people feel and see in their own lives the things I discuss in the post. It’s a message that’s spreading because so many people hurt or have hurt due to those whip-sawing dynamics. It’s a message that’s spreading because others have wanted to spread the same message but haven’t known how.
That’s all.
Summed up, it’s a message that’s spreading because it needs to be heard. No other factor is strong enough to lay claim on the reason behind the message’s success, of that I am certain. It has nothing to do with me.
Anyways, because it has been spread and shared and read by so many people, it has naturally had the chance to drastically change the lives of some people. It has changed the very direction of the way a few people think. And every day I get to open my inbox and read amazing things that have happened in its aftermath.
But this week, instead of sharing the full email responses, I decided to create a video with some of those responses, both the good and the bad.
Man, I wish everybody could spend a day rummaging through my inbox. I believe it would change any person. Hopefully this will be a small yet powerful taste for you.
And if watching it affects you, please share this video. Post it on your Facebook and Twitter walls. Embed it in your blog. Use it wherever you like, if you feel that the message is worth sharing.
I hope it is. Because you never know who might see it, who might watch it, who might read the post, and who might be sending an email of their own. All because you shared.
Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing
PS. Please be sure to come back during the next couple days. I’ll be posting something totally non-related and very important given what time of year it is. It’s time this blogger paid it forward.
Oh, and if you want to copy/paste the direct link to the video, here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_eyGgnbXNU
Also…
- Read “I’m Christian, unless you’re gay.”
- Read the first post with email responses.
- Read the second post with email responses.
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nrs90
im kinda speechless. it is true how the world has split apart and we have all learned not to love. im going to be honest i do believe that being gay is a sin. but its a choice and if somebody chooses to be it...it doesnt change the person they are. i always thought of myself as a good person...but after reading this i realized...i DO judge ppl bc they are fat (and i shouldnt because i may not be obese but im no size 6) and i do stare at people covered in tattoos or people who are dirty. that stops. because by me judging....im sinning just as much as any other sin no matter how major it is. i will love people for who they are and not by the choices they make. so thank you
brandyko
I shared this on my FB wall, hoping that my in-laws read it. I'm not Christian, while they are Catholic, and they have always treated me differently and with less human courtesy than I deserve. They now even treat my kids differently. I really, really hope your blog and post helps.
LaurieBoteler
I have just finished reading your blog and now watched the video.
I sit here with tears in my eyes as I think of how many people have been affected by your words.
It is a shame that hate is so much easier to some than love. I am not perfect but my motto in life is TO EACH THEIR OWN. We are all different and beautiful in our own way.... it is those differences that make us beautiful.
Thank you for having the courage to write this blog. Someone needed to do it.
jvalenciae
I'm often surprised by how much hate is shown by those who preach love. It is really moving to see that you had such an impact in many families that were broken apart by the intolerance caused by their own social expectations, it doesn't matter where those came from. We can always dislike things, beliefs, actions, but we shouldn't hate people for them.
Kimberly Chapman
I'm so glad you posted all of this stuff, and I'm sharing it on G+ (I'm not on FB). I'm an atheist but I've always dug the whole golden rule concept in its myriad forms in various religions. At the end of the day I don't care either if someone is gay or not, religious or not, or what side of the political spectrum they're on: as long as they're not beating up on me, I have much better things to do than beat up on them. I'm always happy to agree to disagree, as long as things are civil.
I guess I'm probably guilty of failing to love once it gets beyond that point, though. I don't know that I can love the people who say some of the more horrid comments you got. I'm content to ignore them for the most part, although I will stand up to fight against them passing legislation that harms others. For instance, if someone says, "I hate gays!" then I don't really feel like conversing with them because they're already in an antagonistic place, but I will fight back when they call for homosexuality to be made illegal or otherwise punished. I believe in freedom of religion but I will stand up to fight prayer in public schools.
For me, the difference is about value judgments versus political ones. I don't drink alcohol, but my husband occasionally likes some wine. I see that as his business. He's not asking me to drink it. He's not drinking and driving and putting anyone else in harm's way. He's not campaigning for it to be required at meals by law. His glass of wine is no offense to me. Why can't everyone separate out things in the same sort of way?
This does alienate me from the bulk of the atheist circle, of course. I tried to get involved socially with local atheist groups and met a few nice people, but a lot more anti-religious jerks. It comes down to community and accepting that people are in your community even if you don't agree with them, and when one side bashes the other, the other side feels it necessary to bash back and even feels justified. It's okay to bash Christians because Christians bash us, right? And if you stand up and say, "No, that's not okay," then you're undermining their victimhood and cast out as surely as if you were bible-thumping them.
Thank you for the post, for the good that it has done. More people need to figure this out. Most of us need to do better at it.
jostheun
I can't say anything but WOW - just WOW - I have been moved by things in life, but rarely moved this deeply. The words came through perfectly, what a true gift to the world you have and I thank you for posting this. Really anymore I could say would be worthless - just THANK YOU!
evervescence
You are an ambassador of change and and of love. Thank you for having the courage to speak out, and to encourage others to do so as well. Love IS the answer. When someone can find love in their hearts and let go of judgment (ignorance, fear, or hate) they can have peace and the world will become a better place. God is love. I'm saddened for people who believe in a hateful God but perhaps our love for them can help open their hearts too.
Love does no harm, and it is so sad people are too afraid to love someone different from themselves. It is easy to love someone that thinks like you do, believes as you do (as your post pointed out) but the real challenge and what takes real courage is to love those different from ourselves and they are the ones that need our love the most.
LOVE. It will change the world, it is the only thing that can.Thank you Dan. <3 <3
KeltieWarren
Wow I can't believe people! Your first post was AMAZING! To me that's what a true christian should be like, a truly good person should be like. You can love someone without loving what they do. Why is it that the sin of being gay is worse than the sin of sleeping with multiple women/men before getting married or getting drunk on a regular basis? All of these are sins in God's eyes. Why do we get to decide which sin is more tolerable than any other? In the bible it says that every sin is equal in God's eyes. I'm not perfect because perfect is simply impossible, but people still love me for me, and don't judge me for the sins that I have done. My heart truly hurts for people that think the way that was represented in some of the responses to your post. I'm greateful that you wrote what you did. Bless you and I pray that there are more people like you in the world every day. Please don't stop writing. Tell your friend "Jacob" that if he needs more friends that will except him for him to give me a call, the more friends the better!
MatthewJohnsonHarris
I made a video a year ago which is very similar to your blog post! Please check it out if you have a chance. After 2 months of researching the word love in all the major religious sects this is the finished product. I did not or search to condemn or ridicule any religious organization with the posting of this video. It's purpose was to challenge us all in 2011 to practice what we preach. Love is the Answer! -Matthew
MiaHess
I loved this blog, thank you! I've shared it.
I grew up in the arts and always had gay friends and mentors, from earliest childhood memories. To me, they were they...just people. I never got the fear and hatred But I've felt it towards others who are "different" I've been guilty.
To me, your title makes so much sense.
To me, it's like "I love dogs, unless they are PItbulls-Rottweilers-whatever."
CherieCathlina
That's pretty powerful stuff. You should be proud. *hugs and take care!
Netts
Dan you change the world everyday! don't worry about the haters, they are a small minority! I love your blog, have been for the past year and a bit. you inspire me to be a better person, a better wife, a better mom and a better daughter and sister to my family. Thank you! I will continue been a faithful fan xx
lizziedee
Just wrote about your posts and how thankful I am for my family's acceptance of my gay sister on my blog. Great work!
http://lizziedeedesigns.blogspot.com/2011/12/read-...
Mouse
Gah. You'd think I would learn not to read your blog in public except on Buddha days! *wipes eyes*
Single Dad Laughing
moderator
Mouse Hmmm, sounds like a challenge to get Buddha doing something cry-worthy. :)
Jillian
And I should add, I've been so moved by so many of these comments and stories. It does make you realise that there are a lot of good people out there who want to spread kindness and that has to make a difference. A smile is sometimes all it takes.
Jillian
Crystal (below) has written the most intelligent explanation of the fundamental Christian viewpoint on 'love' and is probably what some of the less eloquent were trying to say. However, one cannot 'save' anyone by ostracising them, ignoring them or calling them names. Where many people seem to fall down in their theological reasoning is when they rely solely on one section of any holy book's teaching. The Bible calls also for compassion, kindness and charity. One only needs to consider the parable of the Good Samaritan, the story of Zaccheus the tax collector, of all the many instances where Jesus reached out to those who society had forgotten and ignored. I do not believe that homosexual people need to be 'saved' personally, though some others who do harm to themselves and others surely need help, but the way to do that is to reach out to them, not to turn them away and make them feel worthless. The so-called Christians who have said that ANYONE is unworthy of their love (in any sense of that word) need to go back and read their Bible a little more closely, for nowhere does it teach hatred.
Syddalee
I've been discovering just everything on your blog all night and though it's long past time for me to get some sleep, I'm too worked up. What you are doing here is beautiful. It is every hope that I have for the world, everything that I wish the world could be. When I read about the world religion professor's assignment to his class, I'd already been crying (again), but I started just sobbing and smiling.
You have given the world a beautiful thing. An idea that can spread and spread and shed more light and beauty wherever it goes. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Chea
Those mean responses dont even deserve the time of day. The power held in the ones who opened their hearts to another, are the most powerful, most needed, most important. Those people will be able to smile more in their life again, than the others. I choose to smile. There can never be enough of that in this world. Thank you Dan.
HollyKimWilson
this is awesome. The people who's responses were in the first part of the video make me sad to be human.
But the people who's responses were in the second part make me so *proud* to be human. And there are far more of them than the first group.
Dan, you and those folks ROCK!
JulieMillerJanney
This is to Harry Hogg- You totally rock Dude! These are some of the things that I have often wondered about myself... Keep them thinking!
mothertoason
I first read your post about adoption. My son is adopted and I have experienced many of the moments you mentioned. The thing I want the world to know about him is that I was not infertile, I chose adoption because of its gift and overwhelming joy. I then read your blog about being gay and it was beautiful. I am Catholic. I am Christian and I couldn't disagree with anything you have said. I have tried throughout my life to live it with love and not judgment. I have been friends with those who are religious, those who are not religious, gays, bisexuals, educated, uneducated, fat, skinny, tall, short, homeless, wealthy, and they are all beautiful people. I am not perfect and I know that there are those that I have hurt and for that I am sorry. But the message I want my son to learn is that God made us all. You do not have to agree with a lifestyle, you do not have to condone it, but to love someone means to share a meal, a hug, a look of compassion, it doesn't mean you join the action that you feel is not okay. When I die, I will go before God and have to attest for my sins because I am a sinner. My sins are no more or less than others, they are just mine. Therefore, if I want our world to be a better place, a better world, it begins with me, it begins with being a mother, a wife, a sister, a daughter, a friend, a co-worker, and even a stranger of love to others.
ylhoff
This video brought it home in a big way ... thank you for reminding me!
Conversation from Facebook
Lynette Hector
you are truly amazing! and dont ever forget it! you make a HUGE difference! thank you!
Raven Butler
Dan; The post,"I'm Christian, unless you're gay" was my introduction to your blog. It just blew me away. I have never had a problem with gay people but I have had other prejudices like the Muslim terrorists trying to kill Americans and illegal aliens. Of that I am guilty. But after reading your post ,I had to take a long hard look at myself. Each and everyone of the holy people said to love one another period. Not except so and so. This has stuck in my mind. I'll be honest. Loving people who are trying to kill Americans is going to be hard if not impossible for me. But I can pray for them to see the light. Illegal aliens will be no problem. Our government is to blame -who wouldn't take a hand out? OH boy. That means I have to love my government. Boy, is that gonna take some time!
Kim Hansen
I tried to read this and got to the bottom and it said "continued on page two" but there was no page two and the icon for page two was not letting me click on it... I want to read the whole thing. Can you email it to me or send me a link to the whole blog? or send it to me in a facebook message? I really want to finish reading it. email: [email protected] THANK YOU!
Warren Coleman
I work as a hairdresser in a salon in California and I have clients from every background imaginable. Many of my close friends and clients know I am a believer and a Christian. I was recently confronted by my boss because I acted in a way she felt betrayed my beliefs as a Christian. Because I told a client it didn't make any difference to me that they were gay and married to another woman. I was told I was wrong for not standing up for the beliefs of the church. That I was somehow letting god down. I responded by saying isn't it written that the lord can call up the very rocks to worship him. Why oh why does this god need me to do his work? If he thinks it's wrong why can't he tell them why does he need me to tear them down? I sometimes wonder if we're worshipping the same god! My god is the god of love! My god is the god of second chances! And yes sometimes even thirds fourths and so on! My god can accomplish his will in the lives of people without my help! My god does'nt dwindle precious time away in a church that sits empty most of the week! He dwells in the warmth of my active loving heart! He refuses to dwell in the cold and bigotted hearts furnished with hatred and animosity of his creations! And my god has no quarrels with your gods or lack there of! My god quarrels within my own heart to guide and teach me right from wrong and still needs no influence from outsiders to accomplish the goals within me! I am no accident and neither are you! And like Adam in the bible I thank god everyday that he created you so that I would not have to dwell here all alone! Your differences and weaknesses still compliment mine and my heart grows fonder of you even to this very moment! Guess what, I still work there! I won't be bullied into behaving any differently! I still love my gay married client just the same, although, maybe a bit more since the situation sparked the truth to come out of my mouth instead of living dormant in my mind unspoken! My boss may think less of me as a Christian and maybe I don't even deserve that title! But I won't cower to bullies and bigots! And if I reach heaven and my god disapproves of my actions I will tell the all powerful god to go down and do it better. I've at least loved! I will say it again, I've at least loved! And hopefully if there is a pit of fire and I'm thrown to it many more like me will be there to catch me! Including the gays, the unbelievers, the fat or whatever! We will be a happy lot for sure because we will at least have unconditional love on our side! The rest will be in heaven trying to live up to perfect!
Rick Claeys
+1 on Mindy's comment. As a Christian and a gay man people like those at the Westboro Baptist Church, or those in Uganda right now killing people for being gay, create a reaction in me that is anything but "love". I think the reaction is valid because I know the damage being done by their messages. And yet...at my core...I want to be better than to have those reactions. The oppressor, the one who abuses you, they're still a child of the divine. All of the teachings that I respect teach me to be compassionate and to "turn the other cheek" and not to return hate with hate. One doesn't give forgiveness because someone deserves it, you give forgiveness because it's the divine thing to do and because it's the only way we move forward, together. I frequently wonder what might have happened with the Westboro folks had they had someone who showed them love, or put their arm around them years ago and showed them compassion instead of the constant ridicule they get in the media (admittedly they bring it on themselves but, there must've been a moment when they could've been different...and I...still believe it's never too late for that moment to happen). Thank you for reminding me that I have a long way to go and that I WANT to continue on in my journey of being a better human!
Rick Claeys
+1 on Mindy's comment. As a Christian and a gay man people like those at the Westboro Baptist Church, or those in Uganda right now killing people for being gay, creation a reaction in me that is anything but "love". I think the reaction is valid because I know the damage being done by their messages. And yet...at my core...I want to be better than to have those reactions. The oppressor, the one who abuses you, they're still a child of the divine. All of the teachings that I respect teach me to be compassionate and to "turn the other cheek" and not to return hate with hate. One doesn't give forgiveness because someone deserves it, you give forgiveness because it's the divine thing to do and because it's the only way we move forward, together. I frequently wonder what might have happened with the Westboro folks had they had someone who showed them love instead of the constant ridicule they get on the media (admittedly they bring it on themselves but, there must've been a moment when they could've been different...and I...still believe it's never too late for that moment to happen). Thank you for reminding me that I have a long way to go and that I WANT to continue on in my journey of being a better human!
Ashley Heaton Kartchner
"In truth, we "all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." We are all in need of mercy. In that last day when we are called to the judgment bar of God, do we not hope that our many imperfections will be forgiven? Do we not yearn to feel the Savior's embrace? It seems only right and proper that we extend to others that which we so earnestly desire for ourselves."
--Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Marian Freitas
You write such powerful things. Just discovered your blog earlier...and have read alot of your blogs so far. They have made me laugh, cry, and think. I love it!! Thank you for being such an inspiration!!
Crystal Samson
this is powerful. Thank you
Chloie Dalton
Just left a comment on your blog, and declared my love message on my status. You did something great. And I love your friend, Jacob*.
Judy H Campbell
Thanks for having the courage to write from your heart. And please tell me that we can buy the music from your video somewhere!
Stacey Quay
LOVE IT!!!!!!
Erika Burhenn Marshall
Harry- Great minds think alike. Check up about 4 posts.
Harry Hogg
get it?
Harry Hogg
@ Cami B.A. For those of you that are not following the recent (2000) controversy that has to do with Laura Schlessinger: she is a radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Paramount Television Group is currently producing a "Dr. Laura" television show. Recently she has become a convert to Judaism, and now she is Ba'al T'shuvah. Recently, she has made some statements about homosexuals that has caused the Canadian anti-hate laws to censure her.... The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura which was posted on the internet.....
Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to best follow them.
a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians.
Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an Abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
g) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
i) I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread. (cotton/polyester blend) He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev. 24:10-16) Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help.
Thank you again for reminding us that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan. --
Mily Z. Iriarte-Ahón
any way you can do this one in spanish...????
Claire D&#39;Angiola
Erika HAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
The Bible really IS the biggest pile, I am utterly gobsmacked that people live their lives by these rules and quote it so adamantly. Sure I guess its nice for people to follow the good things and be better people but in this case, the homosexuality issue, it has caused hate and cruelty and supression and many other things that shouldn't be in ANYONES lives!
Smite them all!!!! :D
Airen Evans
You rock dude!
Erika Burhenn Marshall
This is NOT MINE by any means, but since people decide to use The Bible as a reason to be bigots, let's just put it all in contest!!
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding
God's Law. I have learned a great deal from your show, and try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind them that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination... End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some
other elements of God's Laws and how to follow them.
1. Leviticus 25:44 states that I may possess slaves, both
male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can't I own Canadians?
2. I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as
sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do
you think would be a fair price for her?
3. I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while
she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness - Lev.15: 19-24. The problem is how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4. When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know
it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord - Lev.1:9. The
problem is, my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
5. I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath.Exodus 35:2. clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself, or should I ask the police to do it?
6. A friend of mine feels that even though eating
shellfish is an abomination - Lev. 11:10, it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this? Are there 'degrees' of abomination?
7. Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of
God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I
wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle- room here?
8. Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed,
including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly
forbidden by Lev. 19:27. How should they die?
9. I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a
dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
10. My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev.19:19 by planting
two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? Lev.24:10-16. Couldn't we just burn them to death at a private family affair, like we do
with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14)
I know you have studied these things extensively and thus
enjoy considerable expertise in such matters, so I am
confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us
that God's word is eternal and unchanging.
Hannah Ayer
@Bryan---the blog IS about a single Dad. It is about his thoughts and feelings, the way he deals with the issues of the world and the way he teaches his child through opportunity and the way he learns himself. We as parents must never stop growing and learning, if we do it is only harming our children. Perhaps you are looking for another boring blog about what his son does day in and day out with little substance? Sad you can't realize what Dan has to offer the world.
Jessica Jaramillo
1 person on my fb read the original post. Just 1. So, I simply posted the link to the video in hopes that they will click on it because it says youtube. maybe, just maybe, they will then read the original post.
Hannah Ayer
@Cami- Jesus never once said anything against gay people. The bible never did either. People like you have chosen to change the wording so you can have hate in your hearts. DISGUSTING. GAY is in now way a religious issue----it is a HUMAN RIGHTS issue!!!!! Being against Gay and voting to stop prevent gay marriage is like voting for the reinstatement of slavery-same kind of low.
Bryan Bauman
Dan, so , yeah. Good article. Etc but seriously! Your blog is supposed to be about single dads. Not gay rights. I'm gonna give it another week but come on man. This horse is dead. Move on.
Daryn Shull
Amazing. I'm proud of your courage to share your feelings. It's a message every human being should hear.
Homestyle Mama (with a side of Autism)
Wow. I have read these comments from christians and wow. Our "job" as christians is not to judge other people's sins, we are not God and that is not our place. We are called to love UNCONDITIONALLY. Not just if they believe the way we do or if they act a certain way. Sin is sin and what is sin is clearly defined in the bible, BUT we are not put here to judge "sinners" for what they do/do not do. We cannot say anyone's sin is "ok" or not ok. We cannot forgive or condemn. How can we judge them when we are guilty of the exact same thing? (again, James 2:10)
Cristi Garinger Moore
I have been thanked for sharing this video...which also led people to read the original blog...Im so glad you are touching so many people with your positivity :)
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Our Bachelor Pad…
Jesus was hated and persecuted yet showed love and compassion throughout. I was "a good Catholic father" for twenty-three years... but I've been transgendered for forty-six years. For this I lost my seven kids, my grandchildren, my marriage, my home, my siblings, my dad, all my relatives, my friends, my business, my church, my community and hope. My wife knew that I was transgendered two years before we married and seemed fine with it. Since asking me to "stop being transgendered or leave" three years ago my world fell apart. Shortly after moving out I was charged with seven bogus criminal offences by a retired York Regional police officer from our church and put on trial in a Newmarket, Ontario court without legal aid (living on $4/day PNA) while medicated for depression and was convicted on July 16, 2010.
Since becoming an outcast I've been depressed, isolated, suicidal, anxious, homeless, a criminal, a freak, discriminated against and assaulted. There are lots of reasons to kill myself but there is one good reason to live... LOVE! I've learned to do what every religion teaches but seems so hard to put into practice... LOVE and FORGIVE. Step back and see how easy it is to let evil take hold when you think you love God and have won God's favour. I've come to hate my life for what I've had to endure, and have prayed for death, but ironically the more I tried to distance myself from God the more I found myself learning to love and forgiveness...Ironic? On December 24, 2011 my 20 year old son and my two youngest brothers came to visit me for a few hours, I was so nervous and scared. We talked about the very issues you describe in this blog... I think I'm not suicidal any more. (((((Hugs))))) Stefonknee
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