In light of all the heartache, hurt feelings, and anger over the Chick-fil-a situation I felt the urge to write about our response as a community. I know we as humans react to such things in various ways mostly in some form of anger. I totally understand.
As one of the laws of motion state (the first one I think), for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction. So when hurtful/hateful actions/words are thrown out there will be hurtful/hateful actions/words in response. However, let’s consider for a moment the possibility that the reaction could be different. It can have the same intensity but opposite of the hurt and hate.
There was a time in my not too distant past where I was hurt more deeply than I thought imaginable. I was working toward my ordination as minister with a group who ended up turning on me and I was totally crushed. I was done! Never to go back to any church! I withdrew from the people and the church (not God but yes the people). After a period of mourning I finally came to a point of forgiveness. I approached those who hurt me, shared my thoughts and feelings, and asked for forgiveness for how I reacted. It was healing for me. There, unfortunately, have been many situations in my past where I reacted with anger then later was regretful for how I reacted. It’s not that the anger I felt was wrong or bad, it’s just that my reaction was not beneficial for anyone.
I’m happy to say there have also been times when my reaction was helpful; for one, my recent retirement. I was basically bullied out of my job. Sure I could have stayed and fought but honestly I didn’t have it in me. I was too beaten down. After much prayer, tears, and talking with Lisa we came to the conclusion it was time to let it go and move on to the next stage of my life. Now I’m free to fight the battle from another perspective. Project Speak Out, the anti-bullying campaign sponsored by Lexington Fairness. So instead of fighting in retaliation with my anger and hurt I have chosen to fight from a point of love, concern for the defenseless and educate graciously those that ignore what is before their own eyes or are ignorant of bullying effects.
That’s what I would love to see our community do as we continue to fight the battle of injustice and inequality. When they throw hate speech, we pour out love and work to teach those who simply do not understand what it’s like and what it is we truly desire. Clergy for Fairness in Louisville is one such approach I support.
On September the 11th, they stood 50 or so strong (gay and straight alike) in front of Chick-fil-a with a message of love. Their signs read of God’s love for all, equality for all. Whenever possible they spoke to people who asked about why they were there. Not in anger, but in calmness, with love, and a desire to educate.
I pray that one day we will see equality for all. I pray all will come to know the knowledge of God’s unconditional non-condemning love for us. I pray for a day when all Christians gay or straight will choose to worship together, serve God together, pray together and honestly love one another as Jesus commanded.
I encourage you find a place of worship and proudly, lovingly stand for what you believe in regardless of what anyone says. God bless you all.