Hi Tim! Healing For Everyone

Hi Tim,

How are you?  I got your e-mail today, and it really hit home.  Looks like this Thursday, you will be simulcasting a presentation by a psalmist named Dennis Jernigan, who apparently has had a lifelong struggle with homosexuality.  Then he was healed through his relationship with Christ.

I had my own struggle with homosexuality, when I was a teen and a young adult.  I prayed and prayed for God to change me.  I felt lost and alone.  And then I realized that God made me just the way I am.  And I learned to love myself:  a gay Christian.  It was wonderful.

I realize that everyone cannot follow the path that I do.  I realize that some people believe that homosexuality is a sin.  I do not.  It’s just a part of me.  And that part doesn’t have to change for me to be a Christian.  That was the hardest lesson to learn.  I spent years away from the church, because I was treated like a leper, when my church family learned the truth about me, and subsequently, turned their back on me.

A couple of weeks ago, I came to a realization.  I can worship God.  I can be a part of a church family again.  There are many churches in my area that have predominately gay and lesbian congregations.  Many of these church speak to healing, which I guess is healing the relationships that gays and lesbians have with God.  I am going to check out a few in the coming weeks to see where I feel most comfortable worshiping.  Then I will choose my new church family.

I’m glad that Dennis Jernigan has found his way.  As I am glad that I found mine.

I hope that the simulcast will be a big success for both you and Dennis.  It’s important for everyone to express their beliefs.  I will be working during the time of the simulcast.  I would not listen anyway.  I do not believe that it would speak to me as a person, or as a Christian.

It’s always good to hear from you, Tim.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Naughty or Nice

Hi Tim,

I got your e-mail today.  Good to hear from you.

The topic today was your "Naughty or Nice" list.  I just checked out the "Naughty" companies to see if I shop at any of these business.  Your list included the following "Naughty" establishments, and I'll make notes each of these companies:

Barnes & Noble - I sometimes shop here.  Since I'm a writer, from time to time, I visit their coffee bar to have a coffee and write.  I usually go to Starbucks instead, so I'll probably not go to Barnes & Noble this holiday season.

Family Dollar - I never shop here.  I understand they have great values, but their stores are kind of messy.  I'm a neat-freak when it comes to shopping in stores.

Foot Locker - I usually buy all my shoes at Academy or DSW.  No danger of my shopping there.

Limited Brands - Is this the clothing line?  I haven't researched the list, but if so, I think this business caters to a younger crowd.  I'm in my 50s and do most of my shopping at Banana Republic.  Pretty boring, yes, I know.  But I don't have to think a lot to shop there.  I'm kind of a lazy clothes shopper.

Maurice's - Not sure what this business is.  Like I said, I didn't research the list.  Since I don't know what this business is, I'm certain that I won't shop there.

Office Depot - My husband sometimes shops here, but he is an atheist.  I don't normally go with him shopping.  He doesn't like when I go.  I slow him down.  I get distracted easily.

Pet Smart - We do shop here, but infrequently.  I'm not sure whether or not I'll shop here during the holiday season.

Staples - I used to see these all the time when I lived in West Hollywood, CA.  But I haven't seen any here in Houston.  I do think there is a store or two in the area.  If we need office supplies, my husband goes to Office Depot, as I mentioned.

Supervalu - Again, I don't know what this business is about.

Victoria's Secret - There's absolutely no danger in my shopping here.  Trust me.  I don't even like going into one of their store.

You'll notice that I exclusively used the phrase "Holiday Season."  And since Christmas shopping nowadays starts way before Thanksgiving.  I'm just using that phrase to encompass both Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years.  I'm not trying to be snarky.  I definitely use the phrase "Merry Christmas" with my Christian friends.  But, out of respect, I say "Happy Holidays" to my friends who are part of another faith.  I just think that's respectful.

I did want to tell you about a hilarious thing that happened today.  I was stopped at a traffic light, and there was a homeless man peddling.  Well, I'm making the assumption that he was homeless.  Anyway, being a good Christian, I dug in my truck's ashtray, where I keep small change.  I rolled down my window, and offered him the money, saying "It's only change."  The man dropped his hand and walked away.  I just shook my head and laughed a little.

Hope you had a great day today, Tim.  And a great day tomorrow.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim, Merry Early Christmas!

Hi Tim,

I can't believe that we are in the first full week in November, and we are already talking about Christmas.  I remember those old days, when Christmas didn't officially begin until the day after Thanksgiving.  I'm sure you do too.  But I guess it's all marketing.  And since we here in the United States are really now just a consumer nation, I suppose the early start of the Christmas season is somewhat unavoidable.  But nowadays, Thanksgiving (which is a big family holiday) seems to get the short end of the stick.

I usually hold off on the Christmas greetings until after Thanksgiving myself, but I received your e-mail today.  So I guess we can discuss that.

You mentioned in your post that last year "roughly 80 percent of the nation's retailers ignored the use of "Christmas" in their stores and in advertising, choosing instead to use the politically correct terms 'Happy Holidays' or 'Holiday Sales.'"  Since it's all about marketing (as I believe that it is), I would imagine that retailers just want to make a buck, regardless of anyone's belief system.

I'm definitely one who believe in "Merry Christmas," but many of my friends who are not Christian like me, still celebrate in December, with family gatherings and by exchanging presents.  I doubt that they'd be offended if retailers are using the term "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays."  I wouldn't, but I'm pretty easy-going.

I see that last year, you called for a boycott of Radio Shack, because they wouldn't use the term "Christmas" in their advertisements.  And today you announced that the boycott was a success.  Radio Shack is now using the term "Christmas" again.  Cool!  It's like back to the good old days, when I was a kid.  Back then, most everybody said "Merry Christmas."  I only heard "Happy Holidays" on occasion.  I didn't take that as a hit on Christ, I thought that people were just trying to change it up a bit.  But I didn't think they were dishonoring Jesus.  I didn't think that Jesus would mind.

I'm not trying to be snide here, but I'll still probably not shop at Radio Shack.  If I'm buying electronics, I do it on Amazon.  But I do sincerely hope that their sales increase this year.  According to my husband, the chain is a little in trouble.  Probably because of people like me who do a lot of online shopping.

Anyway, it was great to hear from you today.  I admire your passion in your cause.  I just wish that your beliefs regarding same-sex marriage weren't so strong.  It kinda makes me sad.  But I'm sure that you're really a good guy.

Have a good night, Tim.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim, I didn't hear from you today. Hope all is o.k.

Hi Tim,

I didn't get an e-mail from you today, friend.  I was a bit surprised.  I can usually bet on hearing from you at least once a day.  But I trust that all is good in your world, and you're just a bit busy.  I would imagine that you have a lot of responsibility running the American Family Association.

It's all good though.  I did get to spend some time with another friend of mine. He's a gay Christian like me.  We met for lunch, and it was a lot of fun.  The conversation probably would have made you a bit uncomfortable, since we were talking about our husbands.  We also talked about how his husband dressed up like a fairy for Halloween.  I sure that would have really made you uncomfortable, so I'm glad you weren't there.

I was at the office from 9 AM to 8 PM.  It was a LONG day.  But I enjoyed it.  I got to talk to one of my best friends at work.  She is a Christian too.  And we talked about how we need to turn things over to God that we can't handle alone. She is super-conversative in her beliefs.  She doesn't believe that same-sex marriage should be legal, but she loves me and is happy that I have a good husband.  You and she would probably hit it off great!

Anyway, like I said, I was at the office until 8, and it's now 9:30 PM.  I'm kinda tired.  Time to say my prayers and go to sleep.

Hope you have a great day tomorrow!

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim, Thank for you thanking me for voting!

Hi Tim,

I got your e-mail thanking me for being an American voter.  I did vote in America.  I can't vote anywhere else.  Sorry...LOL...I couldn't resist being a smart alec.  But I am an American citizen.  A fact that I'm very proud of, as I know that you are as well.  We do live in a wonderful county, where we have the right to vote and to make our voices be heard.

You did mention something in your e-mail that troubled me, though. You stated that

"Your AFA is already hard at work to with policies that ensure our nation reverses many of the bad laws that have been passed in the past seven years. Specifically, we will strike hard against ObamaCare, runaway spending, natural marriage and religious freedom protections."

(I copied that directly from your e-mail.  The first sentence seems to have some grammar problems, but hey...we all goof up sometimes).

I've mentioned before that I really don't keep up with current event, so I don't have all the facts about ObamaCare.  I don't think that is the real name of the program, but I guess that not important here.  I've heard a lot of people complaining about it.  I am fortunate to work for a company who has excellent health insurance, and they even extend that coverage to my husband (well, for him, I have to pay for it.  It's not for free...LOL).

Runaway spending?  Yeah, I guess that's a problem.  When my husband and I "run-away" spend, we end up eating beans, rice, and greens, like we did tonight.  Our money too often goes to fun things like travel, eating out, buying gifts for our families, or bowling.  We LOVE to bowl.  But we should really try to budget better.  A lot of people should, but I always try to mind my own business.

Natural marriage?  I know what you are driving at there, and it makes me smile.  I am married, and I have been so for years now.  Legally.  Maybe not in the everyday conservative's eyes, but I know that Jesus has blessed me.  I found the man of my dreams, and I'm fortunate in many ways.

Religious freedom?  I'm right there with you, buddy.  For me, the best way that I can exercise my religious freedom is by being an example for people that I encounter:  always being kind, helping others when I can, giving as much of myself as I can, not judging people because they are different from me.  Jesus gave me that example.

I'm glad that you are stoked about the election results.  I'm beginning to think of you as a friend.  You know...someone you can admire (like I admire your passion in your convictions), someone that can drive you crazy (when I think, "Wow...did you really just say that, Tim?), and someone that you have a lot in common with (like our belief in the teachings of Jesus).

Have a great day, Tim

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim. I'm Looking Forward To Election Day Tomorrow

Hi Tim,

Just a quick note.  My husband and I had dinner with our best friends, a lesbian couple, this evening, so I’m up pretty late.  It was a great dinner, Mexican food.  I had a beef fajita quesadilla.  It was awesome.

Anyway, I received your e-mail regarding Election Day tomorrow, and the availability of your organization’s free online voting guide.  But I will be using a different one tomorrow:  the Houston GLBT Political Caucus one.  GLBT stands for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender.  I fall in that category.

I’ve checked out their recommendations, which look like a straight Democratic ticket.  I have to admit that I have not checked out yours.  I would guess that it’s straight Republican, but as I said, I have not checked it out, so that's a big assumption.

Anyway, I hope the supporters and members of your organization come out to vote.  Every voice is our country in important.  And as they say, may the best man (person) win!

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim, I hope your "I Stand Sunday" events opens some eyes.

Hi Tim,

You don't know me, but I'm your friendly neighborhood queer.  We don’t live in the same neighborhood, but aren't we really all neighbors on this same planet?  

I got your e-mail regarding your American Family Association's "I Stand Sunday" event.  And even though it will be held in my hometown, I will not be able to attend.  But I did want to RSVP.

I don't know where Houston's Grace Community Church is located, but I could probably Google-search it and find out.  But I have plans already.  I bowl in a gay league on Sunday evenings, and the times conflict.

But the real reason that I will not attend the event is that I do not think that I would feel welcomed.  Well, not for who I really am.  You see, yes, I'm a Christian, and there are many Christian churches in Houston, where the majority of the congregations are gay or lesbian.  I do feel welcomed there. Even heterosexual people are welcomed in these churches.

From your invitation, I understand that the objective for your gathering is "to focus on the freedom to live out our faith, free of government intrusion or monitoring."  I can respect that.  Many people believe that our country was founded solely on the basis of religious freedom.  So it was shocking for me to learn that one of our founding fathers, John Adams, once wrote to another one of our founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson, that, "This would be the best of all possible worlds, if there was no religion in it."  Strong words, that I definitely do not agree with.  I'm certain that you don’t either.

I understand from your invitation that the city of Houston "issued subpoenas demanding that some of the city’s pastors turn over sermon notes and private communications dealing with homosexuality and transgenderism."  I don't know much of the background on that, but I think the city backed down on the issue.

Thank you for your listing of some of the confirmed speakers at your event:

David and Jason Benham, "co-founders of Benham Companies, who had their program on HGTV canceled because of their stand for time-honored marriage." 

Myself, I've been married since 2012, so I'm not sure if it's “time-honored."  I don’t watch HGTV, but my husband does.  He may know who David and Jason are, but I don’t watch much TV.  Well, unless it’s “The Big Bang Theory.”

Dr. Ronnie Floyd, "President of Southern Baptist Convention."  

I was raised in the Southern Baptist Church, attending every Sunday school, Sunday morning worship service, Sunday night training union, Sunday night worship service, and Wednesday evening fellowship.  I even was a member of our church’s puppet troupe that entertained children and the elderly.  I was a devout member of the church, until the truth of my homosexuality was found out.  Then the entire church turned its back on me.  That hurt.  It didn't seem to me like something Jesus would have done.

Mike Huckabee, "television host, political commentator and former Governor of Arkansas."

I guess he has a strong anti-gay stance.  I think my husband told me that, but I don't pay attention to most news items (although I do read your e-mails).  All I know is that my Dad likes him, so Mike is probably very conservative

Alan Robertson and Phil Robertson "of the hit television show 'Duck Dynasty'."  

I do not watch this show, but my sister's family and my step-sister's family do.  They really enjoy it.  Some time back, one of these guys compared homosexuality to bestiality.  Now that is a true crime against nature. But I'm not sure what the Robertsons think about what happens in my bedroom, but it's not sex with animals.  And ultimately, that’s none of their business.  I don’t know, or care, what goes on behind their bedroom doors.  That is none of my business.

Like I said before, I do hope your event opens some eyes, but not in the way that you hope it will.  I hope people will recognize that they and I are more alike than we are different.  Take you and I for example:  we love our families, we go to work, we have children, and we are both Christians.

The best to you, Tim.  I know that's what Jesus wants for you.  And I know that's what He wants for me too.

Thanks,

Jason