Hi Tim! "Ol' Unnatural Me" or "Duggar Family Revisted"

Hi Tim!

Got your e-mail today.  Man, I'm glad I caught it.  I just got in from the gym, and it's half past 10 PM.  It was a late evening, so I got to the gym late, because I had dinner with friends.  Another gay married couple and our best friends, a lesbian couple (they're not unnaturally married...LOL..I'll explain what I mean below).

Today's e-mail was about the Duggar Family again.  We communicated about that topic on this post here.  Today you let me know that your petition had been signed by hundreds of thousands of good people, but you were missing my signature.  Sorry, but I couldn't bring myself to sign it.  

You see, after you posted your original story on the Duggar family, I did a little investigation online.  It seems that another organization was pushing a petition to send to TLC to persuade them to cancel the show.

Here's the truth, Tim.  I'm not signing either of them.  I don't watch television.  Well, that's not entirely true.  I have all available seasons of The Big Bang Theory on DVD, and I watch them over and over.  I'm kinda boring that way.

In today's e-mail, you stated that the "good people" who signed your petition refuse to be bullied by a noisy group of angry homosexual activists.  I got bullied once in high school.  Fortunately, it only happened once.  Some girl called me a "faggot" to my face.  Trust me, once was enough.

You mentioned that the Duggar family is "standing firm on God’s word that marriage is sacred and can only be defined as God intended – one man and one woman."  Even being a Christian, I follow the idea of separation of church and state.  My husband and I got married in a courthouse.  The courthouse did have a small "chapel," but the ceremony was...well, I guess it was stately.  LOL

It's not unnatural though.  It's quite nice.

As for the Duggars, I don't have much stake in their show.  Like I said, I don't watch TV.  My husband and I couldn't watch their show if we tried.  We don't have cable.  Yes.  We're cavemen.  LOL

This all seems "much ado about nothing" to me though.  The Duggars and your organization, and the homosexuals of this country will probably never understand one another.  Sometimes, I don't understand your e-mails.  But then I ask God to help me, and I just focus on things that you and I might have in common:

• I'm married.  I guess you are too.
• I have a child.  I would imagine that you have at least one.
• We are both middle-aged white men (but it looks like I have more hair than you...ha, ha..just kidding, buddy)

The upshot is the Duggars television program will not last forever.  Americans have such short attention spans.  And so we're back to "Much Ado About Nothing."  

Let's just laugh.

Have a great night, Tim!

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Lincoln Thanksgiving?

Hi Tim!

I received your e-mail wishing me a Happy Thanksgiving.  I must admit that I felt a bit guilty, since you thanked me for my continued support and for taking action this year.  I haven't really done that.  While I don't support your site, I do agree with your belief in God and Jesus.  And the only action that I've taken is responding to your e-mails, and maybe offering a perspective that is different from yours.

I did find it odd that you selected Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving address to the nation.  I listened to the address that was dramatized on your site, and it was a very moving speech (although it was a bit disciplinary).  You may know this already, but Lincoln was a religious skeptic as a young man.  It was questioned that his frequent references to religious imagery could have been due to his personal beliefs, or the references could have a device to appeal to the American people.  Who knows?

Lincoln also never joined a church.  He would attend church with his wife, but he never made a clear profession of Christian beliefs.  It was know that he did believe in an all-powerful God, since he mentioned that in many major speeches.  But believing in God, and believing in God and Jesus are two different systems.  The Jewish people believe in God, but they do not believe in Jesus, like us Christians.  However, I doubt that Lincoln was Jewish.

Anyway, I just put the dressing in the oven.  I'm always responsible for bringing that to the Thanksgiving feast.  Our feast will be for two lesbians, three gay guys, and one straight woman.  They are my family away from home.  They adopted me as family years ago.  And it's nice, since my own family is hundreds of miles away.

I'll be going to the gym soon.  And it's almost 10 PM.  Wow!  But being a vain gay man, I have to make sure my body looks presentable...Ha, Ha.  Besides, our Thanksgiving meal will not start until Noon, so I can sleep in.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Tim!  Hope you enjoy your time with your family.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Thanks for the Warning!

Hi Tim,

I got your e-mail today "Warning: Before you go shopping on Black Friday."  Never fear.  I never shop on Black Friday.  Since the stock market is open that day, I have to work.  But that is not the real reason that I don't shop on Black Friday.  People in stores on that day can do some crazy and violent things.  I've heard of people getting in fights over merchandise, and even some accounts of gunfire.  Wow!  That's certainly not in the spirit of the holidays!  I've already checked out your list of Naughty or Nice chain stores and wrote about it here. So I'm informed on that topic already.

You did say

There are secular forces in our country that hate Christmas because the word itself is a reminder of Jesus Christ. They want to eradicate anything that reminds Americans of Christianity. That is why it is important to remind governments and companies to keep the word Christmas alive. AFA wants to keep Christ in Christmas and Christmas in America.

I'm not sure how many people "hate" Christmas, because it reminds them of Jesus Christ.  There's lots to remind people everyday of Jesus Christ:  Christian churches everywhere, crosses on necklaces, cemeteries with religious headstones, movies about angels; I could go on and one.  I'm not sure if these people who "hate" Christmas are in a "secular force."  If they are, it's a bit sad.  Getting in big arguments over semantics during the Christmas season seems to be in direct opposition to the entire idea of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, whether it's Christians or non-Christians making a big deal of it.  I don't argue over the real reason for the holiday myself.  Many non-Christians have chosen to celebrate Christmas Day by gathering with their families.  I believe that you and I would agree that any occasion where people are getting together with their families is a beautiful thing.

I did notice that you mentioned PetSmart again.  Again, I think you're giving them free advertising, buddy.  While your followers will not shop at the store, if this story gets picked up by the media, non-Christians may flock to the store to show their support for the store.  Just a guess.

On a different note:  on your e-mail, I did see your buttons that you are selling in your store.  They are very cute.  I hope you sell a lot of them.

Well, it's time for bed.  I ran three miles on the treadmill at the gym tonight, and I'm pooped.

Hope you have a good day tomorrow, Tim!

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Bah Humbug?

Hi Tim,

How's it going?

I got your e-mail today advising me "Don't be fooled. PetSmart is playing games."  According to your e-mail, PetSmart had sent an e-mail shortly after you announced your boycott of the chain.  They used the word "Christmas" in the e-mail, but all the links that were included in the e-mail...ah, I'll just quote you here, because it's much easier than typing it all out.  Hope you don't mind.

Consider this:
- The email was launched within hours of the boycott and only to those who subscribe to their emails.- The email had the word "Christmas" in it, but the links all went to webpages that are exclusively "holiday." Christmas appears nowhere else but in that email!- PetSmart still does not acknowledge "Christmas" in any other corporate advertising.- If PetSmart is really sincere, they will reach out to AFA for an honest discussion about how to end the boycott. We've reached out to them numerous times.


You and I have communicated about PetSmart a couple of times now, and it seems like you are giving them a lot of attention.  You know what my mother used to say about people who bothered me?  "Just ignore them."  You seem to be pointing them out a lot, and kinda giving them free advertising.  So much so, that my atheist husband is thinking about shopping there, and as I mentioned before, he rarely shops there.  He cracks me up.  He's kinda militant.  I know that you and he would butt heads, but he's super-nice.  Everybody likes him.  He's probably the nicest person that I've ever met.  So I don't mind his religious beliefs.  And he's ok with my being a Christian.  It's awesome to be able to respect your spouse's beliefs, no matter if they are the polar opposite of your own.

One thing that puzzled me, though, was the use of your phrase "Bah Humbug."  We all know that "Bah Humbug" comes from Dickens' "A Christmas Carol."  This story is almost completely secular, so I was a bit surprise that you opted that phrase.  And Dickens, while being an Anglican for his whole life, did have a problem with evangelicalism, from which the Pilgrim faith was formed, and in turn, the foundation of religious freedom in our country.  But that kinda thing takes a lot of research.  You may have wanted to get the word out about PetSmart as soon as possible, and didn't have the time.

At any rate, I hope all works our well with you and PetSmart.  I don't think that they have you singled out.  So take my mom's advice.  Just ignore them.

Take it easy, Tim.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Busy trying to keep up! A lot's going on!

Hi Tim,

I didn't have the chance to write the past couple of nights.  I feel kind of bad about it.  If I track back, I think I missed two yesterday, but I caught the one tonight.  Let me try to catch up.  I'm going to get my information from your e-mails only, because I don't have a load of time to research.  See, I'm going to see my family tomorrow in Louisiana.  I know I'll have a great time!  But I digress.

Here we go:

• You told me that The Dugger family has been viciously attacked!  Wow, when I first read that, I immediately thought that maybe a bear had broke into their house and mauled them.  Only when I read your e-mail did I realize that the Duggers are the family that is the subject of the TV program "19 Kids And Counting."  The sheer number of them would feed a herd of bears!  Wow, sorry...that was a terrible joke.  But then I realized (according to your words) that "rabid homosexual activists" had attacked them. I felt better for the family.  But rabies is no laughing matter.
• You urged me to "Take Action: An injustice by an Air Force commander."  Apparently, an Air Force colonel was interviewed for his base's newsletter, and he spoke of his faith.  Then the commander of the Air Force blocked the interview from being published in the newsletter.  Me?  I like when people talk about their faith.  It can be religious:  Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish.  It can be about nature, the stars, the oceans and rivers, or simply the goodness of others.  I like the idea of faith.  Everybody needs something to believe in.  But I'm going to have to go with the commander on this one.  If this Air Force colonel is commanding people of other faiths, including atheism, then they may feel a little uncomfortable reporting to a man who is so open in his Christian faith.  Of course, I would not have a problem with it.  But let's put the shoe on the other foot.  How comfortable would you and I be, if we were reporting to a man who always talked about how Astrology has changed his life, and how he can figure people out by their birthdays?  I bet we'd not be comfortable.  Well, ok...I would.  By the way, I'm a Libra.
• You informed me of how a student was seeking permission for Christian messages that were refused last year.  Here, an elementary school student was denied from bringing candy canes to school to give to other children.  Wow, sad.  He just wanted to do something nice for his schoolmates.  But then I read further, on the link you provided.  There were Christian messages on the candy canes speaking to how they were formed in the letter "J" and how the red on the canes represented Christ's blood.  That's kinda scary for grade-schoolers!  If I heard that as a child, I'd NEVER eat another candy cane in my life.  Furthermore, I'd be mortified, if my son or daughter came home from school with that treat.  But seriously, the message was a bit out of place.  Imagine the Jewish/Buddhist/Muslim/Atheist parent having to explain the message to their small child.  Tough conversation.
• Your linked me to an article about how Students were denied right, again, to form Christian club at NY high school.  I don't have much to say about this.  Based on the facts that I have on hand, they should be able to have their "Dare To Believe" club.  Like I said earlier, I'm only going on your e-mails and links, so I might be missing something deeper in the story.  I must be.  Because I think that a Christian club at a high school would be a great thing.  Oh, wait.  Might be a "separation of church and state" thing, if it's a public school.  I still wouldn't have a problem with it.  But I would imagine some parents might become concerned, if by allowing "Dare To Believe," that would give rise to such clubs as "Muslim Students Unite!" or "Atheists Together!" or something like that.  Might make people cringe.
• There was another link in your e-mail to an article about how an Army officer enforced regs on lesbians, and how he got fired.  Well, that's what the title implied.  He actually didn't get canned.  In the first paragraph after the title, it said that his job was in jeopardy.  Well, anyway...apparently he caught a couple of soldiers, female soldiers, making out, and other soldiers were taking pictures of them.  He took "immediate action to stop the inappropriate behavior."  The officer faced a hearing and was found guilty of assault.  Assault.  Yes, assault.  How exactly did he take "immediate action to stop the inappropriate behavior"?  I'm definitely not going to research that one further.   I know when my mind goes without any additional information.  And I don't like that direction.

That was kinda long, Tim.  Like I said, I'm just trying to catch up, since you are as faithful with your correspondence as you are with your beliefs.  I was bowling for our gay bowling league Wednesday night, and last night I was writing some fiction.  Probably nothing you would enjoy, since the story focuses on a gay guy.

Hey, hope you have a good weekend, buddy.  I'm going to get to see my son.  That will be fun.  Plus, I'll be visiting a new church in my hometown.  I'm excited about that.

Take it easy, Tim.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

Hi Tim! Stranger Ways, Indeed.

Hi Tim!

Got your e-mail today.  But you and I have already communicated on this subject.  Your organization is calling for a limited one-month boycott of PetSmart because they are not using the word "Christmas" in their advertising for the holiday season.  As I have mentioned before, I definitely use the word "Christmas" with my Christian friends and family.  Even with some of my non-Christian friends, who I know would not be offended.  Other religions have holidays that fall during the month of December, such as Kwanzaa, which celebrates African heritage.  This celebration is observed from December 26th to January 1st.  Also, there is Hanukkah, the Jewish eight day "Festival of Lights," which is observed in early to mid December.  This holiday celebrates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem following the revolt of Jewish rebels.  So, Christmas isn't really the only holiday that falls between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

But like I said, I touched upon the "Naughty" list of businesses that you offered earlier.  I mentioned in that post that my husband and I do shop at PetSmart, but quite infrequently. Usually the husband does all the shopping for the house, so I doubt that I will be in the store for the Holiday season at all.  And he's an atheist, so he will not be offended by any reference to Christmas/Kwanzaa/Hanukkah/Holiday.  He's very easy-going.

To change the subject a bit:  I discovered a couple of Christian rock bands over the past two weeks.  I don't know if you're into music like me (we don't know each other that well yet), but I love music.  And finding good music is always a treat for me.  The two groups are Anberlin and House of Heroes.  Some of their songs have specific lyrics that speak to Christianity, like Anberlin's "Stranger Ways" or House of Heroes' "A Man Who's Not Afraid."  But both of these band do not label themselves as Christian Rock bands.  They simply say that they are musicians who are Christians; much like I say that I am a gay man who is a Christian.  It's best not to put yourself in a box, in a category; that's almost like being in jail.  And as a Christian and an American, I feel free and grateful for that.

Anyway, here is a video of Anberlin's "Stranger Ways."  Hope you check it out.  It's good stuff.

Hope you have a good day tomorrow.

Yours in Christ,

Jason

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