Wednesday, November 15, 2006

"I Can't Be A Baptist"

I was raised in Southern Baptist churches. Even though I have broadened my horizons as I’ve grown. I have always been grateful for my upbringing and exposure to the Baptist doctrine. Thankfully, my parents allowed me to pick and choose what worked for me and didn’t force feed the whole way of life.



My siblings and I always said we were at church every time the doors opened—on Sunday’s, Sunday School and church in the morning; Training Union and church at night. On Wednesday nights back for another sermon. And of course, GA’s in between. I made it through “Lady in Waiting”. Never thought how funny that was. Wonder what the “Lady” was waiting on? There was always a church related camp in the summer. Most of the kids loved camp. Not me, I was always homesick. Somehow, my mom was more important than Jesus and I missed her dreadfully. Still do! Some folks (Baptist) think this is a sin—but not my God. He totally understands this love and guess what! He loves me, even if the Baptist don’t.


Funny thing, at one of those summer camps, when I was ten or twelve, we were sitting around the campfire. Probably singing KumByYa or something when I felt the presence of God. We had a nice chat and I felt called to be a missionary. But guess what, even at that young age I knew that was not acceptable in the Baptist church for someone like me. For you see, I am a homosexual. Yes, as of yesterday I am no longer welcome in the Baptist church! My mom is and on yes, they will accept her money but not her daughter! Wonder how my life might have taken a different turn that faithful night had I not been Baptist. But that’s another story for another day.


This week in North Caroling, the Baptist are having their annual convention and the big thing on their agenda is getting the sinning homosexuals out of their churches. Guess they will have to rewrite the Golden Rule and some of the Ten Commandments.


  • “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you—unless they are homosexuals.”
  • “Love you neighbor as yourself—unless they’re a homosexual.”
  • “Honor your father and mother—unless they’re homosexuals.”


What about Luke 6:22-23—“Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil! For the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven.” Or Luke 6:37—“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.”


Remember my friends, God created us and loves us just the way we are. Who are you to love us less?


My heart is heavy tonight,

Peace and Love

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