Read on Twitter
So, I've grown up my entire life in the church. Started IFBC, then SBC, followed by some sporadic non-denoms, and finally Church of Christ (although I consider myself Anabaptist). I have never not been around Christians, including very judgemental Christians.
I grew up
1/7
I grew up
1/7
violent. I entered adulthood as a violent person. I have pulled guns on people. I have had to be talked down from doing the most evil of things. I harbored so much hatred in my heart (especially towards myself), but I always directed that hate at "approved" groups.
2/7
2/7
The crazy thing is, I cant recall a single time in my first 40 years where my faith in Christ was questioned. Where I was told very publicly that I was not a true believer. I bore no fruits of the Spirit, but was never challenged for my violence, bigotry, and hatred.
3/7
3/7
The first time I ever had my faith publicly condemned & denied by another believer was after I came out as a transgender woman. Granted, I transitioned because I hurt so deeply, which ironically was the root of my earlier life problems. I transitioned because I was going to
4/7
4/7
die. I was on the verge of suicide. I had rejected violence and truly embrace Christ, but the disconnect within me had become unbearable.
My faith is so much deeper now. I love so much more. I stumble with pride, contentiousness, and other things, but I truly do believe I
5/7
My faith is so much deeper now. I love so much more. I stumble with pride, contentiousness, and other things, but I truly do believe I
5/7
live so much closer with my Savior today than at any point in my life.
But it's now that my faith is condemned. Not because of hatred. Not because of violence. But because I am a transgender woman.
Just floors me and makes me weep knowing so many LGBTQIA+ have been
6/7
But it's now that my faith is condemned. Not because of hatred. Not because of violence. But because I am a transgender woman.
Just floors me and makes me weep knowing so many LGBTQIA+ have been
6/7
driven away from the faith, not because of Christ. But because those who claim Him.
Was just thinking about this today. Please continue to pray for my struggles with grace, but also that the church will cease to be a place known by too many as a place of hurt, not healing.
7/7
Was just thinking about this today. Please continue to pray for my struggles with grace, but also that the church will cease to be a place known by too many as a place of hurt, not healing.
7/7
