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a story: In university I was in this great student written/directed play. My character swore and I got to smoke these fake cigarettes. It was a blast being in that play. One night during our run, my old youth pastor came to see it. 1/*
I didn't see them after the show and figured I just missed them. I was bummed because I wanted to say thanks. It meant a lot they made a point of coming. A couple days later I got an email from them.
I opened it up, expecting it to say a version of 'great job, enjoyed it, so good to see you find your passion, etc.' It was basically the opposite of that.
They wrote they left half way through the play because they were embarrassed and ashamed that I would be in such a play; that I had let them and God down; that theyd taught me better; & that I was a bad witness for Jesus.
I don't think I wrote back or ever saw them again. Tbh, I completely forgot all about this until today.
Now I'm not telling this to out them or get into whether swearing and smoking is "Christian behaviour."
Im telling it because these words and actions make ppl question something they never should be made to question: their worth & belonging.
Im telling it because these words and actions make ppl question something they never should be made to question: their worth & belonging.
I tell it because this story isn't unique. So many - too many - ppl have been made to question their worth & belonging because of shaming & judgemental words from leaders. Too many ppl have given up on an affirming God and community because someone lied to them.
I tell it because we need to tell another story: a story about an affirming God, about inherent worth and belonging, about indiscriminate, extravagant, and just love. A story we can live out and that counters the lies.
I invite ya'll to ask the questions I'll be asking myself today:
How can I tell a different story?
How can I make everyone feel seen, hears, and valued?
What do I need to learn about so I can do this better?
*fin.
How can I tell a different story?
How can I make everyone feel seen, hears, and valued?
What do I need to learn about so I can do this better?
*fin.
