Meg
A teacher I’ve admired for years hosted a workshop I attended called “Connection through Conflict.” She ended by asking a volunteer to present a personal conflict for the room to workshop together. One young woman stood up, bravely speaking of her strained relationship with her Christian parents after coming out as Queer. Participants offered encouragement and insights. The woman transformed from hopeless and stuck to empowered and eager. I was moved to tears at this transformation. I thought: God is here.
SAY TO GOD: “HALLOWED BE YOUR NAME!”
Hiking in the Colorado foothills, I took a call from a Christian parent whose child had just come out. She was desperate for resources to honor God and love her child well. I reflected back to her all the ways I saw her love her child. I shared some opportunities to access peer support with other parents walking through similar experiences. She began to attend a parent support group my organization was running. In the months to come, I watched her develop a deep trust in God with her family’s unfolding story.
SAY TO GOD: “MAY YOUR WILL BE DONE!”
I had lost my home, financial stability, and sense of calling and identity as a result of participating in a toxic relationship. Despite deep shame, guilt, and grief, God restored my dignity and hope—little by little, day by day. Christ-followers did not shame me but came around me, prayed for me, and believed in God’s power in me when I could not. In ways only God could know, I experienced moments of redemption where I had experienced loss. God strategically restored me, showing me that though everything else may be shakable, His love remains.
SAY TO GOD: “GIVE US TODAY OUR DAILY BREAD!”
A young gay man disclosed to me that he was experiencing sexual coercion from a male church leader. In the very place where he was longing to find safety and integrity in Christ, he was met with deceit and evil. With ample support from Christians experienced in dealing with sexual abuse in churches, I was able to help bring about justice. The leader was removed from his position, and the survivor was kept anonymous. In the following months, I saw this young man pursue healing with support from a therapist, a non-judgmental faith community, and mentors.
SAY TO GOD: “DELIVER US FROM EVIL!”