Perseverance

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us." [Hebrews 12:1, NRSV]

Perseverance is a character trait we should all strive to possess. It can make the difference between overcoming the obstacles of this life or being overcome by them. Marie Curie, the famous French physicist, once said "Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have PERSEVERANCE and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something and that this thing must be attained."

Both church and society have sent the message to the LGBT community that we are somehow less than equal to our straight counterparts. Our gifts have been downplayed and rejected. We've been taunted, gay bashed and even told we deserve to be put to death. In this kind of harsh living environment is it surprising that a number of folks in the LGBT community are self-destructive? Is it surprising that we deny our giftedness and hide it from the rest of the world?

The time has come for all our LGBT lights to shine. We need to persevere in using all of our gifts in the fight toward equality. We need to keep our eyes focused on the true God who loves us "just as we are" and sees us as God's beloved children. If my advocacy work for LGBT equality has taught me anything, it is that perseverance may be our best tool as we run the race. If we love relentlessly, if we use our gifts persistently, we will be victorious.  Just look at what happened in the ELCA this year.  We made a big leap forward in allowing churches to call pastors who are in committed same sex relationships.  This afternoon I applied for health benefits for my spouse and they're going to give them to us.  WOW!  No one I spoke to on the phone at Board of Pensions even hesitated for a second.  One lady I spoke with was even excited because I was the first pastor she had spoken with to ask for these benefits.  Amazing!

We must not give up hope and persevere in our fight for justice for all God's LGBT children. It's going to happen. Believe it!  Change is coming my brothers and sisters.