I am one of those people who find it hard to have the right words in any given moment. Whether is knowing how to come back with a funny response to a joke, a snarky reply to a passive aggressive jab, or the right response when something unfathomable happens… I just go silent… and I have to think and process.
This has been one of those weeks.
Never have I imagined that I would wake up one morning, only to spend the first few hours making sure my kids were alive, and the rest of the day making sure my friends and my friends kids were alive and safe. It was horrible not knowing.
Yet I know for many who are grieving the horror of the loss of family members and friends after the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs, my worry is hardly significant. Yet where my mind goes is the same place that many have over the past few years especially, over senseless hate crimes against Muslims,Jews, Asians and LGBTQ community sites.
And what I can finally admit to is that frankly, I don’t care what you think theologically about gay and trans people, if its “right” or not. This should not be a conservative or liberal, a Republican or Democrat thing.
This is a human injustice issue.
This is where too many words and opinions have led to someone thinking, yet again, that is is ok, acceptable (and God forbid) that its ok to slaughter someone just because they disagree with someone’s way of life that is different than theirs – in this case, artistic self expression.
Forgive me for being blunt, but these are lives that were cut short, people who were created in the image of God, and I’m frustrated that someone else decided they could play judge and jury – and that too many people I care about could have been at that club and been gone today.
Others are planning funerals when they should be planning Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving dinners.
I’m not on Twitter for a reason, but I’ve obviously gotten wind of the challenges being made to people who publically condemn the trans community and then offer prayers when something like this happens, and all I can think of is where scripture tells us there are consequences for our WORDS.
“If anyone thinks they are religious and does not bridle their tongue but deceives their heart, their religion is worthless….the tongue is a small member yet it boasts of great things… and how great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” — James 1:26 and 3:5-6
This passage is set in a context where there is arguing going on about faith and what people think and say, and whether or not that faith has action. But I think it has a message for us today. Whether we realize it or not, even if you do not understand the trans or gay community, please pay attention to the words you say and post publically, because there are those that will twist them and see your opinion as a license to hate.
Thank God for the Army veteran who happened to have been there that night, his combat training kicking into gear to disarm the shooter. I am grateful. I am also grateful for the MCC church who opened up its doors, welcoming the grieving and creating space for those in the community who needed not be alone.
I hope that regardless of what you believe – whether you have faith in God or not (but especially if you do) – that you will let your faith drive you to action to defend anyone whose life is in danger.
Finding the Life 