Waking Up Somewhere Else

Oh you know the title made you look! The truth is we need to do more talking about our sexuality. My husband and I got in a discussion while watching one of my favorite journalists, Anderson replay tapes from Larry King’s interview with the former pastor, Ted Haggard. We debated what we heard Ted’s understanding to be of his own sexuality, his relationships that have gone public, and how his church responded to the crisis. 

It’s just proof once again that we, as church leaders and members of the faith community should promote healthy conversations about sexuality. In my experience, it’s either secrecy (shhh, don’t say that word in church) or condemnation (if you don’t love the same way we all love, then you are a sinner) rhetoric.  I think there can be another way. And, I think it’s a conversation that people want to have because they are curious, have questions, and for some people of faith, really have a desire to understand someone else’s point of view. 

But, it’s true. This subject stirs up conversation. Remember the comments following my post for Barack Obama? I’ve been following this blog by Anne & May for a couple of months now and they’ve had an interesting discussion following a comment made by a reader concerning Rick Warren and his presence at the Inauguration. The comments have led to a cordial discussion of folks sharing beliefs, asking questions, and well, being able to remain neutral on cyberspace. Wouldn’t it be great if we could have this conversation in person?

I hope that as more churches and clergy enter into dialogue about our own sexuality and spirituality, that seminaries will realize the need for education and training in this area, too. The Religious Institute for Sexual Morality, Justice, & Healing teamed up with Union Theological Seminary and conducted a survey of seminaries. You can find their report on the Institute’s website here. 

Any resources that you are aware of for churches and clergy who want to have a healthy conversation about sexuality? What has been your experience in starting conversations in your own faith communities? For those of you who have been to seminary, what was your experience and learning about these conversations? 

** After reading this aloud to my husband (because he *loves* when I give a shout out to him), he questioned if I might be jeopardizing my future in the church by posting something so radical? My answer… nope. I am trusting that God is working on the right congregation at the same time God is working on me. We’ll be ready for each other when the time comes 😉 and I will be so ready for that time to come!

Read Full Post »

Growing up, one of the favorite places in our house was the kitchen. In our kitchen, we had a bar that separated the kitchen from dining room. This meant that my sister and I, or any number of our friends, usually hung out in and around the bar while mom (or dad!) was preparing the meal in the kitchen. Some of our most memorable conversations happened around the preparation before partaking in the communion of food together. 

It was the same thing at both of my grandmother’s homes as well. I sat, watched and sometimes helped prepare the meal for our family. It was during these times of food preparation that I learned to listen, laugh, and ask questions about things that mattered to our family. It was where I learned and formed images of the world around me. The kitchen became a holy place. 

Not much has changed since becoming an adult. In fact, this week, I encountered a woman in the kitchen of one of our long-term stay facilities cooking lunch. She began to talk about her husband’s illness, his reactions to the treatments, and his fears. While cooking garlic over the stove, she wept and talked about her own fears about his illness. I offered compassionate listening and support to this wife unsure of her family’s future. Through her broken English, she thanked me for listening and asked for a hug. I gave her one. 

Who would have thought the kitchen would have been a Holy place? It is often the places I least expect where God meets me and some unexpected ministry takes place. What about for you? Where are your unexpected Holy places?

My kitchen in Atlanta where a lot of unexpected Holy conversations happened too.

Read Full Post »

I woke up to some pretty amazing surroundings while at home in Florida. I wanted to share some of my favorite places with you…

Sunset while driving over Hathaway Bridge

The boardwalk out over our family pond.

The family pond at dusk.

I am so thankful for these and many other beautiful memories from my week of vacation at home. Thanks to my wonderful friends and family members who made it extra special too!

Read Full Post »