Grati-Tuesday

A few of us have heard the metaphor that if we were to all put our trials on a table and choose who’s trials we would rather have, we would pick our own trials back up.

Many of you have probably seen the latest cover of Vanity Fair and the photograph of Bruce Jenner with the quotation, “Call me Caitlyn”.

I am usually not one to share my opinions on controversial subjects, because I like harmony. I don’t like when people are upset and angry. The topics of same sex marriage and gender identity have not been subjects I wanted to get into discussions about, because I. Don’t. Know.

I don’t know what it’s like to have that trial- to be confused with why I don’t like the “correct” gender, or to be confused with my own gender. I never delved into these subjects with people because I didn’t feel like I had a say in the matter, and I felt that it wasn’t something I needed to get upset about.

Until a year or two ago, when someone very close to us shared that they were gay. Up until that point, I didn’t have a reason to try to understand or to pick a side.

But I have learned that it is not about picking sides. It is about loving people, especially those who are going through those hard trials.

Becky Thompson from Scissortail SILK posted the most beautifully written blog post on the subject (I encourage you to read her whole post), and I really like this quote she gave:

“This post isn’t really even about Bruce Jenner at all… it is about us. It is about our response.” 

We should respond with love.

“He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone.” [John 8:7]

I could not look into the eyes of the person who is so close to us, who has same sex attraction and say, “Since you don’t like the ‘correct’ gender, you’re just going to be lonely and miserable the rest of your life. Good luck with that.”

No. Because it’s not up to me. It is only up to me to love them and help them in any way I can.

Today I am grateful for the trials I have had, and I am grateful for the ones that I have not had to go through.

I am grateful for Christ’s example, and for the amazing people in my life who are strong and courageous through their trials.

{Love}

Every Tuesday, I take a minute to reflect and write on what I am grateful for that week. I have found that it helps me take a step back to appreciate the blessing in my life, big or small. 


So, what are you grateful for today? What have you noticed this week that you are grateful for? I would love to hear what you are grateful for in the comments. Have a great Tuesday!