Communication

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“For God so loved the world … fat people, drunks, liars, lesbians, murderers, gossipers, swindlers, pious people, prostitutes and me … that He gave His only Son…” John 3:16

“Well, hi Dale. I’m so glad to run into you. How are you doing? It’s been awhile since we talked.”

“I’ve been very busy, between work and traveling. One trip was to Houston with a special friend. His job is transferring him there.”

“If this friend is special, then how well are you handling the fact that he’s moving? Will you be taking lots of trips to Houston? Or are you planning to move too? I’m sorry. My mind is just really going. I’m stuck on the word “special”. Not exactly sure what that means.”

“I think you’ve clued in to exactly what the special part means, by the sound of it. Yes, he is my partner and has been for years. So there will be a lot of trips to Houston. But I’m not moving, at least not right away. I think I’m handling it ok. I told him he needed to take advantage of this great opportunity. And thanks for caring.”

“If you get not ok will you at least let me know? But why haven’t you mentioned this before? You and I have been friends for a couple of years.”

“I will for sure. Thanks. That’s very sweet of you. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure what you would think about me. I know you have religious beliefs and all.”

“May I make a slight correction to what you said? I try to not be religious. I did enough of that the first 30 years of my life. I do try to be a Christian, which to me means “Christlike”. Jesus loved everyone. I try to follow that principle. I believe all our actions need to be based in love. But I don’t always succeed. It’s hard sometimes when you have to deal with negative attitudes at work day after day, or be around a dysfunctional family. I am a food addict and have had to struggle with that my whole life. I had to learn how to love and accept me. I believe that gluttony is wrong. So how can I judge you?”

“Well, thank you for that. You have the perfect way of thinking. So thanks for your support.”

“Are we having what is called a heavy conversation? I sure don’t want to come off wrong, so I am a little nervous.”

“Yes, I believe it is. Who knew when we ran into each other? Too funny.”

“So, I’ve never known anyone who was gay. Do you get mistreated like I read about in the paper?”

“Believe me, I do. I would say people despise me, and Christians belittle me. People with religious beliefs seem to be the worst. But this wasn’t a choice. I didn’t just wake up one morning and say, “I think I will be gay for the rest of my life.” I knew for years before I actually acknowledged it, that I was different.”

“And as someone who is trying to be a Christ-follower, how can I be different from the Christians you described?”

“You are doing it. You didn’t look away. Your body language didn’t change. You are still acting like you see me as a person and that you care about me.”

“I do, Dale. It’s amazing how quickly we got into such a deep conversation. I had no idea when I left home that I was about to learn something new about you … and that I would be confronted with a test to see just what kind of Christ-follower I really am. (Hugging) It’s been very nice talking with you. Let’s keep in touch.”

“Ok. Maybe one of these days you’ll get a marriage invitation.”

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