In my years as a reporter, I've (thankfully) covered stories that have had no real controversy, due in part to the small, quiet communities I've been assigned to. Most articles are about fund-raisers for admirable causes, student accomplishments, school programs, city improvements and individuals' adventures. I have had the occasional tear-jerker and a few years back, covered the first murder in a community in 60 years. That was interesting — and tragic.
But today, I embarked upon a story that was both controversial and emotional.
In a few weeks, one of the school theater groups will be putting on "The Laramie Project," the story surrounding the death of Matthew Shepard and how his Wyoming town reacted. Shepard, a gay college student, was left to die after being brutally beaten by two men, who tied him to a post. Bicyclists 18 hours later found him and initially thought the 21-year-old was a scarecrow. He died a few days later from complications. I remember hearing about it when I was in high school, but never knew any details. I looked into what happened for my interviews with the student actors and it made my heart hurt and my stomach ache. I couldn't get the picture out of my mind for hours.
But here's the kicker: there is a protest coming, one that I can only describe as completely hateful -- and its sign-holders are coming in the name of God. You may have heard of this group. I don't want to mention them here so not to give them any more attention, but most recently, this so-called church has been showing up at the funerals of fallen soldiers, yelling that God is punishing them for the country's acceptance of homosexuality. Their Web site screams deception from someone other than Christ -- and they are completely deaf of it. There are Bible verses all over the page, ones that talk about God's condemnation of sin ... one in particular. The signs they bring with them yell "God hates America" and "God bless AIDS" and "God hates the World." I couldn't read much more. They are leaving out SO many hundreds of other verses about God's redeeming love, about His mercy and grace through Christ, about the fruits of the Spirit: LOVE, joy, PEACE, patience, KINDESS, goodness and SELF CONTROL. It's shameful.
So, my editor asked me to do a short piece on their impending visit -- and I admit I wanted no part of it. But, I got a comment from the school principal and then I found an email for the church. And about an hour later, I got a response. You can imagine my hesitancy opening the note. The woman is, for no better description, a nutcase. Here is an excerpt from her novel (I like how she addressed me, by the way): "Your evil parents taught you that God is a liar, and for that, the wrath ofGod is abiding upon this nation! When God said that homosexuality is an abomination they taught their children that God is a big fat liar, that it is in fact okay to be gay."
And one more: ""The Laramie Project" is just one more way to get the people to focus on worshiping and serving the creature instead of their creator who is God Blessed, forever. If you present a maudlin, sentimental sloppy agape, then you can cause people to trust in a lie. It is a strategy of his Majesty theDevil."
She is delusional. And she had two opportunities to 'preach' her hate to me because I had to re-email her after she ignored my initial question. GRRR.
Though I don't condone homosexuality, I have learned to extend the same grace and love that God pours out on all His people. His love completely covers my multitude of sins. I can't imagine being the target of such hate and my heart so aches for the gay community for it. What these people are doing is nothing of God. It is nothing of His character, and I really hope that non-Christians don't think all who follow Christ are the same way, out there with a deafening bullhorn. We're not. We're really not.
Sorry, but I have to say this: there's a special place in Hell for these protesters.
2 comments:
I agree. Love is the message that God has always wanted us to get. Some people get so caught up in the fine print that they don't see the big picture. God loves all people. Your post is beautifully written.
Thanks for the post Amy...again, I am drawn to 1Peter4:7-10 - Message 7-11Everything in the world is about to be wrapped up, so take nothing for granted. Stay wide-awake in prayer. Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless—cheerfully. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it: if words, let it be God's words; if help, let it be God's hearty help. That way, God's bright presence will be evident in everything through Jesus, and he'll get all the credit as the One mighty in everything—encores to the end of time. Oh, yes!
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