Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Deb Cordes.
One of my best friends in college was Steven. He was loving, creative, funny, and SMART. His one dream was to be a teacher. He wanted to teach elementary school. There weren’t many male teachers then or now. We hung out together all the time. I considered him my brother from another mother.
One day, Steven told me a. he was in love with my boyfriend and b. he was gay. I think I knew intuitively but his statement threw me. For a few minutes, I wondered whether this made a difference to our relationship – it didn’t and I told him so. This was the 70s and the world was not open to Steven’s statement of who he was.
He also told me, he needed to tell his mom. She was a good Christian woman who loved Steven deeply. Unfortunately, her reaction was not what we’d hoped. She let him know he was an abomination in the eyes of God and she never wanted to see him again. I am sure her heart broke into a million pieces as she said those words.
She never saw Steven again. He moved to San Francisco to be part of a community that accepted him. He became a teacher, swim instructor and live a full life. Then the call came. He had a new disease – AIDS and with it a death sentence. While I was visiting, he asked me to call his mom and tell her. I did. She hung up without a word. I told Steven she loved him and knew he was in God’s loving arms. A few weeks later he died.
To be a part of a life-affirming community is God’s gift to me.
Good and gracious God, hold all those who feel alienated from your love by others, in your hands. Give their hearts peace. When I hear those who speak against your will, hold my hand and give me strength to speak up. Let me never use my words to hurt others in your name. In this time of the world turning, let me be part of the positive change to come. Amen.