*inspired by a local church sign(Here I go again)
I enjoy observing the local Sunday club's motto of "All Welcome". I often consider how literal they mean that.
A nearby club recently put on their marquee "all families welcome" - to which I reflect on our recent voting day proposition for the Texas constitution which asked us, the voters, should marriage be defined as one man and one woman - yes or no. Texas voted for the man/woman definition by at least 70% (a blow out - no contest). So...are gay couples welcome? And is it only if they quit being gay??
Club members would honestly scoff at the notion that "they" are exclusive. "Of course ALL are welcome" they say. "Even gay couples. But, of course, they will change to become like us, etc" and that change is expected through an act (or persuasion) of man.
I once heard Walter Heidenreich speak (after I read a book about his radical change in life). He's a quiet, mild mannered German guy who grew up in the hippie culture of the late '60's/early 70's. He use to follow around local club bands, ones that are currently known as "classic rock" (Yes, Pink Floyd, etc - wish I were a fly on the wall at those gigs). He and his then girlfriend Irene were smoking dope and living in a hippie commune when they stumbled upon Jesus during a bad acid trip. They started reading the CEO's book on their own to know more of this Jesus. Several times they tried to learn about him by visiting local churches, from which they weren't too welcome as they were expected to groom different, quit living together, and change their lifestyle immediately. The key here is "immediately" coupled with human interaction. Today, Walter & Irene have lead thousands of youth to the Lord throughout Europe and now Mongolia
The thing that hits me most about their story is how they accepted Christ. They just accepted him. Trust. Faith. Period. They were still smoking dope and living together in the commune as if nothing had changed - but they had become followers of Christ.
It wasn't until at least SIX MONTHS later when the CEO showed them that dope was a hindrance to their relationship with him, so they quit on their own. Then another six months later they decided to commit to the CEO and each other in marriage.
No human had to "force" Walter & Irene to fit the church club's mold. The CEO worked it out his way, in due time.
So...in our clubs and gatherings...are all truly welcome? No strings attached?
4 comments:
This reminds me of a post I did in the summer about a church sign next to our house.
And did you make that sign? My husband plays with a site that lets you make your own signs and sends them to people. Hardy har har!
Yea, I made this sign and a plethora of others found throughout the achives. It's from the popular churchsigngenerator.com - which allows my sick fantasies to come true. Can you imagine seeing a church sign saying "We've upped our standards - so up yours" or "Hey fat ass...put the burrito down and get in here". Plenty more gags where that came from.
And good post from your link. I agree 100%
Good post man. Good thoughts. Keep em coming. And congrats on number two!
I have a friend who keeps telling me, "You would never belong to a club that would have you as a member." Perhaps he's right.
Post a Comment