Outreach out of My Comfort Zone

For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. – John 3:17

Years ago, when we lived in Michigan, the story was on the news about the “church” group that went to funerals carrying signs saying things like, “God Hates Gay People” and “Gays Are Going to Hell.” I hope it goes without saying, the vast majority of the Christian community was appalled.

During a discussion addressing this church’s stand, a radio talk show host posed the question: “If you were standing next to one of these people with your own sign, what would your sign say?” I knew immediately what I would want my sign to say: “Ask me about the REAL Jesus – the One who LOVES you.” It wouldn’t say everything I wanted to say, but it was the kind of conversation starter I believed was needed in such a situation.

Although I didn’t call the talk show, I did end up using my idea for a sign/outreach. That same evening, I got an email from my friend Kim, telling me her church was going to attend the Pride Parade in Detroit that weekend, and would I like to join them? I threw the idea out to my daughter Kelly, and she immediately said “YES!”

The next day I was making my sign, although I didn’t plan the spacing well enough ahead of time. When I ran out of room at the end, Kelly stifled a smirk and suggested that rather than start over, I write, ” ❤ s U” instead of “loves you.” (*eye roll*) She assured me it looked fine.

Even so, I knew that the sign wouldn’t convey the total message I wanted to get across. Contrary to some people’s opinion, “God hates you” and “God approves of what you’re doing” are not the only two options, but to explain the redeeming love of Jesus would take much more than a bumper-sticker length message. Besides, I didn’t want anyone to misconstrue why I was there. I decided to write out what I wanted to say to the people, in case I got tongue-tied or just didn’t have time to say it all to as many people as I wanted to. I began working on an “open letter to the LGBTQ Community.” By the end of the week, I had finished it, printed out a few dozen copies, and folded and stacked them. Other than calming my insecurities about going into unfamiliar territory, I was all set.

But around midnight the night before the parade, Kelly still didn’t have her sign made.

“I don’t know what to write!” she lamented, on the verge of panic. Again, I had an idea, thinking about the damage that some so-called “Christians” had caused with their hateful speech and actions and attitudes.

“How about, ‘Can we start over?’?” I suggested. She loved the idea and quickly wrote it in bold black marker on an even bolder hot pink poster board.

The next morning, we said a prayer, got our signs and flyers, and headed for Detroit. When we had arrived downtown and were driving around looking for our meeting place, it seemed the streets were practically deserted. I was getting that uneasy feeling again, while the insecure part of me wanted to say, “Oh well I guess they’re not here maybe we got the wrong day let’s go home…” But then we spotted our group. Kim beckoned us to pull up, and when we did, she instructed us where to park.

When we rejoined the group, they gave us t-shirts that had the words “I’m sorry” on them. I confess I was a little reluctant to put one on, not sure what I was apologizing for … maybe for waiting so long to reach out.

Despite my having braced myself for an outpouring of hate, we found we were welcomed gladly, even tearfully, by the people in attendance. They thanked us for coming, took our pictures, and had their pictures taken with us. One even stepped out of the parade to come hug us, then hurried back to catch up. It was heartwarming, to say the least, but I still wanted to tell them more, even if knowing why we were there would make them feel less positively about us. Following Jesus is not a popularity contest.

I got out my “open letter,” which I had printed and stacked in a rainbow of vibrant colors. I gave them to the people we encountered, most of whom took them eagerly and hurried away to the rest of the festivities. I prayed they would read them thoughtfully when the time was right.

When it was time to go home, I found I was, in fact, reluctant to leave. There was so much more to be said, but I was hopeful that what I had written to these dear people would be enough …

(to be continued …)

Prayer: Lord, You told us to preach the Good News to all creation, but there are people we are uncomfortable with – and who are uncomfortable with us. Help us to get over ourselves and obey You, rather than our feelings. Thank You for giving us such a magnificent message to declare to the world – how could we not declare it? Move in us, overcome our anxieties, and help us to stand firm in the gospel of peace, even as we are resting in the peace of the gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.