You gotta write when the Spirit says, "Write"

This week, The ELCA voted to approve implementing resolutions around same-sex unions and the inclusion of people in non-celibate same-sex relationships in rostered leadership. I followed the proceedings fairly closely, reporting in my Facebook status on what was happening and asking - no begging - for prayers as our National Assembly delegates wrestled with this question. After the vote, I published links to several articles that reported on the vote.

A friend of mine sent me an inbox message, posing an interesting question. She was wondering how the national Church, and other churches who have voted similarly, reconcile homosexuality with the New Testament verses that speak against it. Now, it wasn't the question itself that was so interesting to me, although it certainly is a relevant, interesting, and very respectful question. What intrigued me so much about the way she posed the question was this: she did not reference any specific New Testament verses, leaving me to wonder which ones she actually meant.

At first, I wondered how to answer the question, feeling like I didn't have "all the information" needed to "solve the equation." (my math-geek roots are showing, I know.) Of course I could have answered her, asking for specifics. But as I pondered further, I realized that her way of asking the question was actually liberating! I was free to address the heart of the question - as I heard it - rather than being confined to talking about specific Scripture verses.

This morning in church, several things collided in my head (not literally - we don't throw stuff around in the sanctuary - well, at least not very often), the Gospel reading really sank in, the Spirit blew through my soul, and I started scribbling away. I'm sure I was a distraction to my pewmates, but they know me, so they understood what was going on.

So for what it's worth, here's my take on my friend's question. It is absolutely informed by my understanding of Lutheran theology, the traditions I come from, and my understanding of grace. That being said, it's also MY interpretation of these things and of Scripture - NOT an official position of the ELCA or any other church body. For that interpretation, please see elca.org for the recently-approved Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the task-force recommendations for Rostered Ministry changes.

So what do I think?

I think that Jesus always included those who were considered "outsiders" in his time and place in history. In fact, we KNOW he did - he called a tax collector as a disciple, he shared meals with those who were disgraced or considered "shameful," and he included women in his ministry from the very beginning. He dared to touch the unclean. Jesus saw through to the heart of people, not focusing on what was on the surface or on societal norms. This is not to say that "anything goes" with Jesus, only that he was more concerned with how we love God and treat each other than who is "in" and who is "out". This is Truth with a capital T - universal Truth that is relevant outside of any time or place.

On the other hand, the apostle Paul's letters, part of our accepted canon which address homosexuality among other topics, were written in and for a particular moment in history and to address specific situations within specific churches. Heaven knows we Lutherans love us some Paul, and his letters also contain much of this Truth, but in my opinion, neglecting to keep in mind the specificality of his letters does him a disservice. Interpreting Scripture in this way, to my mind, does not diminish the amazing message contained in Paul's letters. It does not lessen the impact of being "saved by grace" and his proclaiming Christ crucified.

What it does do, I think, is to remind us of who "has the words of eternal life." Today's Gospel lesson, from John 6, reminds us of that. JESUS has the words of eternal life, which come through him from the Father. Certainly Paul also gives us plenty of inspiration and explanation (boy! does he explain!), but Paul is not God. And Paul would be the first to say so.

So how does this relate? Paul's letters, in part, addressed relationships among people that we do not view the same way in this time and place in history - such as master and slave, the role of men versus women in the Church, and homosexual relationships. I have read research that poses the possibility that when addressing homosexuality, Paul was addressing unequal relationships between people (possibly men and young boys) which are not in the same realm as the loving and committed relationships of two adults who are acting on equal footing. This resonates with me. Additionally, in a society which (this is my speculation, but something that seems reasonable to me) was still concerned with survival to the next generation (although less so than in Old Testament times, I imagine), any relationship which did not bear heirs was probably a bit suspect, to say the least. There is much Truth in Paul's concept in these passages - but I don't think that interpreting the letter to have the same literal meaning today as it did in the early years of the Christian church gets to that Truth.

What I write here is incomplete, as my understanding of faith is incomplete, but it gets to the point of how I feel. But how does this relate to my worldview, specifically my view on homosexual relationships?

Well, let me go back a bit. When I was younger, I knew ABOUT gay people. That is, I knew what homosexuality was, I knew in theory what a homosexual relationship was, etc. But as I grew and moved through my own history, I began to meet and KNOW gay people. There's a big difference, a journey of experience, when you begin to know the heart of people and not just their labels. I learned this about many things in my life, and my understanding of gay people as "us" is something that I will admit I have rather drastically changed my position on over the years.

We all have labels. It's true. Some are fair, some are unfair. We can all be put into categories on a census sheet (many of us into many categories). I am Caucasian. That is a label. I am heterosexual. That is a label. I am Lutheran - another label! But to only evaluate a person by their label is short-sighted. To begin to make assumptions about a person based on their label doesn't go far enough. Some assumptions will undoubtedly be true, and right, and just, and even loving. For example, if a man is in the category of "homosexual," one can justly assume that this man will be in a relationship, if he is in one at all, with another man.

BUT - I believe we must go further to know people as individuals - to get deep within to the heart of people, as Jesus did and still does. Specifically to this topic, I believe some gay people are called to and fit for ordained ministry, some are not. More specifically, some gay people in non-celibate committed relationships are fit for this kind of leadership, some are not. Just as some heterosexual men and women are fit for ordained ministry, and some are not.

To exclude an entire group of men and women who have heard God's call based on their label is, I think, less than visionary. I believe we must allow for the Spirit to work, not stifle the prophetic voices that are among us. I believe that the changes in ministry policies, to allow for the possibility of ordaining men and women in committed same-sex relationships, is following in the footsteps of the Jesus we worship and proclaim as Lord.

Will this be messy? Yes. Will it take awhile before we, as a church, figure out how to do this? Yes. Are there logistical hurdles (such as how exactly to recognize and define a "committed non-celibate relationship" in a society that does not universally recognize gay marriage or even civil unions) to be overcome? Of course. Will this change cause hurt and discord? Sadly, yes. But growing is messy. Growing hurts. God knows this and will walk with us as we do our human best to figure this out.

Will some people leave the ELCA with broken hearts? Yes. And that in itself is heartbreaking, and I believe all of us are praying for peace and comfort as we move through this. But there are often legs on our faith journey that we cannot see to the end of. Those of us who are proud of and excited to be a part of this change are seeking to do God's will in this place. Faithful people who feel compelled to leave the ELCA due to the changes are, I believe, doing the same thing. They are seeking to find a place to do God's will as they discern it. I don't think one is good and one is bad - far from it! In fact, I pray for all of us as we seek to do God's will and reflect God's heart.

The ELCA National Assembly reflected this prayer in approving the first implementing recommendation - to journey forward faithfully, walking together, respecting the differences of opinion on this issue and the bound conscience of all of us. This may seem overly procedural and silly - we need to VOTE to respect each other?! But it's not - it publicly announces and intentionally shows our desire to follow Jesus - to love one another, to see each other deeply, and to go beyond the labels.

The Lutheran Church is reforming - again - just as it has done throughout all its history. I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this new reformation, and I hope and pray that we continue to bear witness to the love of God as we move forward.

Tending the soil - an open letter to the youth of St. John's

I don’t know about you, but for me, the end of the summer is kind of a drag. Everything feels like it’s kind of on hold, and it’s too hot and muggy to breathe. (yes, I know I grew up in Texas, yes, I’ve become a big baby about the heat.) Vacations are (mostly) over, but school hasn’t started…yawnnnn.

Plus, the ministry work I’m doing is pretty blah right now too. It’s just cleaning my office, cleaning out files, updating email lists, getting letters ready, figuring out who’s going to be where, working on prayer partners…just a bunch of background stuff, really, mostly tedious computer stuff.

I was telling a friend at lunch today that during this couple of weeks, it’s a little hard to get motivated. I haven’t seen a lot of you all summer, and I may not see you until Rally Day (which is September 13th by the way). I get so much of my energy for ministry from all of you that it’s no wonder I’m running a little low right now. It’s not a bad low, really, it’s just…slow…and boring.

So driving in today, I didn’t really want to think about work. I let my mind wander a bit. You know how random thoughts just drift through your head sometimes? Well, for some reason I started thinking about that Facebook game Farmtown. And how I’ll have crops to harvest later this evening, and then I’ll have to plow – tend the soil to get it ready for new crops.
The next thing you know, I got a little visit from the Spirit, who had probably been hovering around, waiting for an opening in my brain to whisper encouragement. “You know what you’re doing at work? You’re TENDING THE SOIL!” the Spirit told me. Huh! Farmtown and tedious computer work collided in my mind and soul, and what do you know? The Spirit’s right!

Before the seeds can be planted and grown, the farmer has to get the soil ready. I’m no farmer (well, except online), but I imagine it’s not the most fun part of the job. It’s probably pretty hot, sweaty, boring work, turning over the soil, maybe getting rid of rocks and weeds, maybe adding some kind of fertilizer…can’t possibly be the most exciting. But boy, is it necessary!

All this background work I’m doing over the next couple of weeks is the same way. By cleaning my office, I’m getting ready to welcome you back any time you want to visit me this year. By cleaning out my files, I’m getting ready for new information and ministry opportunities that are coming down the line. By updating my emails lists, I’m ensuring that I am keeping the lines of communication to all of you open and efficient – so we can be in relationship in as many ways as possible. The letters (that will be coming late this month) will contain dates and some info about all the great stuff that’s happening in our church, synod, and in the national church. And the prayer partners? Well – we’ve got a fun new group of 7th graders starting confirmation, and we’re gonna make sure there are adults praying for them!

All of these little chores I need to accomplish at the end of every summer are really soil-tenders – getting things ready to go for the fall, so that all of you, the seeds and plants that are nourished here at St. John’s with God’s Love, can grow and flourish as we are in ministry together. (ok, I’m done with the farm analogies now. Haha)

I confess, I’m still not super-excited about all these little things, BUT I am excited about the new school year starting – because it means I get to be with you again! And that is truly the gift of this ministry. So thank you, Spirit, for giving me a little perspective and reminding me again why the boring stuff isn’t really all that boring after all. Thank you for the reminder that these tasks bring me that much closer to being with the youth of St. John’s, who always bring joy to the lives of the congregation (even when you’re driving us nuts – remember how joy can sometimes be wayyyy deep down?) Thank you for the reminder that the last few weeks of summer don’t have to be about the doldrums, they can be about…anticipation.

I love and miss you all – see you soon!
Have a blessed week, my friends,
Lisa

Cost of Discipleship - with apologies to Dietrich Bonhoeffer

As any of you who have been anywhere near my FB status for the past couple of weeks know, I have a wicked case of poison ivy. And I got that poison ivy in New Orleans. Strangely enough, the poison ivy saga has made me think a lot about the idea of "the cost of discipleship." I don't really spend a lot of time thinking about that, I guess. The idea that living the life Jesus wants us to live sometimes involves a cost, or a sacrifice. Grace is free, salvation is free, eternal life is a gift....but living this life to the fullest as a follower of Christ? Not always easy. You're probably wondering where I'm going with this and when will I get there. Well, here's the connection. See, I wasn't just bumming around New Orleans when I got the poison. A group of us were down for the National Youth Gathering - hearing Jesus' call to learn more about life in Him with 37,000 other teenagers. It was awesome - you've probably seen my pictures. If you haven't, check out my photo albums. Anyway, part of the week involved a ServantLife event - a service project. We were hearing God's call (through the Gathering) to serve His people and His creation. You guessed it....being disciples. Our service involved tearing out invasive species of plants that were choking the native plants and building a walking trail in a park. That is, restoring God's creation to what He meant it to be (Katrina had disrupted the natural ecosystem) and creating ways for humans to enjoy God's creation. Honestly, it was a pretty cool project. Being disciples and stewards of the Earth - awesome! WELL. Here's the kicker. I know that I'm sensitive to poison ivy. I knew full well that if I worked on this project, I would probably end up with poison ivy. I had a choice - I could either work alongside the teenagers, or I could sit it out and just "supervise" from the sidelines, maybe refill water bottles or get tools as people needed them, anything to keep me out of the brush. I mean, people would understand, right? That I wanted to keep my skin healthy and not get a horrible rash? Maybe, but if I did that, was I REALLY being a disciple in that time and place? Or was I more concerned with my own comfort and health and safety? I chose to take the risk. I chose to work side by side with people I knew and people I didn't know - but all brothers and sisters in Christ working for a common goal - caring for God's creation. And you know what? Yeah, I'm hurting now...but it was totally, totally worth it. The things I saw that day were beyond amazing. And I'm blessed now to be able to share those stories - how three church groups from different parts of the country became one community working for a common goal, how strangers became friends became family in Christ by sharing stories and working together, how we saved native plants and created a beautiful trail through the trees. Also, I saw and experienced people taking care of each other - from making sure we all took enough breaks (it was HOT that day) to caring for emotions to helping with tough spots and big heavy things that had to be carried. I saw disciples following Jesus that day. And you wanna know something else? This rash has become probably the strangest ministry tool I've ever been given. So many people have asked me where I got the rash and what I could possibly have been doing, and that's given me the chance to talk about the Gathering and the amazing things teenagers do when they hear God's call. Not just our group, but the 37,000 of us who spent three days in service to God's people in New Orleans. Weird, I know, but I've been able to "bear witness" about the Gathering to people I probably never would have had the chance to. God does, indeed, work in mysterious ways. I just wish it were a little less itchy. :) Now, I'm truly not telling you this story to get sympathy, or get pats on the back for how "brave" or "noble" or "religious" I am or whatever. Nor have I been thanking God every day for the opportunity to use this rash to talk about Him. I've been whining and complaining all week, honestly. BUT - this story isn't about me. I'm just the example. This story is about how God works in the world. Even the really weird ways that you can't see at the time. See, following God isn't always easy. In fact, it very often is hard! Sometimes it's just a little hard, sometimes it's amazingly hard and demands great sacrifice. (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, from whom I stole the words "cost of discipleship," ended up dying for his discipleship - he sacrificed everything to follow God's call.) Sometimes, it involves choices that we just flat out don't want to make - that's when we often say, "Enough, God! How much am I supposed to sacrifice? What else do I have to give up?" But the truth of the matter is, ANY sacrifice, if we're truly following God, is worth it. The bone-deep peace and joy we experience knowing that we are doing God's will - thanking God for his gift of grace through our actions - is indescribable. Sometimes, we see the results of our discipleship, like when I looked at the trail we had created. Sometimes, unfortunately, we don't - it's too long-term. And sometimes, the joy and peace is so deep that it's covered by the short-term pain of the sacrifice. And that's when we have to trust in God's love and cry out to him for help and comfort. And God will be there to hold you in his arms through the experience. Most of us aren't asked to sacrifice the way Bonhoeffer did. But for all of us, following Jesus involves a cost. And I hope, that as you go through life, you find the strength and love to remember that no cost is too high - it's worth it. It's worth everything. Have a blessed week, my friends!

This week, I have learned....

1. St. John's kids - "my kids" are so very cool. And funny! And lots of fun to hang out with.

2. My sense of direction sucks. Yeah, we knew that.

3. But my amazing, fabulous kids pick up the slack on that. See, they 'get' that we all have different gifts - and they totally called me on navigation not being one of mine. So they'll take over that and let me do what I do well. :)

3.5 Twitter rocks. Twitter helps us experience this as a community - and be in relationship - in a new way. It's like being able to lean over and listen to a whispered comment from EVERYONE at the Gathering.

4. New Orleans is HOT and HUMID. HOT and HUMID was pretty much everybody's low last night. "Air you can wear" is not something you want to hear in a weather report.

5. HOT and HUMID was everybody's low!! So...that means most other things about the day were a high!

6. Teenagers will be mortified (but I think secretly impressed although they'd never admit it) if their adult leader stands up in Cafe du Monde and prays at the top of her lungs.

7. Oh, the adult leader dancing to zydeco music with someone from Florida on Bourbon street will mortify the kids too.

8. But - we model what we want them to understand, right? When the Spirit moves you....

8.5 I can *kind of* do a slow jitterbug!

8.75 Worship can break out anywhere - even over beignets and cafe au lait thanks to a trumpeter playing When the Saints Go Marching In and The Doxology and other tunes.

9. I DO have it in me to stand up at Cafe du Monde with a few hundred other Lutherans and be the one to shout The Lord be with you! Let us pray! Who knew?

9.5 The few hundred Lutherans responding "And also with you" will knock you off your feet - almost literally. Wow.

10. Beignets are yummy.

10.5 So is gumbo.

11. My kids are AMAZING. And fun. Did I mention that already?

12. Christian music CAN rock the house. The bands at this Gathering have been out of this world! (no metaphor intended, but...)

13. We all hear the message we need to hear. While I was fascinated by Dr. Viola Vaughn last night, and her style was just what connected with me, others were equally entranced by Becca Stevens, who I just couldn't connect with. Kudos to the Gathering Planning Team for finding speakers to deliver the message in different ways!

14. 37,000 Lutherans leaving the Superdome are LOUD, like to play Marco Polo across the street, and take a looooong time to move back to the hotels.

15. If you want pizza after the Mass Gathering, order it at 4pm and pick it up.

16. Do NOT try to get on the elevator after the Mass Gathering and during Community Life. Just hang in the lobby. Really.

17. Carry laptop at all times to be able to access free internet in the lobby (while you're hanging out waiting for an elevator).

18. God's love abounds - keep your eyes open to see it EVERYWHERE!!!!!

19. Mules are smarter than horses. "Stubborn as a mule" refers to this - where a horse can be pushed so far past its limits that it's heart will burst, a mule works hard and loves to work, but when it reaches its physical limits, it won't work any more until it rests. Huh. There's a lesson in there for us, I just know it! :)

20. I won't mind being called "stubborn as a mule" anymore - taking care of myself is important!

20.5 I can do this - I can do this - I can do this - BUT NOT ALONE.

21. "If you don't love yourself, who's gonna love you?" - Viola Vaughn.

22. Read read read learn read learn read read learn. - Viola Vaughn

22.5 Agape (David Scherer - Google him) ROCKS DA HOUSE!!! So does Group1Crew. Cannot wait to hear more...

23. Our kids - all 37,000 of them - are pretty dadgum cool. So cool, in fact, that they were highly complimented by a group of businessmen behind me in line for the elevator. "They're so well-behaved, friendly, helpful...they aren't causing any problems at all. What do you Lutherans do that other churches don't do?"

24. While I don't think the Lutheran church has a monopoly on loving kids, I did trot out the "sinful and unclean to the core of our being" and "dependent on grace" for these gentlemen.

25. Explaining "sinful and unclean to the core of our being" and "dependent on grace" to gentlemen who were, shall we say, a bit lubricated, is....interesting.

26. Community grows best organically. I have watched this group bond and get to know each other in ways I didn't expect - it's fascinating and wonderful and amazing! (and jokes about the farmer spreading manure to help the plants grow...I don't think I'd like where that would go!)

26.5 God gives you a little lagniappe sometimes. Example: walking home from the Superdome in the heat and humidity and crowds is cranky-making. Then it started raining - just enough to cool us off, lift our spirits (I heard more than one kid say it was the Spirit raining down on us), and refresh us for the journey. Thank you Lord!

27. Our kids are amazing - did I mention that?

28. I think they like me too...they include me in their community and jokes and teasing and fun. And they listen when I talk with them.

29. I KNOW they love me. I KNOW they care about me.

30. I love these guys, I care about these guys - and I LIKE these guys.

31. I am blessed beyond description to be in this ministry. I am thankful beyond description for times like this - big moments and small ones - that remind me how blessed I am. God is good - ALL THE TIME!!!

32. I am learning more lessons every second of this trip. I hope to remember them long enough to add them to this.

Been hearing "better you than me" a lot this week. I must be a little crazy to work my butt off for a year with a bunch of teenagers, then get up at 4:30am to take a 30-hour bus ride to New Orleans-in the middle of the summer-with said teenagers.

Well, yes. Maybe a tad. But maybe that's one of my spiritual gifts-just the right kind of crazy to loooove ministry with these guys. Better me than you??? You better believe it!!!

Cuz you've got other spiritual gifts that I don't have, things you are called to do that have me shaking my head and saying, "better you than me."

So go on...do what you're called to do. Me? I'll be hangin' with the youth, doin' our ministry!

Catch 'em being good!

Teenagers constantly amaze me. This weekend, two things happened that were just...well, so very cool.

Number 1: you may have heard about a swim club in the Philly area that is being accused of institutional racism. I don't know much about the story, although I am paying more attention now. BUT - a group of young people from the area went to the club, intending to protest. When they got there, though, they took the bold step of meeting with the leadership of the swim club, ASKING for the other side of the story, LISTENING to what the leadership had to say, DISCERNING that truth was being told, and then PRAYING with the leadership about the situation. AMAZING!!!

Another little story that warmed my heart...I loaned a couple of books on Martin Luther to a young woman in my church to use as references in a school project. I then promptly forgot that I had done so (you know, lots on my mind, some things get pushed out.) Today, on my desk, were the books, wrapped in ribbon, with a little note thanking me for the loan, updating me on the project, and letting me know that she really appreciated my loaning her the resources. It was just so thoughtful!!!

And stuff like this happens all the time with the teenagers. They're so cool! Lots of times, I think we only hear about people (teenagers or otherwise) when there's a problem. (Frankly, this is why I don't watch the news - it's too depressing). We don't always stop to notice the positive things that are happening all the time around us - some big things, some small things, but all amazing things.

Catch 'em being good! Notice the positive! And don't keep it to yourself!

Where two or three are gathered....

...there am I. (said Jesus)

Social networking - it's all the craze lately. Yeah, I know, blinding flash of the obvious. Even the Lutheran Church - or at least SEPA Synod - is jumping on board!

Personally, I love it. Facebook, Twitter, Loopt, texting, blogs....I love them all. Some say I'm addicted, but I'm not sure that's the right word. Let's just say....I'm plugged in. That sounds better, anyway, right? :)

So why write about this? If you're reading this, you may have linked to it from my Facebook page. Or maybe you're a blog follower. Or maybe you're a friend who I sent the link to...the possibilities are nearly endless. But you must be linked in, too, right? Or you wouldn't be reading this.

Let's take a look at that word. "Linked." We are connected through this cyber-world where we don't have to see each other to communicate. Is that a good thing? Often, people think it's not. It takes away from face-to-face communication, it allows us to only have shallow relationships, it isolates us. What do you think?

I think that certainly CAN be true, but I don't think it HAS to be. I can only use myself as an example, but honestly, I think being linked in cyberspace has deepened my connections with many people. Friends from high school who I thought were lost for good, for example, have become better friends than ever. My grandparents in TX, who normally wouldn't get to read what I write, because I'm no good at handwriting letters, hear about what I'm doing, what I believe, and what I think because my mother takes them my emails. Heck, my whole family's on FB - I can have random little chats with my brother, sister, and mom (and hopefully soon dad) through the day without running up the phone bill!

But like anything else, it's a tool. That's what we need to remember. It's a tool for communication, a tool for friendship, and yes, a tool for ministry. Jesus said, where two or three are gathered, He's there. He didn't say HOW they gathered, just that we are in community with each other. Cyberspace can be just as vital a community as face-to-face time.

But always remember - it does not and should not REPLACE face-to-face time. Facebooking with your youth minister, pastor, confirmation class, or church friends cannot replace the worship experience - but it can make it richer and deeper.

And like any other tool, social networking needs to be learned. If you pick up a hammer for the first time and just start banging away without thinking about it, chances are you'll hurt yourself. The same is true with any of the social networking tools. We learn through trial and error, and sometimes through others' trials and errors. Here's some of what I've learned:

1. Social Networking is not scary. It seems very strange when you start it, I know, but really, you can just play around with things and learn what you like and don't like about it. You might totally screw up your FB homepage and have to start over, but you probably aren't going to blow up the world. LOL

2. But you DO need to be careful. Let me say this loud and clear - anything you choose to post on the internet, no matter how good your security measures are, is honestly fair game for somebody somewhere. So before you post that picture, write that comment, or put your name/phone number/email/whatever out there, THINK ABOUT IT.

3. Be yourself on social networking sites. Yes, you can be selective - and should be selective - about what you choose to share, but as with anything else, honesty is the best policy. A cliche, yes, but it's true. Don't pretend to be someone or something you're not. You are created unique and wonderful - please don't ever think that you're not. Share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions with your friends - that's why the tool is so wonderful! But be nice....remember, even though you're "just" typing, these are still real people with real feelings. And they're your friends, or you wouldn't be letting them see what you put out there.

4. But remember that other people aren't always themselves. Be careful about who you become friends with. Make sure you really know that person before you let the friendship grow deep. There are people out there who, for whatever reason, pretend. Sometimes maliciously, sometimes just because they're bored. You all know what I'm talking about - be careful.

5. But don't let all this scare you! Social networking can be a way to share God's love with others - like I said, a powerful ministry tool. I can't tell you how many times I've posted something and heard from the unlikeliest people that they agree, feel the same way, or like the same thing. It's fabulous! And I've made friends I never would have expected - from Patou in France to Matt right here in SEPA, who I met in person at FLY in 2009 and felt like I already knew. So much fun!

So get out there! Gather! But please, let Love be a part of your gathering. I view that Love as the Triune God...but I have friends who don't...so for all of you who may not see the world in the same way I do...insert your own word for that which is bigger than yourself. That's the Love that should be a part of all of our relationships - not to limit them to people who define that Love the same way we do, but to broaden them to embrace many ways of viewing that Love. After all, I truly believe that we are all - all - Loved.