Comments for A tribute to a friend at http://pres-outlook.com , comment 1 to 2 out of 2 comments http://pres-outlook.com Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:19:12 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://pres-outlook.com/opinion/commentary/5931.html#comment-3671 Thank you for the article by Jeff Garrison ... Jeff writes about the joy and pain of a serious and deep friendship. He seeks to avoid and kind of "political" agenda, yet that thought tends to illustrate the old adage: all life is political (the people's work, getting oneself organized.) Everything we do is connected to what others do, and to life on our planet and universe. By God's creation we are all connected. The joy is that God created each one on God's image and blessed us all ("Very good" God said!) The pain is that some of us live in the closet, hiding who we really are, because we are afraid: of what others will think, of breaking some man-made rules, or disappointing those who love us. Our church is guilty of making oppressive rules that cause people to hide and deny their true God-given gifts and blessings. In spite of modern science and medicine, we continue to discriminate against our own children who may be gay or lesbian or transgendered! Wouldn't it be wonderful to offer appreciation to EVERY person in our midst: pastors, elders, teachers, youth, children, parents, young and old, so each can strive for excellence and love life? Wouldn't it be wonderful to feel each person was "fun to be around" because they are made in God's image! Perhaps Jeff and others will soon be able to write about the joys of many deep friendships, and people like Brent will not have to take their own lives because of confusion, blame, and discrimination! The official position of our church -- fidelity and chastity -- discriminates against our own children and relatives who have grown up in our church. It may lead people to kill themselves when they can't talk about who they really are and feel accepted by everyone. Discrimination leads to hate and kills -- in many ways! - Richard K. Gibson Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:00:00 +0100 http://pres-outlook.com/opinion/commentary/5931.html#comment-3589 Thanks so much for this honest reflection Jeff. Your words help all of us in ministry, ie..all christians, reflect on the reality of the grace we talk about and the reality that sometimes we are the last to know it. One of my seminary professors, I think it was Howard Rice said something like that those students who often excelled with straight A's in seminary were often the most troubled pastors. On the outside was success and amazing talent. On the inside lay a troubled heart. - Martin Shelton-Jenck Mon, 22 Oct 2007 12:00:00 +0100