“No one has ever seen God.  But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is made complete in us.”  John 4:12

May 6, 2015 isn’t my son’s birthday, but I think of it as the day he was born. I honor this day because it’s the day he became his true, authentic self. It’s the day my son told me that he is gay. Deep down, I knew this day was coming and while I wasn’t overly surprised by my son’s revelation, I still felt a Pandora’s box of emotions as I acknowledged the challenges my son would likely face.  I feared for my son’s physical safety, and I felt dread thinking about how his friends and family might react upon hearing this news. I knew immediately that my unconditional love and support of my son would never waiver. I knew that he was the same child I prayed for, the same child I rocked to sleep, the same child I taught to ride a bike, and the same child who I had hugged that morning as he left for school.  He was exactly the same person he has always been and as God always meant him to be.

In those very first moments of knowing my son’s truth, I prayed to God that He would help me to navigate this road with love, grace, and courage. I prayed that God’s love would shine through me to my son.  While this journey isn’t one that anyone would choose, I began to see it as an amazing blessing.  I feel incredibly grateful to be a witness to the greatness of God’s love and compassion. In the past, I had watched my son struggle with anxiety, fear, anger and self-loathing.  He had created a version of himself that sacrificed his authenticity in order to shield him from prejudice and pain. Finally free, my son has grown into a confident, happy, thoughtful, funny, and outgoing young man. 

My faith has also been transformed by our journey.  I have read, studied and prayed.  I have met thousands of other Christian parents on this same path, walking alongside their children, loving them without condition and celebrating them as God’s pure creation.  Genuine love, no matter its form, comes from God and glorifies God.  Today, my faith is deeper and richer.  My love for my son is perfect and I affirm him because of my faith, not in spite of it.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for this amazing journey! I pray that you will continue to teach us and guide us.  You have made all things beautiful in your image.  Let us lift up the diversity of your creation and let it be a reflection of your unwavering love.  Amen.