I Must Be Gay Too!

I've been watching a lot of movies lately as I remain confined to this blasted chair due to my leg. Last night I watched "In and Out," a comedy featuring Kevin Kline. Kline plays a High School Teacher who will be married in a few days.

The movie opens with the entire community excited about the upcoming Academy Awards. One of their own has made it big and is up to win Best Actor. When he does win everyone is thrilled. The excitement quickly turns to shock when he thanks his Drama Teacher (Kline) for guiding him along the way. And then he announces that his teacher is gay.

The tone of the movie changes immediately.

The man everyone loved and thought they knew, the man who teaches their children is ... GAY. He's gay!

He is no longer accepted in the community. Others go out of their way to NOT discuss the matter. They are distant but polite.

High School Graduation comes along. It is then that the graduating students, family, and other members of the community learn of (Kline's) firing and everyone questions this. The principal tries to explain (uncomfortably so) that he needs teachers that are a positive influence on all the students.

One of the graduating students stands up and declares: I had Mr. Brackett (Kline) for Drama. He coached me in track and he helped me get a scholarship to the college of my choice. So -- I must be gay!"

One by one people stand up and share how Mr. Brackett positively influenced them and then each one says: "I must be gay too!" until everyone in the auditorium is standing and applauding Mr. Brackett and his positive influence on their community.

I couldn't stop thinking about this movie last night. I think it's because I kept hearing the voices of today:
"I'm gay"
"I'm straight."
"I'm black"
"I'm white"
"I'm a woman."
"I'm Hispanic."
"I'm a Christian"
"I'm not"
"We all deserve to be treated equally"
"Only certain people should be treated with dignity and respect"
"You agree with my way and my way alone"

And then when we disagree or are obviously different or try to speak up -- someone pulls out a gun and lives are changed -- and not for the better.

I find it difficult to turn on the T.V. these days. My heart hurts as I learn of yet another terrorist attack ... of some teenager being shot by a policeman.

Some days it feels as if we're fighting a losing battle and the influence of evil is winning. I have to shake those thoughts off -- close out the feelings of fear and yearning for love and common sense to prevail. I do better at it some days than others. 

In the meantime I know my prayers are heard and I cling to the promise that God is in our midst. 

Enjoying the Journey,

Debra

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. 

In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight.

-- Proverbs 3:5-6