Letters on an Authentic Life

The below letter was a letter I wrote to the youth paster of my church explaining some of the thoughts and reasons why I choose not to condemn homosexuals and why i believe that my home church should allow such people to share their love for Christ within our walls. This letter was also written in response to the actions of my church in removing me as a leader of the youth as well as the bass player for the worship team. I believe that this issue is important for me to explain so that is why I am going to post my next few blogs on the issue... starting with "letter 1".....



Hi Andy,

Glad to hear from you. I don't check my email every day as you know, or I would have responded sooner.

Over the past couple of years I guess I have been experiencing the ups & downs of an authentic life that is a life in which I have been true to myself and my beliefs. I think you have seen this as you have been with me through my prime spiritual growth. In fact, most of that was taught to me by you. Especially when I was preparing for my days at college where I knew my spirituality would dwindle. The authentic life I began to lead kept me strong. I have learned during this time that there are many types of Christians, or other people of faith, just as there are varieties of personality types. I happen to be a big picture person, and I personally think that Jesus was too. He taught us to "love God with all our hearts," and since God is in us, (after we invite him in that is), then that means loving ourselves as we are, remembering that we are growing and learning along life's journey. lets face it, just because God is in us and we have a personal relationship with Him, doesn't mean we are without imperfections, struggles, and hardships. So is it not true then that even Christians can be homosexual? Why would we as a church, or better yet as people, condemn them for growing and learning in their lifes journey? In the bible, Jesus also taught us to "love your neighbor as yourself." Then he told us that these are the greatest commandments and that they supercede those given to Moses and all the others. So, Jesus taught us to see the big picture and it is all about LOVE first. So many so-called Christians focus on the law from the old testament or the letters of Paul rather than the Gospels and the words of Jesus. (Jesus by the way was the only one without imperfections and led the authentic life in which I model mine after). When they do this, they forget to love and judge instead breaking the most important of the commandments given by Jesus. I will always be judged by others because I am different in my solid beliefs, as was Jesus and the disciples. In his time it was the scribes and the pharasis who were the established "preachers." They judged him and eventually crucified him. Of course, we know he willingly gave his life for his beliefs and for others. He always moved on when he was rejected and gave us a model to follow. Wow! That's authentic! There is a place for everyone where we can share our love and find love free from persecution. My personal beliefs point towards the church and christians to be the ones providing a place to do so. Because remember, its all about LOVE! Such places are too hard to find but as the bible has pointed out to me, we might have to seek it. Please keep these thoughts in mind and prayer for me. listen to your heart, and be mindful of how God speaks to all of us differently through all life events, helping us find our path. Find your path. Find your plan of action. If you no longer wish that I work with the youth I will understand. Maybe this is Gods way of telling me 'Move on, my brother, move on.' Maybe my work at grandview is done...even with the worship team too. That will be a very hard decision for me to make as you know.

As a good friend told me the other day, ''When I saw your tatoo and met you, I knew you were different. You think and follow your heart.'' God has given me a huge heart and an even bigger love for people. As Troy and I talked about, that is such a good thing but it is also my burden. It has not been an easy journey for me lately for me as you know. I have lost my father, my best friend matt, another friend to suicide, another to drugs, my brother is out of my life again, and now all of the current issues with my mother. I have even lost my life back home to the military. But having friends like you along the way has lightened my load. You have kept me motivated and on track in these dark times. Despite your decision and whatever outcome, nothing will ruin or come between that.

I am where and who I am because of friends and people who cared. It is the least I can do to offer the same to others. Message or call me with your thoughts. I will listen.

In Christ,
Kevin