tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post3637500147727100084..comments2024-03-08T13:52:22.224-07:00Comments on LAJOY FAMILY: And Still God Weeps...Cindy LaJoyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16486626867331586704noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-59738899200659626122010-10-07T13:20:54.723-06:002010-10-07T13:20:54.723-06:00First off, excellent post. It needed to be said an...First off, excellent post. It needed to be said and honestly, anyone who has children can potentially have gay children. Parents who don't stand by their kids and become their rock in the face of bullying like this are worse than the bullies themselves.<br /><br />I was impressed by the number of responses here, especially from people who don't comment very much. What stood out though was the lack of posts from regular commenters on here. That seemed to rectify itself, until I read them and saw how much they diluted and distracted from Cindy's post. These kids referenced here were gay or at least perceived to be gay. Kids like them don't need to hear about how all bullying is bad (Translation - I don't want to talk about you being gay), and they don't need anyones' 'truths', given with grace or not. They need love - total, UNCONDITIONAL, unwavering support and love. Too many times, gay kids get bullied at school and have to come home to parents who throw their personal prejudices in their faces. It doesn't matter how nicely or cruelly the words are given, the message is still the same - 'There's something wrong with you' - 'You're less than other people'. Nobody owes these kids any 'truths'. What they are owed are safe havens in their own homes and schools, before they turn to a noose, gun, or a bridge.<br /><br />J.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-695718401496124382010-10-06T10:12:47.039-06:002010-10-06T10:12:47.039-06:00Everyone that calls themself Christian should read...Everyone that calls themself Christian should read these words or better yet LIVE these words. Thank You! <br />Tim Oaks in TennesseeTim Oaksnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-43815436152948773552010-10-06T08:03:56.210-06:002010-10-06T08:03:56.210-06:00Lori,
I would add to your comment, above, how muc...Lori,<br /><br />I would add to your comment, above, how much emphasis our culture puts on external attributes, rather than internal character. For younger kids, clothes, hair and body type are all subject to scrutiny and critical comments from their peers. Later it is what size room you have at home, cars, vacations, grades, etc.<br /><br />I think our culture has lost is bearings. Integrity, hard work, helping others, self-sacrifice, faith -- these are the things that should be emphasized. Perhaps that is why many of us follow Cindy's blog -- because she talks about these values.<br /><br />Peggy in VirginiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-28555079352733899302010-10-06T04:45:18.251-06:002010-10-06T04:45:18.251-06:00Have to say, I love the Randy Alcorn book. There&...Have to say, I love the Randy Alcorn book. There's my plug.<br /><br />John and I have been having discussions about this for the last week and a half. It's heartbreaking--that anyone is so tortured in his or her life that he or she turns to ending it as a means of 'relief'.<br /><br />The 'bullying' of that young man was indescribably wrong and invasive. There's no way anyone, Christian or not, can justifiably explain the airing of this young man's situation, and certainly not under the guise of freedom of anything, much less to teach him any sort of lessons. His life, his actions, his conversations with God as to how he lived his life. Certainly not ours...<br /><br />While I'm sure I'm probably more conservative in my views on homosexuality than many others, I think the bigger and more pervasive issue here is that bullying--of any type and for any reason--is just out of control. I am APPALLED at the type of bullying behavior that is allowed in schools with little regard to the feelings of the bullied. Children are picked on MERCILESSLY for things that are far, far beyond their control and those they turn to for help (teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, etc) give them strategies for 'dealing with it' vs. taking action to STOP the bullying....to make it known to bullies that their behavior is unacceptable and in no environment will it be tolerated.<br /><br />It may start as 'innocent' as commenting on how 'babyish' bringing a certain type of lunchbox is, but it can end up with a young person tragically taking his or her life...and putting an end to ALL bullying needs to start when children start doing it...parents, schools, churches, groups....all need to be on the same page. I could no more control my height or my lip structure or the need for glasses or question-invoking color of my skin than I could my eye color or number of hairs on my head--and instead of the being protected from bullying, I was told, "It'll make you stronger...be the bigger and better person...their opinion doesn't matter...when you grow up, you'll show them." And so on and so on...<br /><br />Maybe all of that is true...but it doesn't hurt any less in the meantime.Lorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01828552745708177768noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-55943919652115708272010-10-05T20:14:30.199-06:002010-10-05T20:14:30.199-06:00A short book which provides some interesting insig...A short book which provides some interesting insights into Christianity is "The Grace and Truth Paradox, Responding with Christlike Balance" by Randy Alcorn. In it, Alcorn says, "Unfortunately, many nonbelievers know only two kinds of Christians: those who speak the truth without grace and those who are very nice but never share the truth. What they need to see is a third type of Christian--one who, in a spirit of grace, loves them enough to tell them the truth." He goes on to say, "Truth without grace breeds self-righteousness and crushing legalism. Grace without truth breeds deception and moral compromise. Is it possible to embrace both in balance? Jesus did."<br /><br />It is a very short book, only 92 pages, and well worth reading.<br /><br />Peggy in VirginiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-34942156686532524402010-10-03T22:06:59.926-06:002010-10-03T22:06:59.926-06:00Dear Cindy,
Since I deepened my faith, this issue ...Dear Cindy,<br />Since I deepened my faith, this issue has challenged me to do more research. However, after learning about hermaphrodites and the controversy over gender surgeries before puberty, as well as homosexual acts among animals, I believe that there is a significant genetic component to this and that it cannot be a sin. That said, I home schooled a son b/c of bullying, and our schools and families are still not doing near enough to stop this horribly damaging practice. Taunting another needs to be treated like bringing a gun to school. Bullying of all kinds is dangerous, but the bad thing about gay bullying is that the victims feel shamed by the adults, too, including sometimes even their own parents. What an unfair burden!<br />SherryOhiomom2121https://www.blogger.com/profile/03512342459339771734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-58930387488439966922010-10-03T18:01:08.456-06:002010-10-03T18:01:08.456-06:00Beautiful and most obviously heartfelt.Beautiful and most obviously heartfelt.Debnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-88884903809369343222010-10-02T21:29:41.787-06:002010-10-02T21:29:41.787-06:00You are such a good writer, you say what I would l...You are such a good writer, you say what I would like to say. But you say it well and effectively. Thank heaven, I don't have to judge folks, only have to love them.<br />E.H.T.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-84448218972827409972010-10-02T20:11:01.055-06:002010-10-02T20:11:01.055-06:00Amen! I wholeheartedly agree!Amen! I wholeheartedly agree!Kelly and Snehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12694012810022647105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-24221668354756761952010-10-02T17:53:18.923-06:002010-10-02T17:53:18.923-06:00Cindy, as always you write beautifully, with wisdo...Cindy, as always you write beautifully, with wisdom and compassion, and respect. I cannot imagine that anyone on the other side of this issue could read your words without some second thoughts on their position. Thanks.Melaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14201465976431319324noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-11783292932558068202010-10-02T15:36:03.728-06:002010-10-02T15:36:03.728-06:00Cyndi, this blog was referred to me by a friend of...Cyndi, this blog was referred to me by a friend of yours. I am posting this on my facebook page as a challenge to all "Christians" who continue to condemn, judge, hate...especially in light of a beloved "bishop" who has been exploiting young men (he has a huge church of 33,000 in Atlanta) for years. His congregants said not to judge...but they, I'm sure, felt comfortable judging these innocent souls. May God have mercy on THEM for their judgment. And may God bless you for having the guts to stand up for what's right.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13329245226631457160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-88056351675258359212010-10-02T12:24:28.533-06:002010-10-02T12:24:28.533-06:00I am another one of your silent readers, a silent ...I am another one of your silent readers, a silent admirer. Your words are wonderful, your heart is filled with unconditional love and acceptance.<br /><br />I am passing your blog on to others.<br /><br />Thank you.<br /><br />with Hope,<br />~ Chris A ~ an adoptive mom of many children, including a son who is gay ~Chris Anoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-54589159922955633672010-10-02T11:21:25.815-06:002010-10-02T11:21:25.815-06:00I am proud of you, Cindy. Making the world a bette...I am proud of you, Cindy. Making the world a better place starts with me, and it starts with us. May God bless us all. "For all far short of the glory of God". AmenMark Dazleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-51155493064697265892010-10-02T08:28:28.854-06:002010-10-02T08:28:28.854-06:00I have never posted here, but this post hit a nerv...I have never posted here, but this post hit a nerve with me. You can love the sinner without loving the sin. EXACTLY what God does for US. <br /><br />This is by far the best post I have EVER seen written on this. Amen sister.Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01198082344456465490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-49550961644168954062010-10-02T04:50:19.209-06:002010-10-02T04:50:19.209-06:00Wow, Cindy... POWERFUL... and very well written. ...Wow, Cindy... POWERFUL... and very well written. What has happened to these teens is horrible and deeply disturbing... and I am glad you are spreading awareness. GREAT post.Carolhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17893715053727326978noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-86103905108532789432010-10-02T00:22:05.351-06:002010-10-02T00:22:05.351-06:00Terrific post. I have never understood the obsessi...Terrific post. I have never understood the obsession - both in certain sections of organised religion, and in society - with homosexuality. Why do some churches hold it up as *such* a heinous sin. Why is it *so* unforgiveable? (And not even getting into the whole historical debate on the fact that the word 'homosexual' is not in the ancient versions of the bible - the word being mistranslated is 'bedders' and is used in a criticism of promiscuity). And seriously, why do so many people care who other people are dating? How on earth is it any of my business if someone is in a straight or gay relationship? It doesn't affect my life in any way at all, and I really fail to understand why so many people get obsessed by it. <br /><br />Schools need to fight the use of homophobic language rigorously. In our school children use the word 'gay' to describe anything and anyone they don't like. And hopefully one day, wider society will reach a place where it will actively condem and reject the hate filled spewings of those who call themselves ministers of love. <br /><br />Will I care if either of my children turn out to be gay? Only to the extent that I want to shelter them from hurt, prejudice and hate. I only hope the people they choose to date or marry in the future are people who make them happy. I care they grow up honest, compassionate and ethical human beings. I couldn't care less about their sexual orientation: as if that has anything to do with 'the content of their characters.'<br /><br />Bravo to you for writing this post.Lindsayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12711583593777948158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-28706569245636354512010-10-01T23:49:06.983-06:002010-10-01T23:49:06.983-06:00Cindy,
You are a gifted communicator and a gift to...Cindy,<br />You are a gifted communicator and a gift to me. Thank you for your post. Amen.<br />Love to you and family,<br />Angelaangelanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-55928351404603554002010-10-01T22:43:27.807-06:002010-10-01T22:43:27.807-06:00Cindy,
I too would like to post your blog on my F...Cindy,<br /><br />I too would like to post your blog on my Facebook page and think you should post it on yours and allow people to pass it on. You might want to use initials so that you do not get vicious, negative responses, but I hope you will find some way to let us spread your message of compassion and love.<br /><br />And you didn't know what your ministry would be. You are a prophet--as in the Bible not the National Enquirer.<br /><br />Love and thanks,<br />LaelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-41488431833163693482010-10-01T20:43:41.032-06:002010-10-01T20:43:41.032-06:00I was sickened when I heard about these suicides. ...I was sickened when I heard about these suicides. I have dear friends and family members who are gay, and I don't condemn them. One of the happiest families I know has two daddies and two very loved little ones. <br /><br />Keep on preaching LOVE, Cindy. That's what Jesus was all about. Not judgment, not condemnation. ALL people, regardless of preference, deserve love and understanding.Deehttp://deescribbler.typepad.com/my_weblog/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-44097906131292669672010-10-01T17:41:46.487-06:002010-10-01T17:41:46.487-06:00Cindy, I seldom post but read every entry you make...Cindy, I seldom post but read every entry you make. You are so wise and awesome. You are the epitome of what I think a Christian is. Thank you for your blog and the great language and wisdom you use in bringing up your children. I wish more parents would use you as a role model.mimifrancoisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05829411253455915498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-24261994759187047992010-10-01T17:10:33.340-06:002010-10-01T17:10:33.340-06:00Amazingly, beautifully and powerfully well said. T...Amazingly, beautifully and powerfully well said. Thank you. I agree 110% with everything you have written. <br /><br />Just the other week on Facebook, I saw a status update saying that the poster didn't think as a Christian she should have to be tolerant of other's religions. I was appalled. And angry. And sad. <br /><br />Because I think that line of thinking is exactly what leads to the standing-by of people when those who are different from them are hurt, and crying, and killing themselves. I would very much like to share your words on my blog or through Facebook. Would you permit this? <br /><br />Thank you for being brave and strong and loving.Jodihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12874427931909560981noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-66530413127704231322010-10-01T11:34:15.501-06:002010-10-01T11:34:15.501-06:00To Anonymous...I just wanted to comment on your co...To Anonymous...I just wanted to comment on your comment, which I have a great appreciation for. If you will read my blog over the past couple of years, you will find if you carefully check that I have made almost no references to God as "Him", for I believe strongly in inclusive language and don't experience God as "Him" myself but more as non-gender Spirit than anything. That being said, I do see how so many of my readers feel and see God as "Him" and out of respect for those who do will sometimes use that reference, particularly in response to others. This is something I have come to over time, and in earliest posts I likely did use "Him" far more often as it is my faith has evolved. Now, when it comes to Jesus...hey...He was a "Him" and sorry I can't do much about that one! Hahaha! <br /><br />Thanks for your wonderful comment bringing this up, it highlights one reason that causes so many to feel distanced from God.Cindy LaJoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16486626867331586704noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-32711447302085290942010-10-01T11:25:53.114-06:002010-10-01T11:25:53.114-06:00AMEN Cindy, AMEN! Beautifully written and a good ...AMEN Cindy, AMEN! Beautifully written and a good reminder/challenge to us all.The Robeyshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09569491449212919091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-52328002425951004342010-10-01T11:16:14.775-06:002010-10-01T11:16:14.775-06:00Cindy, your post brought chills to my body and tea...Cindy, your post brought chills to my body and tears to my eyes. Never have heard it said better. Want to share this with others, but don't know how you feel about that. Would like to post a link on my profile at Facebook. Just this morning a friend and I were commenting on this very subject on Facebook, and I'd love her to see this. What do you think? ~Cyndi, from Grand JunctionCyndi Clarknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35990418.post-52177754973578656272010-10-01T11:05:22.036-06:002010-10-01T11:05:22.036-06:00This sort of post is exactly why I keep reading yo...This sort of post is exactly why I keep reading your blog. Our lives are very different. I don't really believe in God, and sometimes even chafe at some of your references to "Him." Yet, I feel a kindred spirit in you, and I am inspired by your unwaivering commitment to Love. Love really does transcend differences, if we allow it to be present.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com