Hey Jesus

I've had Trey Pearson's work on here before. This one just released and I believe it says so much.

Personally I think the answer is yes.




Love is Never Wrong!

Faith & Family

Normally I do the talking on topics. Today I shall allow others. Faith & Family are LGBT issues. Today I take you all to church.

Romans 12:9

"Love must be sincere. Hate is evil; cling to what is good."

Romans 13:10

 "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefor love is the fulfillment of the law."

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."

1 John 4:7

"Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God."

1 John 4:18

"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love."

Proverbs 10:12

"Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers all wrongs."

1 John 4:8

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love"



Faith & Family is about love and love is about God. If you have it, you have God on your side. Tell that to those who seek to hate.




Love is Never Wrong!

A Prayer

I don't often do much with the religion. Mostly I talk of our spirits. I do this because so many of us have been hurt with religion and we have been soured to God by men who have lost their way. However I do believe we should never give up our beliefs due to misguided people. In all honesty God didn't betray us, man did.

So with such an important decision to make soon I think I should cover this for all the faithful out there. This one is for us all. Believe or don't that is your choice. The words though I hope do not fall upon deaf ears and provide us all with a clear path.


Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue.

- Psalm 120:2




Love is Never Wrong!

To Touch Inifinity

You know so many people of faith cling to this or that. They believe this or that. So what is true? What is true to anyone who is LGBT?

If you have faith, in whatever God you choose, know this. Divine power and inspiration created you. Which means there is divine power flowing in you. You are not a god and should not assume such but you are a part of one and a part of infinity.

Think about that. You are the culmination of your life. You are that tiny bit of infinity. You have been graced with the ability to do your minds will and be whoever you are. That power in you may be tiny in comparison to the whole but if you have not figured it out you are part of the whole.

Your story, your life adds to that which is infinity. You know when I hear others say this or that about divine judgment I sigh slightly and want to remind them you are only one part of something so massive, so grand how can you say what infinity is?

Know this, there is no battle between Heaven and Hell.  The only battle is within our own souls. Embrace  yourself and the expression of your soul. If it is pure no one can judge it wrong. If they try also know it is them who disobeys free will and the power granted to you.

So where do LGBT people of faith belong? They belong in the radiant rainbow that soars above after hate ceases to fall and true hearts shine. Infinity is a very very large place. And all things have their place.

Touch infinity! For it awaits you to share your story adding it's brilliance to the whole.



Love is Never Wrong!

Proclaiming the Mantle of God

As a person of faith I usually refrain from making to many posts of a religious nature. I believe we each have to choose our faith or lack of. If we choose faith we have to choose the path that seems right in our very souls. Whatever the case it is our will and choice.

So much recently I keep hearing those who seek influence and power proclaim their view of God's will. This in it's self is disturbing to me that anyone proclaims to know Gods will on anything beyond their own life. What's more disturbing is proclamations that hurt others.

Allow me oh Christian brothers and sisters remind you of some things you seem to be forgetting. To those of you who are not Christian or even believers I'm sorry but this must be said to some stray folk.

Leviticus 23:22

When you reap the harvest of your land, moreover, you shall not reap to the very corners of your field nor gather the gleaning of your harvest; you are to leave them for the needy and the alien. I am the LORD your God.

Deuteronomy 14:28-29

At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and shall deposit it in your town. The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the alien, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.  

Deuteronomy 15:8

but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks.

Matthew 5:42

Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

Timothy 6:18

Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share,

John 3:17

But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?

Romans 14:13

Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this--not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way.

2nd Corinthians 9:6-7

Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.


Now I could go on with many more passages but I shall not. I am not here to judge but remind you of your Christian duty since some of you seek to proclaim it so vehemently.  The poor, the needy, the lame, the hurt, and the widow are going without. Give or do not, it is your choice and your actions make God's.


To my other readers who may have gotten to this point please regardless of religion or belief  lift those up around you, tend the sick, defend the weak, and love all.



Love is Never Wrong!

Religious Freedom

So much lately I have listened to the back and forth claim of religious freedom, right of conscious, and oppression. Public officials using their positions and voices to hurt others has become the norm.

I have never subscribed to the belief that any person may use their beliefs to hurt another. We as a people must hold each and every person to the same standard and equal treatment. If we do not we set a precedent that can build until whole sections of society are isolated, hurt, or even dead.

Somewhere along the way people have confused free speech and hate speech. You may disagree with someone or something. You may not agree with a persons life or choices. This however gives you no right to deny them their rights.

In a true representative and free society all are valued, all contribute, and all have a  voice equally. It is the foundation of truth, freedom, and respect. To remove any of that stains the hands of many with blood of the innocent.

Might I remind all who take the righteous path you are not God. Judgement is not yours. Persecution is not yours. Coming between any mans soul and God is the true abomination. Remember that when you deny any person respect, hospitality, and anything less than love.

To clerks who refuse to issue or sign marriage license': you are not performing the ceremony only filing a registered form.

To Politicians who wish to criminalize being LGBT: removing people to stack the cards more in your favor or garner favor is sign you can not win unless you devalue Humanity. Have the despots and dictators of the last century already fallen silent? How many more must hurt or die before you realize life is sacred?

To religious leaders who preach hate or even death: Be careful your path because you to shall be judged. Taking the mantle of god as your own is blasphemy. I hope your sure of yourselves.

To those who are apathetic: Be careful of your willful ignorance. Dark things done in the light of day will eventually reach you. Who will be there to help when it happens?

As a person of faith I know a lot about religious freedom. I also know the double standard many twist it to be. Everyone has the right to their beliefs. You do not have the right to deny others theirs. And in a world of many beliefs and faiths yours must be balanced equally. Doing so is the right thing in any religion. Because only in respect and dignity can divine truth shine.

Love is not a sin. Denying it is.



Love is Never Wrong!

A Vision of Faith

You know I normally don't voice my views on faith because I believe it is unique to each and every soul. We each have to choose our paths in life. We are all wonderful creations blessed with free will and a soul for which to act as an anvil of our dreams.

So much lately I have seen people twist and malign the path of faith to an end that is malevolent and soul draining. Today I am only speaking from a Christian point of view. My point of view. My Vision!

Before we begin maybe you should read my earlier post:

http://links-of-love.blogspot.com/2011/10/faith-vision-or-version.html

The path of faith is the path of love I'm not saying we won't get angry, we won't stumble, we won't lash out. I am saying it is how one chooses to progress in life. Will you be humble, penitent, even forgiving? So many seem to get confused on salvation, redemption, and faith. When they fall they believe they are forever fallen.

This is not so. Intent, desire, spirit, whatever you wish to refer to it as is the mettle of your actions. Can one fail and raise above? Yes! Can one live a life of steady progression? Yes! I know so many say one thing or another and it can be confusing but this is what I tried to relay in Faith: Vision or Version.

In Christianity we have the Bible. It is both a testament and a lineage of a faiths journey. This is an important point we should all remember. As Christians every law, directive, or instruction may no longer bound to you. As is relayed in John 14 there are only two requirements as Jesus states. You must believe in him  and the works he has done. You must also follow the Commandments.

These words single handily change all other laws and directives that came before. In God's new path we must accept the sacrifice of Jesus and the ten commandments. Some may argue this would include all the doctrine from before but I don't think so.  The story of Jesus is the proving of Gods covenant and the wiping away of the old path for the new one. Recognizing mans struggle to follow and understand it all, it was simplified and to be direct.

This is why it is sometimes referred as the end of an angry God where doctrine was absolute and immutable and the begining of a loving God. The path of Jesus is one of light and love. To defy that is to defy the very message that is repeated over and over.

So what does this hold for those of us in the LGBT community? It means you are not cast out. You are not an abomination. You are not to be killed. And most certainly not to be driven from God. How do we know this? Jesus himself. He touched and preached to prostitutes, lepers, unclean, and all the others that before had be considered unworthy.

If you want a specific case we can examine the story of the centurion and the pais. There is a lively debate on this story of whether it is about a centurion and his male lover or his slave. However regardless of that a Roman centurion came to Jesus and asked for his sick partner to be healed. The gay relationship is not in question. Nor is the sincerity of the Centurion to seek out a prophet he did not believe in to help him. Without question Jesus did so without even visiting the sick man. This shows intent that all are subject to Gods grace.

To all those judge you maybe you should remind them "Judge not lest ye be judged." A sentiment reinforced by Jesus in his famous "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone." A powerful statement because all men carry sin. Judgement is God's and to usurp that is not his will.

And of those who will quote the old scripture to condemn you do not be swayed. If they wish to quote from the old path maybe you should ask them do they cut their beards, eat shellfish, cast out those with any infirmament of the eye, or even forbid women who are unclean to sit in their church.

The greatest realization all Christians need to understand is God reduced our obligations because he realized he himself was interfering in free will with so much dictation. You can believe or not. You can live a life of love or not. Realize its your choice. Christianity is the path for which to return to God once your time in this world is done. And if you look at those ten commandments you will find most are good advice on how to treat one another.

Your soul is forever yours. You have a lifetime to choose what you shall do with it. No man has the right to come between you and God. If they try or do then they themselves are walking in the dark, oblivious of God's light.

If you meet someone fall hopelessly in love and choose to join your lives it is a marriage and it is blessed by God. The great fear of dark forces who work with fear against us is its legalization. Because then  the words "Let no man come between what God has joined." will wipe away their hate. If you know love it's very definition is a blessing. 

I know this is a sensitive and tired topic for many in our community but it is one we must discuss with all due candor. Because in truth God has not condemned or abandoned us. Churches who usurp his words have. Many great pains and deaths have come from such actions.

My message to you in all of this is don't be angry with God for the actions of man. And know God did not let it happen  because of disdain. Man has free will even if it hurts another and goes into the dark. But don't allow it to take you with it.

The decision is yours. Will you choose light or dark? Will love or hate? Will you cast your stone or drop it in forgiveness? Whatever you choose I hope you know that you are not alone. Please know you are loved.





Love is Never Wrong

Faith: Vision or Version?

Today I would like to talk about faith. Many of us have faith but we have been alienated or had our beliefs turned against us in life. We are subject to men who twist religious text for their own power and vanity. They preach fear, hatred, even death.

So how do we combat such usurpers? We love and reclaim our faith as our own. Faith is a personal relationship between you and whatever God you worship. No one has the right to condemn you or deny you that. Faith is more powerful than any mans will.

Know those who lure you into dark places by their grim mantle. Do they blame others for causing God's will? Do they use natural disasters to reinforce their points? Do they preach hate, intolerance, or even advocate death to those who do not meet their demands? All are hallmarks of a dark cleric, priest, or minister.

I may not be an expert on every religion but I do know God. If God wishes something done it will be so. Bear that in mind when you are told you do not conform or you are a heretic. Is it not interesting that man murders in the name of God? Bible, Koran, Torah... whatever your faith is the message love or death?

When you answer that last question you will know who and how you have been raised to worship. I'm not here to tell any of that. My effort here today is inspire you to ask yourself what do you believe?

Is the faith you practice or listen to vision or version? Vision comes from within. Version comes from outside. When you discover your vision with 20/20 eyes adhere to it because it yours and whatever God you believe in. And know that relationship can not be broken by any man. It's well being is solely dependant upon you.



Love is Never Wrong

Faith: Islam

In my continuing efforts to find LGBT friendly views and places of faith I take today to add some sources for Islam. Some of these may not be specifically faith based but they may be able to help direct you to proper sources. As with all links I can not verify more than what I see so always proceed with caution.

Salaam represents the Queer Muslim community of Toronto, Canada. (Canada)

http://www.salaamcanada.org/intro.html

Helem supports the LGBT community of Lebanon. (Lebanon)

http://www.helem.net/

MEEM supports Lesbian, Bisexual, Queer and questioning women and Transgender persons in Lebanon. (Lebanon)

http://meemgroup.org/news/

PT Foundation supports the LGBT community of Malaysia. (Malaysia)

http://www.ptfmalaysia.org/index.php

Al-Qaws supports the LGBT community of Palestine.

http://www.alqaws.org/q/

The Inner Circle supports LGBT Muslims in South Africa. (South Africa)

http://www.theinnercircle.org.za/

Imaan supports the LGBTQI community of the United Kingdom. (United Kingdom)

http://www.imaan.org.uk/

Al-Fatiha is LGBT friendly and serves the United States.

http://www.al-fatiha.org/



Love is Never Wrong

Faith

So far I have avoided links of faith. There has been no desire expressed for them and I was unsure how to best address the subject. So many of us have been hurt by spiritual leaders and the misconception of religious text. I would like to begin adding some different views on familiar things.

Today I shall start with a very nice YouTube site RiziGospel. Rizi is an LGBT minister that contacted me a while back to add her as a friend on YouTube. Listening to her videos I for one for the first times in my life found someone who shared many similar views. If you are interested in an LGBT view of the Bible please check some of her videos out.

http://www.youtube.com/user/RIZIGOSPEL

Love is Never Wrong