THREAD: So I’m a Christian. Have been since I was young enough to make that choice...and then since I was old enough to really know what that choice meant. And I’m nervous as I type this because it’s hard to say that - especially these days. /1
When I started @thefold_, I felt called, which sounds hokey. But it’s true. Like it was what I was meant to do or born to do. But I also felt that I couldn’t be both - an advocate for true inclusion and a Christian. /2
It troubled me deeply because I NEEDED both. I felt both were so important, that they were so much a part of ME, and I didn’t feel I could effectively exist in the church and represent so many underrepresented voices properly. I was right. /3
But not in the way I expected. Let me be clear. I could follow Christ’s example of generosity and kindness and care AND I could challenge those in authority who were oppressing the most vulnerable. /4
BUT I could no longer sit comfortably in churches filled with hateful rhetoric and dangerous group-think mentalities with no room for discussion - a place ironically filled with fear. I could no longer do nothing while holding that rage in my heart. I had to speak up. /5
This weekend, I went on Christian radio & tried to push against that rhetoric. The host was a friend but I was still terrified - mostly that I’d inadvertently harm the people I am determined to work the hardest to help. But I had to try. I had to do more. Even if it was hard. /6
I had to approach the show with the mentality that if one more person can hold to their faith while also developing a more loving concern for their neighbour, maybe it was worth it. Maybe they would challenge their community to do more too. /7
I don’t know if that happened. I don’t know if I made a difference and I’m still terrified and struggling to live in this space where I love the Lord and others and do my job well. My FOLD team is critical in that way. They help me see more than I know. /8
They remind me that there are a lot of us who occupy more than one identity and struggle to feel whole - to feel completely welcome on either side. On both sides. In multiple communities. It’s a terrible feeling and I know it’s much harder for some. To feel divided inside. /9
Can we be kinder here? Can we make room and fight for the space for people to be? And Christians, this goes double for you. Stop trying to make everyone you with your words. Start living like you care deeply about ALL lives. ALL. Spend time reading about what you don’t know. /10
If there’s one thing the FOLD has taught me it’s that we don’t have to agree on everything to be loving and generous with our hearts and with our stories. And when we listen to other people’s stories, magic happens. We change. We grow. I have grown from reading other stories. /11
I want to share a tearful thank you to my queer and trans friends, in particular, who I love so deeply and who I’ve failed in so many ways over the first half of my life as a Christian, who have been and continue to be so kind and patient with me. /12
Also, to my Indigenous friends whose lives and homes and families have been torn apart in the name of God and Jesus. It’s horrifying what people with power will do to hold on to it. Your commitment to family, to all life and to the earth inspires and challenges me. /13
I don’t have all the answers, and I don’t need them to be a better human - to fight for the right to be alive, to feel safe, and to be loved. I want to do my job well. But mostly, I want you (all of you) to feel whole and safe as you are. At the FOLD and everywhere. Love you. /14
