One Heart At A Time

As often happens when I speak, I am most touched by the private conversations that I have afterwards with people.

An older woman approached me in Iowa yesterday and asked to speak to me.

She said, "You're a minister, right?" I said yes.

Woman: "And you believe gay people should have the right to marry?"

Me: Yes.

Woman: "But where in the Bible does it give gay people that right?"

Me: "As I talked about the Bible recognizes that there are many types of blessed relationships. Have you ever heard the line, "Where there is love, the sacred is in our midst."

Woman: "Yes, but where in the Bible is this allowed?"

Me: "Marriage was very different when the Bible was written. Women were property, men could have multiple wives...but, tell me why this is important to you?"

Woman: "My brother has lived with a man for a long time. I want to support him, but it's hard when I've learned in church that it is wrong."

We talked for a few more minutes about how hard that must be and that yes, as a religious leader, I supported him. Her struggle was real, but she was trying. She'll get there.

Yesterday, the mayor of San Diego at a tearful press conference announced he was ready to support marriage equality, reversing his opposition. It's really worth taking the five minutes to watch this.

http://cbs5.com/video/?id=26888@kpix.dayport.com

Hearts are changing. Please join me in prayer today for the protesters in Jena, LA and for the Episcopalian bishops meeting in New Orleans. May justice roll down like mighty waters.