St. Louis Columnist Sharon Love Finds A Friendly House Of Worship!
We live in a world where every one and every thing must seem to have a label. Some people must put a label not only on objects but individuals too. I don’t have an issue with this as long as this practice is used to identify and understand, NOT to unfairly segregate and harm.
Here is one label that I use and need to explain.
In my copy of the Standard English dictionary, “Transvestite” and “Transsexual” are defined very clearly. However, “Transgender” is left out. When transgender is broken down into its root origins. “Trans” meaning across; beyond; through; on the other side of and “gender”, generally meaning masculine or feminine, male or female. Putting them together, you have someone with both masculine and feminine identities and traits. Nothing is solely said about sex change; only dressing in women or men’s clothing; these individuals can be gay or straight. If you are Transgender, now or in the past, you identify or have identified with both genders. The transvestitism, the transsexualism, or the desire to perform in “drag” is that individual drive that follows.
Transgender individuals or “life style” is nothing new. This has been in mankind through out recorded history. One form of it is mentioned in the book of Deuteronomy 22:5.
Many people, including my ex-wife, misused this passage to justify their fear and non acceptance of transgender people. I am thankful that through prayer; research and study I have finally accepted who I am. And I am happy that there are those in God’s church that believe the same way.
I am transgendered. I have accepted this as a blessing NOT a curse or a “phase in my life”. It took a long, long time for me to face God on an honest level about myself. Because of the fears and prejudice of others that were forced on me, I kept my “dressing” desires hidden. I felt I was so sinful for liking this desire to express my feminine side. I have learned that “fear” is a tool that Satan uses to keep mankind away from the truth of God’s love and acceptance. Once I overcame the fear that no lighting bolt from the sky would strike me dead if I entered God’s house in a dress, I was OK.
I remember the first time I attended a service “dressed” it was a Palm Sunday and I was so, so nervous. As everyone with smiling faces entered the statuary and found their seats and the minister began to speak… something in my heart let me know to be at peace, I knew I was in my Father’s house. At that moment I almost cried… but these were tears of joy. I felt all those years of fear and hate and ignorance get lifted off my shoulders that Sunday. In my heart I finally knew God was OK with me… just the way I am.
After that Palm Sunday I ventured out to visit other churches every Sunday morning. And each visit I found new friends and new strength in my faith and trust in God. I have always been the kind of person that wishes to see others happy and well. And need-less to say I have always wanted to please God with my actions and deeds. But I never thought being honest with myself and God would be a form of pleasing my heavenly father. It is almost like being in love with someone… you give them love and in turn that love comes back to you.
The church has always been a part of my life since I was a child. But I rarely felt comfortable in worship because I was not being completely honest with God about myself and his love for the whole and complete me. This may sound selfish but I am a firm believer that you must love yourself before you can love anyone else. Now through God’s love and grace I like and love “both” sides of my life. Now I feel I am a more useful vessel for God than in the past. Now I have found a home at Garden Light UCC (formerly St. Luke’s Living Faith) that has opened the doors for me to be who I am and not judge me by “world standards” that are based on hate; prejudice; mistrust and fear.
God’s blessings be with you all.
RATE THIS
ARTICLE
Rating: 5.0/5 (3 votes cast) 'Please Login First to
vote for this article
'.
LEAVE A COMMENT
You must login to leave a comment
COMMENTS
- On February 08 At 16:01 -Sherry- said
Dear Sharon,
This is one of the best articles on accepting of yourself and other people accepting of you as yourself as I have read.
- On September 24 At 14:05 -Amber- said
Thanks Sharon, seams like so many inturpet Gods work too suit there way of thinking. My favorite is " Come as you are"
- On January 16 At 22:30 -KathrynCle- said
I, too, have a church that is entirely accepting: the Unitarian Universalist Church. Our pastor is gay. We are a forerunner in transgendered rights. - Kathryn
Mail to a friend