Cedarville University Chapel
I had the privilege to address the students at Cedarville University this Wednesday and I also had an open forum and question and answer time in the afternoon. The highlight was after the chapel when Dr. Carl Ruby, Dean of Student Life, asked my mother to stand up to acknowledge her. And as she did, the student body rose to their feet and gave her a standing ovation. I was told later that this was very unusual that the students ever give a standing ovation to anybody. I just praise God that this was one simple way that she would be honored for her faithfulness and unwavering love for her prodigal. Thanks Cedarville!
posted by Christopher Yuan | 11:53 PM
7 Comments:
We at Calvary Church in Lemont also admire and praise your mother for her godliness. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry!
Christopher,
I just wanted to give you some encouragement in your ministry. I know it takes enormous courage to publicly talk about this issue -- both in the presence of the gay community and in the presence of the (conservative) Christian community. You likely get hit from all sides. I am praying for your protection so that you can continue the work that you are doing.
My son, who is 18, is actively living a gay lifestyle. We love him and he loves us very much. It's hard though. Of course we miss him living here(his choice; not ours). We had also hoped he would not continue in the direction he's going, though I realize that to ask a young man to fight against his feelings (particularly sexual ones) is asking a lot.
So we adore him and we agree to disagree and we're in pain and, I think, so is he. And of course, his gay relationships are not the sum total of who he is.
After spending a great deal of time with folks in so-called "ex-gay" ministries (we really need to call that something else), I am highly aware of the rejection people with same-sex attraction face in Christian churches. The churches need MASSIVE education on this issue. Christians who are traditional in their viewpoints on sexual relationships need to quit treating this as a battle. This is not about "fighting the gay agenda," this is about PEOPLE, who are just as broken as those of us who aren't attracted to the same sex. We need education on the woundedness often associated with same-sex attraction -- woundedness that often begins in early childhood.
The viewpoints on this volatile issue seem to be characterized as either, "You are born gay; embrace it," or "You evil sinner! Stay out of my church!" Or the issue elicits uncomfortable silence.
This is as much as I've ever said on a public blog about this, and I'm hiding behind a screen name. You have more courage than I do.
Blessings in your ministry,
"Tess"
Janet:
Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Tess:
Thanks for your boldness and faithfulness in loving your son. You are so spot on that the Church needs to improve in how we respond to this issue of homosexuality and how we respond to people with homosexual thoughts and those who are gay identified.
Let us be those agents of change and bring glory to God's name through it! Bless you sister!
Christopher Yuan
Janet:
Thanks for your words of encouragement!
Tess:
Thanks for your boldness and faithfulness in loving your son. You are so spot on that the Church needs to improve in how we respond to this issue of homosexuality and how we respond to people with homosexual thoughts and those who are gay identified.
Let us be those agents of change and bring glory to God's name through it! Bless you sister!
Christopher Yuan
wow great amd amazing life testimony. i have been blessed and touched by the words of encouragement and enlightenment. i am praying that more people would hear this trestimony and be change. i am a bible student here in the philippines at foursquare bible college. God bless more and more.
"joyee"
My devotional this morning talked about having hope and waiting for hope even when “we see no hint of success yet refuse to despair” (Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman). The image this brought to my mind was the picture of your mother holding up her list of blessings. I am so thankful for your testimony and for the hope and faith your parents demonstrated.
God bless!
I was there for your chapel message. I loved hearing you speak. It really rocked my worldview and perspective on homosexuality. Thank you so much. God bless!
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