Thanks For Being Friendly

Recently, I have been looking for a place to stay over the summer since I will be taking summer classes. So, the first thing I do is check craigslist. I know craigslist can be sketchy (actually very sketchy), but I thought I would just try. I found an apartment near campus for only $450 a month! In the ad, the person wrote they were offered an internship and will be leaving for the summer. They were willing to pay $200 + electricity and fees, making the normally $650+ apartments only $450. Anyways, long story short, I finally ended up meeting with her and her girlfriend on campus. To my surprise, “she” was actually a “he”. ” She was a transgender male and he was extremely friendly and generous. This encounter was my first encounter with a transgender individual. Although I have gay relatives, I have never experienced anything such as this. After great conversation, they accepted my request to take over the lease and he agreed to fulfill what he promised. They thanked me for being so friendly and let me know they were there to help me out whenever I was ready.

This experience was the most enlightening experiences I have had. Although, I personally do not agree with that lifestyle of choice, I truly support the individuals. They are amazing people and I’m sure they will be great roommates. I know there is much controversy over “religion and homosexuals or transgenders”, however it shouldn’t be that way. As true Christians, we do not condemn the person, for it is not of us to judge. Their sin is no different then my sin. Therefore, we are to love everyone as a person who was created in God’s image. Their lifestyle is their choice, just as my lifestyle is my choice. They accept me fully for being heterosexual, just as I should fully accept them.

I know this is a touchy subject, especially when it comes to what the bible says and does not say, but I am just sharing my experience and thoughts. I in no way know the answers or consider myself better than anyone else. I just wanted to inform you guys that sometimes in life we are put in situations that make us uncomfortable because it is not what we are used too. But, as a Christian, we are going to have many of those situations, because the bible is not comfortable. It wasn’t made to be. When we become comfortable in this world, we lose sight of what our mission is – to get home! We were placed here to glorify God and when we don’t do that we have lost focus.

My mother taught me that the golden rule is to “treat others the way you want to be treated without expecting the same in return”. That rule is definitely true. People will always disappoint you, but God never will. Although you may not see it right away, he is always in control and will make things right. Those uncomfortable situations, won’t be uncomfortable for long.

Continue to love everyone more than you love yourself.

– Alicia