Thursday, February 21, 2008

Let your light shine in a different way

Sometimes we fear open discussion of sexuality issues with straight guys because of past hurts. Of course, there are some straight guys who are willing to deal with these things in a friendly way.

A few weeks ago I was eating dinner with two of my friends who also struggle with same-sex attraction. We were openly discussing sexual subjects and, uh, …maybe not appearing very masculine to the waiter in the process… The waiter was an obviously straight ex-marine who had served in Iraq. He actually stayed and talked to us after we got up to leave, even asking us questions as we talked about Christianity, freedom from legalism, and a real relationship with God.

Sometimes even tough guys can be open in these situations. We just need to create a normal, trusting environment and encourage 2-way conversations.

Matthew 5:15-17 (NIV) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

1 comment:

Brendon said...

I think you're right. My friend and counselor, Paul, and I are like that. He's straight, but I've always been able to talk to him about anything. It doesn't matter what it is, he seems comfortable about it. That's certainly helped me when it comes to talking about sexuality. I used to be extremely shy and uncomfortable about that before I knew him, but he's really helped me to loosen up about it. The more you talk about such things, and don't make a big deal out of it, the more you realize there's really nothing much to ever get embarrassed or uptight about. And, after all, nothing is uncommom to man, is it?