Navigating Holidays with Love: Supporting LGBTQ+ and those Rejected by Family

November 16, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and love. We’re inundated with images of families gathered around a perfectly decorated tree, sharing laughter, love, and gratitude. However, for many LGBTQ+, and those who have been rejected by their families, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions, loneliness, and a reminder of the challenges they face. What are the difficulties that individuals in these situations can encounter during the holiday season and how can... Read more

What We All Need to Know About Conversion Therapy Bans

November 6, 2023 By Susan Cottrell

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“Even in states with bans, the overwhelming percentage of conversion therapy still continues. Every state. Every day.” I see them on a regular basis. Social media posts celebrating another state that has “banned” conversion therapy. This is great progress and I celebrate as well! These bans are a large step and critical in a journey to bring this horrible, harmful practice to light, helping make conversion therapy culturally unacceptable. But it is vitally important to remember that, even in states... Read more

The Disconnect Between the Evangelical Church and Jesus

October 23, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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Evangelical Christianity is often seen as a representation of Jesus’ teachings and values. The truth is, there could be nothing further from the truth. There is a significant discrepancy between the teachings of Jesus and the actions and beliefs of the evangelical Christian church. Maybe we can shed some light on how some practices within the evangelical church contradict the compassionate and inclusive message that Jesus preached. Jesus’ Emphasis on Love and Compassion Jesus, the central figure of Christianity, preached... Read more

The Dad of an LGBTQ+ Child: My Journey Away from the Unloving, UnBiblical Church

October 6, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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When the church gave me the choice between my LGBTQ+ child and my church… I chose my child! My journey as a parent has led me to realize that the evangelical church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, love, and acceptance has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Absolutely nothing. As the proud parent of two LGBTQ+ children and one transgender child-in-law, I have grown increasingly disenchanted with the exclusionary, unloving and unBiblical approach that many evangelical churches have... Read more

LGBTQ+ Rights: Intersections Matter

September 19, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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LGBTQ+ rights and politics are more than just buzzwords – they’re part of a larger tapestry that weaves together various aspects of our lives. It’s important to untangle the web of connections surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, and shine some light on ways we can learn more, and do more about these issues that intersect with other parts of lives. 1. Different Struggles, Shared Ground: Race and Ethnicity The LGBTQ+ community is as diverse as the colors of the rainbow, with members... Read more

The Power of Self-Love: Oscar Wilde’s Enduring Wisdom

September 8, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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Oscar Wilde, the celebrated poet and playwright, once said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.” There is a profound truth in Wilde’s quote and it is significant in our lives. Self-love forms the foundation for growth, happiness, and healthy relationships. Before we can ever love another person well, we must love ourselves. It is even the core of a key Scripture in the Bible, “Love others as you love yourself.” It is the art of accepting,... Read more

Is Love REALLY All We Need?

August 24, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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Love is a concept that is universal and timeless. It is something that transcends religion, culture, and language. Love is the foundation of all human relationships, and it is also at the center of our relationship with the divine. In fact, many people believe that God is love, and love is God. This means that however we define God, love has to be at the center of everything we do, or we are missing the point completely. The idea that... Read more

The Power of Queer Representation in Media

August 8, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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Despite legislative attacks on those in our community who are queer and transgender, attitudes towards inclusion are improving among the vast majority of people. One factor is the increasing representation of queer characters in media. From movies and TV shows to literature and visual arts, LGBTQ+ stories are playing a crucial role in promoting understanding, empathy, and social change. In the past, LGBTQ+ characters were often portrayed using harmful stereotypes, reinforcing misconceptions. We are seeing more three-dimensional LGBTQ+ characters presenting... Read more

The Indefensible Weaponization of Scripture: A Parent’s Perspective

August 1, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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As a parent, I believe in the power of love and acceptance. The greatest message we can ever give our children is that they are loved, that they are enough. The Bible has unfortunately been misused to convey a very different message that justifies harm, discrimination, and exclusion against many groups, including LGBTQ+. It saddens abd angers me to witness so much harm against those for whom I love and advocate. So, let’s talk about this… Interpretation: As we navigate... Read more

If Paul Could See the Church in America Today, We’d be Getting a Letter!

July 6, 2023 By Robert Cottrell

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Let’s imagine for a moment… A letter arriving today from Paul to the non-affirming church: Grace and peace to the Church of America, I, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle by the will of God, write to you with a heart burdened by the state of your congregation. Though I am physically absent, the Spirit compels me to address you as a sibling, guided by the love of our Lord and Savior. It has come to... Read more