My first best friend was a boy that people made fun of for being different. As a brave pre-schooler, I was his staunch defender against bullies. As I grew up I was put in many positions to be the person who stood up to those that only wanted to hurt and shame people.
My experience was not one-sided as I was bullied as well. The reasons don’t matter, it’s just a fact that there is a deep need for some to hurt and belittle. And hurt it did, I can feel the sting even now from my teenage years, and still see the impact of exclusion and judgement in my college setting.
I have been in situations with people professing to follow Jesus and behaving with hatefulness and judgement. As Christians I think we have the highest calling to extend unconditional love and support and I would struggle to worship in a environment that decided who was ‘in’ and ‘out’ with God. Worshiping at St. Elmo I know that the message will always be inclusive, that we will be lifted up and made to realize our worth, no exceptions.
