ElusiveTangent – Jonathan & Bethany Edwards

I am. It is a statement of belonging, of association, of  identity. Humanity is polarized by identities. Identity tells us who we are and where we belong. You might say, “I am English. You are French.” Nowhere, recently it seems, has this polarization become so pronounced as in the debate about homosexuality, marriage, and the church. But is seems that the church has lost itself. It is divided over whether to embrace, accept, or condemn. While some open the pulpits others raise protest signs.

But lets look at it from a personal perspective. I frequently hear someone say it like this; “I am a Christian and I am gay.” Or, “I know that God say that I shouldn’t feel this way, but I can’t help it.” Or the assumption that if you are a true Christian then you can’t feel as you do toward the same sex.

Christians stumble over the question of whether someone who is homosexual should be permitted in a church. The question is asked, can they really be Christian? There is no shortage of opinions and there is a seemingly great disconnect between what the bible commands and what is acted out. But surely an all-knowing God was not so ambiguous on an issue over which He utterly destroyed two cities and thousands of people (Gen 19). Continue reading »

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.” (Psa 105:119)

I’m a planner, a thinker, a problem solver. I don’t like driving blind. I like to see the whole road ahead before making decisions and moving forward. I’m not risk averse, but rather risk mitigating.  The same is true when going to a new field. There are many unknowns.  I can plan; I can prepare. God gives direction and I do my best to follow it but the best laid plans of men are only the plans of men. It is at these times that God speaks in a small, quiet voice and says, “trust me.”

A few years ago my family and I were enroute to weekend backpacking spot in the Allegheny Mountains . Due to our work schedules we had a late afternoon start for a drive that would take several hour.   In the beginning the interstate was broad and we could see the road ahead for miles. But, inevitably night fell and clouds blanketed the dimming sky concealing any hint of light. Continue reading »