Love Him.

Amid

The tangled turmoil

Of Youth.

Realizing

You are Gay

Will prove

A test of

Courage

And of

Strength.

But knowing

Who you are

Will be

A Rock

Between

Desire

And Faith.

And in the end

What Saves

Is One:

Love Him.


Photo Credit: PatinaLatina Flickr via Compfight cc

Love.

                            

How can we bring love where there is hatred?

First of all we must uncover the fear which is at the root of hatred.

Then we must address that fear.

We can remind them that God is Love.

We can encourage them to pray (for their enemies as well).

We can open our hearts and show unconditional love to everyone.


Photo Credit: pat.thom974 Flickr via Compfight cc

Companionship.

                            

How can we bring companionship where there is loneliness?

We can remember to call someone on the phone.

We can visit someone we would normally ignore.

We can speak to someone who is left out.

We can overcome our prejudice.

We can refuse to rationalize our neglect.

We can pray for them.


Photo Credit: pinnaclepixelphoto Flickr via Compfight cc

Affection.

                            

How can we bring affection where there is neglect?

First we must overcome our fears.

Then we must open our hearts to others.

We must respond to invitations.

We should not shy away from intimate contact.

We must remember those whom we neglect.

We must pray for others.


Photo Credit: primuscare Flickr via Compfight cc

Strength.

                            

How can we bring strength where there is weakness?

We must be strong ourselves.

And this does not mean forceful or violent.

We must be consistent and reliable.

We must not be afraid.

We must not judge or look down on others.

We must be patient.

We can appeal to God for strength.


Photo Credit: Nebojsa Mladjenovic Flickr via Compfight cc

Courage.

                            

How can we bring courage where there is fear?

We can show courage ourselves.

We can contradict imaginary fears.

We can encourage understanding where there is prejudice.

We can remind them that there is help available.

We can remind them that God will help.

We can encourage them to pray for help.


Photo Credit: *TheDayDreamer* Flickr via Compfight cc

Understanding.

                            

How can we bring understanding where there is prejudice?

We can encourage contact between the parties.

We can encourage them to have open minds.

We can contradict stereotypes and misperceptions.

We can encourage humility where there is egotism.

We can remind them that all people are equal before God.


Photo Credit: Colombaie Flickr via Compfight cc