What PRIDE means to me - Part 5

I have pride in that fire in me that yearns for justice.

Tonight, while watching a documentary about evangelical fundamentalists who actively manipulate children called Jesus Camp, I got the below text from a childhood friend.

I'd be interested to find out why you've rejected the grace of God to pursue such a vulgar and deadly lifestyle. I don't know if you have many conversations about these things with Christian friends or not, but I'd find it worthwhile. I'd love to see you turn toward upright living and a relationship with God.

It has shocked me, as I've not received a written statement of this kind since 2004. Most of the anti-gay and homophobic interaction I encounter is similar to an anti-environment discussion one might have. The other person is firm in their belief that they are right, but second guess it when faced with actual discussion that challenges the rhetoric they hold and the conversation dwindles awkwardly.

While looking into the cultish part of my past and having that past simultaneously lash out to me is odd, it reminds me what good there is in life. From this past I have been redeemed, and not by total rejection but by weeding out the bathwater to find the truth. I can love my family, friends, faith with respect and honor while leaving behind the pain and shackles of blind and patronizing prejudice.

Maybe this is why God created me as a gay man in a world full of hate and fear. I've never been able to see things in 1 dimension, no matter how hard I tried. Now I try always to see the other side and fight for the downtrodden without forgetting that right and wrong are full of nuance. I have pride in my fight to put aside a passive life and keep the fire in me strong.