It’s been over a month since you last heard from me. It feels so much shorter than that. These past four and a half weeks have absolutely flown by. I feel like so much has happened, yet not much stands out. Well, not much on the event side of things stands out. A lot has changed personally. I feel different. I promise it’s not my anti-anxiety medicine talking. I feel like God has truly been working in my life. I can see many doors closing that I have wanted to close for so long, but I haven’t had the human strength to do it.  I see many opportunities popping up that I didn’t know were possible. I can identify how things in my past have influenced and helped me get to where I am now. I feel like I have idea, a sense of direction if you will, of where I am heading in this life.

I am sure I might regret making such a bold statement such as that, considering I thought a year ago I was going to be a nurse. I feel like with every new heading we work towards it always is inching backwards as we inch towards it. We always have to continue pushing and working towards our final goal. It’s never as simple as we think it is – a simple left turn, down a few miles, and on the right. It more like have to travel over mountains, through desert valleys, and across treacherous seas and then we have a long run on land to our final destination.

Don’t read this as I am complaining about how difficult my life is. I truly am not. I am so thankful that I have this opportunity to study what I love in college. I am so thankful that I have a church community supporting me and encouraging me on my journey. Not many LGBTQ+ Christians have this opportunity.

I am not called to speak for those who aren’t heard. I am called to amplify the many voices that are being used but fall on death ears. It’s time the people of the church heard the cry of the needy, loved their neighbor, and began to act like real people of faith. Until this happens, nothing will change.

Yet, I’m hopeful. I’m hopeful that the Church is changing. I’m hopeful that voices are beginning to be heard. I’m hopeful, because I can witness how change has encouraged me in my faith and my call.