Thursday 18 February 2016

A Pointy Stick

A pointy stick
Every now and then I like to post something that pokes Christians with a very sharp pointy stick and make them think. This post is one such post. I would ask that you the reader, read it carefully consider what you would do and why.
Images of a Woman
That morning, Margaret Elizabeth got up extra early, readying herself for the day.  She would get only one chance to make an impression.  To that end, she applied her makeup with extra care.  Chose the black ankle length wraparound skirt, white turtle neck top and black jacket, her children had given her as a gift, while in hospital.  She limited her jewelry to a simple pair of diamond studied earrings, that had been her grandmother’s and small bracelet given to her by her daughter-in-law.
Leaving that office, to walk to the pulpit was the hardest step, she ever had to make.  Her heart pounded and by the time, she stood behind the pulpit she was visibly shaking.
“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Margaret Elizabeth Williamson and for the last little while there has been rumors circulating about me that are not entirely true. Thus to set the record strait, and because I have been asked to sit on the church board,  I have ask the pastor to speak to you and give my testimony. Then allow you to ask questions.
I do this because I very much desire to be open and honest with this assembly.
I was if you will born with a hidden birth defect in which the sex in my brain did not match the sex of my body.
I have felt like a woman trapped in a man’s body for my entire life. 
I have lived with this condition for over fifty-three years. I was married for over thirty years of those years to a wonderful and accepting woman, who did her best to understand me and help me through some difficult times. As have my children who are with me here today.
Sadly my wife died several years prior to my coming to this assembly. 
Thus I felt it was time to free myself of this conflict inside me.
Believe me, I did not choose this course of action lightly.  I did so after much personal anguish and a great deal of prayer.
So just before Christmas, I underwent Sexual Reassignment Surgery.” I know that many of you, maybe uncomfortable with that. Thus like I said it is the reason I am speaking here today.
For a little over two years prior to my complete transition, I have lived my life as a woman: I was doing so when I came to this church and I think I did it well enough that no one knew.  If they did, no one commented.
I have no apologies to give for what I did, or who I am, because I do not believe I did anything wrong.
I accepted Jesus as my Saviour over thirty-five years ago, and asked Him to remove from me what at times, has been a difficult burden.  A burden that at one point took me to the brink of suicide.    As it seems God has chosen not to remove this burden, I have accepted that I am what I am. A child of God who knit me together in my mothers womb.
To quote the Psalmist,
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 
My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” 
                                                                      Psalm 139:13-16.
I am today the same person I was prior to my surgery. The only difference is I am at peace with myself. The burden I carried for so long has gone. I believe God has used the surgeon to fix the defect I was born with.
Now I have no intentions of preaching a sermon here today. However I will answer any questions you might have.
After which, I will ask for a vote and abide by your decision.”
There were many questions answered, the then pastor came to the front.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now time to take a vote.”  He said.  “If you wish Margaret Elizabeth to become a part of our church board, please rise to your feet.”
Question.
How would you vote?
Why would you vote that way?
What biblical teachings you are basing your vote on?
Would such a person even be welcome as a member of your congregation?
Please think about it.

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