Dear Transgender Community

I will be 100% honest, I haven’t written anything about HB2 or the struggles the LGBTQ community has been facing recently, because I couldn’t do it with love. I was filled with rage at the blatant discrimination and hate being directed towards them. I would see ridiculous comments on social media, I would type my reply, but I couldn’t send it. I couldn’t go against who I am and who I try to be, in attempt to get through to someone else. Over the past couple years, I have been making a conscious effort to truly do all things with love. I don’t want to put anything other than love out into the Universe… This morning I found out an evangelist had gone to our local target screaming through the store and was then at a school screaming at children…I’ve had enough… Here it goes… 

Dear Evangelists,

I know this is hard for you.

I know it’s hard to accept something you don’t understand.

I know it’s hard to love someone with different beliefs.

I know you love your God with all your heart and soul.

I know in your mind, you think you’re doing God’s work.  

I know God doesn’t make mistakes.

But I also know…

I know that I’ve been molested and raped by the “devil” and he wasn’t transgender.

I know that I’m not scared of going to hell, I’ve lived in hell on earth.

I know that Jesus didn’t walk around screaming, trying to scare people into believing.  

I know that we are all God’s children and he wants us to love each other.

I know that social norms and gender norms have made this harder to understand.

I know that God loves my gay moms, he blessed us with such an amazing family.

I know that when I was younger and you were preaching your hate against gays, it severed my relationship with God.

I know that words have an extremely powerful effect, and should be used to speak love and life.

I know that I could live in fear, but I choose love.

I want you to know I have love and compassion for you regardless of our differences. I wish you well and pray that you will one day experience the true meaning of unconditional love.

Love and light,

Child of God

Dear Transgender Community,

I want you to know that I’m not scared of you or peeing next to you.

I want you to know you deserve to be your true authentic self.

I want you to know that love and compassion truly do exist.

I want you to know how beautiful you are, inside and out.

I want you to know I admire your courage and strength.

I want you to know that you are loved and not alone.

I want you to know how amazing you truly are.

I want you to know I stand with you.

I want you to know you matter.

I want you to know I love you.

Love and light,

Straight Ally

Welcome 2016

 It's hard to believe 2015 is already over! It's been the best year of my life! I've had many years with amazing moments, but this was the first year I can say I have no complaints or regrets. It was truly an amazing year filled with healing, growth, love and inner peace. 

I remember the first day of 2015 like it was yesterday. It was the day God told me, "it's time to start healing" and just like that I broke. I was standing in the shower with tears pouring down my face. I felt as if I was going to die if I didn't let it out. My chest was so tight I thought I was going to have to go to the hospital. My husband held me on the bathroom floor while I cried for hours, but as soon as I spoke the truth, I could feel my body getting lighter and lighter. The weight of this secret I felt so ashamed of was no longer weighing me down. I know it was Gods grace that allowed me to make it as long as I did without breaking. He knew I couldn't handle healing yet. But he knew 2015 was going to be the year. That I was finally ready and in healthy mindset to work through this.  After twenty some odd years I finally admitted I had been sexually abused as a child.  

I reached out to my moms, my pastor and my counselor. I started the healing process. I turned it all over to God, the ultimate healer. Through this experience my relationship with God grew closer and stronger than I ever imagined possible. And for that I am extremely grateful. 

2015 was also full of love and compassion. It was the year I jumped into Special Olympics full force. Volunteering, coaching, fundraising and committees. Through this experience I discovered my purpose and passion. I made new friends and learned so much from the athletes and other coaches. I am extremely blessed and grateful to be part of the Special Olympics family! 

2015 was truly filled with greatness! On New Years Eve I got my final grades for the semester. I was so freaking proud of myself for juggling school, kids, Special Olympics and ME! 

As I reflect on 2015 I am proud, grateful, blessed and full of love. I welcome 2016 with open arms, open mind and open heart. I want to thank everyone who has been part of my journey! You know who you are! My family, my friends and all the amazing people I've connected with this year. 

May 2016 bless us all with peace, love and happiness. May we be grateful for it all, good and bad. May we be open to the lessons in the darkness. May we love and honor the God inside each and everyone of us. May we all be the change we wish to see. 

Dear 2016, I'm ready! 

Love, 

BeGrateful