Pride month has begun! It is Pride month across the nation and world. Lots of events, festivals and parades to mark this time. There has been a recent backlash against the LGBTQ+ community. There are those opposed to promoting and celebrating those who identify with this community. Its sad, really, to think there are those who want to shame and ostracize those who have struggled with their identity and have finally been able to accept themselves, and even are able to celebrate who they are.
There are lots of scriptural references about pride to consider…
- Proverbs 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Proverbs 16:5, “”The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.”
- James 4:6, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
- Galatians 6:3, “If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.”
There might be those who are tempted to say these are good reasons not to allow or condone Pride celebrations. They would be wrong. The way the community uses pride has to do with recapturing and celebrating who a person and community are. It is an attempt to put away feelings of shame and feelings of being less than or other than. All persons are made in the image of God, therefore all persons should feel a sense of self-worth and a sense of belonging. Pride celebrations are the antidote for a community who has been marginalized, and continuing to feel mistreated.
In Ephesians 2:10 we are told…”For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Every person, no matter their race, culture, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation deserves to hear this whispered in their ear. Daily, we should be reminded God made us, and God doesn’t make mistakes.
The Psalmist declares in Psalm 139:14…”I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” We hear the psalmists understanding of who they are, who made them, and how blessed and full of self-worth they should be.
The prophet Isaiah reminds us of whose we are. Isaiah 43:1, “But now, O Jacob, listen to the LORD who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” Too often we are made to feel shame for who we are. God is telling us to pay attention. We have been created by God, we have been called by name by God, and we have no reason to be afraid. These are the words those who have been marginalized need to hear, on a daily basis.
In Jeremiah 31:3 we hear…”I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” God’s love is unfailing and everlasting. It is not dependent on how others see us or treat us. God’s love is for everyone, it cannot be legislated, prohibited, sidelined, or covered up. No matter who you are, God loves YOU.
With all that is going on, with all the backward leaning push to rescind any gains in equality and inclusion that have been made, it seems a celebration of Pride is more than needed. Persons fearing for their hard earned rights need a place, a time, a community that says…We see you, We honor you, We love you.
I hope and pray during this month God will protect those who are different, those who have been cast aside, those who have been made to fell less than. Lots of different ways to celebrate Pride, I want to celebrate it by sharing with others, that they are loved without question and with no exceptions.
Your companion on the Way,
Pastor Tom