Community

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. - Hebrews 10:24-25

For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. - Romans 12:4-5

As a community, we grieved for those murdered at Pulse in Orlando. Gay bars and nightclubs are a place for us to gather without fear of harassment over our sexuality. They are a sanctuary for our people. They aren't perfect. If you go into one by yourself, you're likely to remain by yourself, especially if you are shy or don't have the perfect body or look. But even if you're alone, there is still a sense of belonging that no one can take from you.

In the wake of the Pulse massacre, we can't be afraid to continue to have this vital part of our community. Though I am taking this out of context, Hebrews 10:24-25 says, "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." When we do gather, let's make sure that we "stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together." 

My plea is that if you see someone alone, speak to them, help them feel like part of the community. This person may be someone who is in a gay bar for the first time, or it may just be someone who is lonely. As a community, we are a rainbow of peoples, like the community of Christ.  Romans 12:4-5 says, "For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another." The same is true of the LGBT community. We have many members but we are a diverse group, yet we share the community in common.

Let us continue to come together as a community of love and good works.

A big thank you to Another Country blog for the great picture above.