Susan Cottrell's Blog, page 10

You may think I’m wrong about LGBTQI. So, now what?

I am fully affirming of LGBTQI people BECAUSE of my faith, not in spite of it. I came to believe what I believe after extensive theological study, my own life experience, examining the lived experience of others, research, prayer, and following the leading of the Holy Spirit. It was a journey. All I did was [Read More...]

Can My Young Child Know If They Are Gay?

“Stop letting awful parents put these labels on young children! It is going to destroy their lives!”  We hear some version of this every day. What these people don’t realize is that it is not the parent who is doing anything, it is the child driving the vast majority of these conversations. Gender identity and [Read More...]

Flowers for the Living

It was a big day nonetheless. Graduating from seminary, I enjoyed family and friends here to celebrate, and so many more cheering me on from afar. I felt loved, valued, appreciated, seen, and heard! Gifts and well wishes rained down from Mamas in FreedHearts Moms, my secret online support group. I received many more wishes [Read More...]

Margaret Court’s Outdated Game With the LGBTQI Community

Margaret Court was the name in Women’s Tennis. She was the best in the world. She set records. The Australian Open’s Court Arena bears her name. But her game is sadly out of date. She would not have even a teensy-weensy chance against the 100th ranked player today, let alone Serena. Not. A. Chance. Bless [Read More...]

A Father’s Plea to Christian Dads of LGBTQI Children

Seven years ago, my daughter came out. I love her. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. I stand with her. I defend her. I believe in her. I protect her. And my life’s work is now to advocate for her and for all those in the LGBTQI community. Maybe you have a gay son, or [Read More...]

Wonder Woman, Parents, & the LGBTQI Community!

Diana. Wonder Woman! Just saw the movie, and I kept thinking about you. I will share a few pieces here—no spoilers—to convey how I feel about you and the defense we’re engaged in for the lives of the defenseless, for the lives of our children. It doesn’t stop until all of us are free. “It’s [Read More...]

An Unclaimed Body – the Last Victim of Pulse. Where is the Love?

At a time when a parent weeps uncontrollably, mourning the death of their precious child, what would possibly drive a father to refuse to claim the dead body of his son? Oh wait, he told us: the son was gay. Where is the love? Is the middle of the unspeakable pain of losing your child [Read More...]

How To Parent an LGBTQI (or Any) Child

Today’s my girls’ birthday, my lovely youngest daughter. She moves to LA tomorrow. Onward toward her music career. How the years fly and in the end, and when those kids soar off to their own adventures, we are left to wave and wish them joy and peace and life. What do you wish you had [Read More...]

The Ultimate Question: What If You’re Wrong??

Are we so terrified of an angry God that we choose to err of the side of judging a person instead of loving them? Unfortunately, the answer is “yes” for much of the church. And it is destroying the lives of people and entire families – many of whom we call brothers and sisters in [Read More...]

My Easter Sunday with Jen Hatmaker and Her Downtown Friends

What would Jesus do on Easter Sunday? As I stood under the bridge in downtown Austin, a man balancing his hamburger, chips, and a drink walked straight to me. “Will you hold my cigarette?” For a nanosecond I processed the request, then I carefully took his lighted cigarette which freed him to reshuffle his food [Read More...]