Susan Cottrell's Blog, page 4

“Go and Sin No More.” What a lie!!

Remember that Bible story: “Jesus Scatters Self-Righteous Men in the Name of Mercy and Justice!” No? Mmm… How about this one: “The Woman Caught in Adultery.” Yeah, that’s more familiar. It’s the same story, but a completely different interpretation. Jesus’ point in this story is that these religious men have leveraged their considerable power and […]

Navigating Holidays with Love: Supporting LGBTQ+ and those Rejected by Family

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and love. We’re inundated with images of families gathered around a perfectly decorated tree, sharing laughter, love, and gratitude. However, for many LGBTQ+, and those who have been rejected by their families, the holidays can be a time of mixed emotions, loneliness, and […]

What We All Need to Know About Conversion Therapy Bans

“Even in states with bans, the overwhelming percentage of conversion therapy still continues. Every state. Every day.” I see them on a regular basis. Social media posts celebrating another state that has “banned” conversion therapy. This is great progress and I celebrate as well! These bans are a large step and critical in a journey […]

The Disconnect Between the Evangelical Church and Jesus

Evangelical Christianity is often seen as a representation of Jesus’ teachings and values. The truth is, there could be nothing further from the truth. There is a significant discrepancy between the teachings of Jesus and the actions and beliefs of the evangelical Christian church. Maybe we can shed some light on how some practices within […]

The Dad of an LGBTQ+ Child: My Journey Away from the Unloving, UnBiblical Church

When the church gave me the choice between my LGBTQ+ child and my church… I chose my child! My journey as a parent has led me to realize that the evangelical church’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, love, and acceptance has nothing to do with the teachings of Jesus Christ. Absolutely nothing. As the proud parent […]

LGBTQ+ Rights: Intersections Matter

LGBTQ+ rights and politics are more than just buzzwords – they’re part of a larger tapestry that weaves together various aspects of our lives. It’s important to untangle the web of connections surrounding LGBTQ+ rights, and shine some light on ways we can learn more, and do more about these issues that intersect with other […]

The Power of Self-Love: Oscar Wilde’s Enduring Wisdom

Oscar Wilde, the celebrated poet and playwright, once said, “To love oneself is the beginning of a life-long romance.” There is a profound truth in Wilde’s quote and it is significant in our lives. Self-love forms the foundation for growth, happiness, and healthy relationships. Before we can ever love another person well, we must love […]

Is Love REALLY All We Need?

Love is a concept that is universal and timeless. It is something that transcends religion, culture, and language. Love is the foundation of all human relationships, and it is also at the center of our relationship with the divine. In fact, many people believe that God is love, and love is God. This means that […]

The Power of Queer Representation in Media

Despite legislative attacks on those in our community who are queer and transgender, attitudes towards inclusion are improving among the vast majority of people. One factor is the increasing representation of queer characters in media. From movies and TV shows to literature and visual arts, LGBTQ+ stories are playing a crucial role in promoting understanding, […]

The Indefensible Weaponization of Scripture: A Parent’s Perspective

As a parent, I believe in the power of love and acceptance. The greatest message we can ever give our children is that they are loved, that they are enough. The Bible has unfortunately been misused to convey a very different message that justifies harm, discrimination, and exclusion against many groups, including LGBTQ+. It saddens […]