The Body
May 13, 2008 by Randy
Filed under Christianity, Church, Dance, Ex-Gay, Gay, Homosexuality, Humility, Men, People
La Shawn writes about The Body (of Christ) and asks the following question.
Christians, what, if anything, amazed or surprised you (about yourself and/or others) when you first became a believer?
I thought about changing the title of this post to something else because it is the same as La Shawn’s. But then I thought better of it … we are one Body so … uniformity actually sends a message of unity.
Now, to answer the question; there have been *many* surprises over the past sixteen years as a Christian. In the beginning, what surprised me the most was how not weird (but still kind of weird) Christians were. I had thought they were absolutely bonkers but they weren’t. Maybe I was lucky but when I showed up with my crazy gay self (I *was* gay identified … I am *still* crazy) nobody freaked out. That was my first surprise (this was in 1992.)
Also, in the beginning, I was very surprised at how much fun The Body of Christ actually had. Granted it wasn’t, “Let’s all dance half naked at an underground alternative bar!” kind of fun (what I was used to before becoming a Christian.) They were full of joy and always doing something cool or hanging out. They taught me joy instead of instant gratification. I had not known that instant gratification often short circuits joy and contentment.
What surprised me about me was that I wasn’t a soloist in how screwed up a life could get. I loved their humility. They helped me to feel acceptance in a deeper and richer way. I took my place among the redeemed willingly, eagerly. This surprised me because at one point in my life I hated Christians. Again, maybe I was lucky but the humility shown by other Believers turned my heart very quickly.
I travel *all* the time and meet Christians all across North America. The sense of familiarity and unity among believers is amazing. Since moving to Orlando almost six years ago, I have said on many speaking engagements, “No matter where you are in the world, if you are in the House of the Lord among the Body of Christ, you are home.” That’s the biggest surprise since living here. It is absolutely true. Having traveled quite a bit I know first hand that The Body does transcend culture.
Well, that’s what came to mind in response to the question … so Christians, it is your turn.
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