It’s an odd old story that goes something like this:
A young woman, cold, wet, and shivering, makes her way through a storm to a well-lit castle. She raises her mud-spattered hand and knocks on the huge, ornate door. Upon entering, she’s greeted by the king and queen and their son, the prince.
She tells them she is a princess. Her horse, frightened by the storm, threw her as she rode home, and she has made her way here through much hardship. The queen, although good enough to provide the girl lodging for the evening, is unconvinced.
“Oh darling,” she snickers scornfully, “You’re no princess. Just look at you.”
The prince, however, is taken immediately with the young woman, and as they talk through the course of the evening, he falls in love with her.
You know the rest of the story.
The impossible test, a pea under the mattresses, princess doesn’t sleep a wink, queen changes her tune, prince marries princess, and happily ever after.
An odd story, but we’re like the princess—soaked to the bone, wandering, beat up by the journey, not quite ourselves, and desperately hoping someone will see and believe we’re more than we appear.
And like the princess with the queen, we are scrutinized and looked upon doubtfully:
- You’re nothing special. Just look at you.
- You can’t say no to temptation.
- You’re only as good as the shape of your body.
- You’re gay, and there’s nothing to do but embrace it.
- Because you won’t affirm gay relationships, you’re hateful.
- You’re a teenager, we don’t expect much of you.
- With what you’ve done (or what’s been done to you), you’re tainted goods.
We long for one who sees, one who stands up to the critics and cynics and accusers. One who bears their blows for us.
One for whom our condition matters not because it defines us, but because it distorts who He knows us to be. And One who can make what He sees true in our lives.
This coming Thursday, I hope you’ll join us for Welcome Wanderer*. You’ll be encouraged and reminded that there is such a One as this.
And we need you to stand with us. While the landscape shifts quickly around us, Regeneration provides an unwavering source of support and restoration just as we have for over 35 years. And we’re building on those foundations for the good of future generations. We are humbled and excited to tell you more about it.
Please RSVP today to join us next Thursday, March 19! Register here.
Hope to see you there!
Josh
P.S. We’re excited to announce that several friends of the ministry have already generously pledged to match donations given on the 19th up to $30,000!
*P.P.S. If you’re one of our Northern Virginia friends, please join us on Saturday, March 28, for Let Your Light Shine!
Good article about wandering