Here Goes Something…
I have had it! I wasn’t going to post anything on the subject. In fact I’ve avoided going near my laptop since Wednesday for fear that I might start typing and never stop. But my hands ache from sitting on them as I stare at a blank document.
On Tuesday this week I heard about an opportunity to support Chick-fil-A, an establishment that I visit about once a week because I love their food and I find their service impeccable. Apparently I go there enough that they recognize me and I recognize them. I’ve known their company values for years. They are written on the wall in each restaurant.
They aren’t a secret.
And the founder didn’t decide a few weeks ago what his thoughts were on the definition of marriage. Nope, he’s believed that truth for years.
So on Wednesday morning, without much thought to my motives, I grabbed my kiddos and we made the seven-minute drive to our local CFA. We parked off the property because there was no room in the parking lot. Tears welled in my eyes. A lump formed in my throat. And a huge smile crossed my face. The outpouring of support for God and His Word was amazing.
The thought didn’t even cross my mind that by going to eat a chicken sandwich was I hating someone. Or that by drinking my favorite iced tea was I judging someone. Or that by smiling and visiting with complete strangers was I stirring up a political agenda.
None of those thoughts even crossed my mind. I went to Chick-fil-A to honor my God and uphold His Word. And guess what? I wasn’t in the minority. Quite the opposite. The lines were crazy long. The drive through, well, you had to have the patience of Job to venture through that.
I got home and decided to check the newsfeed on Facebook. That’s when the heartburn started. I was shocked, and honestly very hurt. Apparently my simple-minded ways to support Biblical Truth were being judged all over the place.
Yes, judged.
Apparently by eating lunch at CFA that day I hate gay people. I’m not a peacemaker. I love causes more than I love people. And I’m highly judgmental of people who don’t think like me.
I wish that you could have seen into my heart at lunch that day. I wish you would have asked me why I went before calling me a radical bible thumper. You would know that I chose to eat lunch at CFA on Wednesday for very simple reasons. I love God. I believe EVERY Word in the Bible is God-breathed and therefore important to uphold. And I’m tired of the lies of this world, and want to see Truth proclaimed on this side of Heaven.
Is that so bad?
I didn’t think so.
Thank you for sharing your pure heart! I love you, Krista. MOM
Wow, do I completely, totally, enthusiastically agree! My thoughts exactly and your words are well stated. For the record I have several gay friends and over the years that has been true as well. My current gay friends know how I feel. One couple is married. We are friends. No dislike much less hate. I can, we can, disagree on values w/out judgement or hate. To do otherwise is to judge and hate. I believe God loves all people period. I desire for everyone to be included in God’s circle of grace through the saving power of Jesus. There is no room for judgement or hate in that value.
Thank you, Krista, for your heart’s words. I was feeling a bit beat up myself this week.
6 years of “Bible Study Fellowship” taught me two things. 1) Bible Study Fellowship was more important then Monday Night Football. 2) Every word in the Bible is God-breathed. You were right on!
Thanks
Thank you, Larry. Very encouraging words!
I’m a friend of Korri’s and I read this on her facebook page. I FULLY agree with you. Wednesday morning my kids and I were running errands and CFA is in the same parking lot as the Wal-Mart where I was picking up school supplies so we stopped in at 11:15. Initially I was just going to go through the drive through (since my kids are 5 and 3 it would’ve been much easier that way), but after seeing the drive through line starting to go into the little “street” through the shopping center we parked a couple of parking lots over and went inside. The line wasn’t out the building, yet, but it was snaked through the restaurant. (By the time we left at 11:45 the line was around the building and the drive through line was about .25mi long).
I felt the same sadness when I got home and saw all the things being said about the people who went to CFA that day (me). NONE of those were my motivations. I wasn’t there because I was AGAINST something . .. I was there because I wanted to support CFA because I think they’ve been unfairly bashed and I wanted to support Mr. Cathy (and the local franchisee)
Because of how the people who went to CFA on Wednesday (me and my family) have been viewed by others I started becoming sad and ashamed that I went. Like you, my motivation was the furthest thing from hate there is.
I have several gay friends and family members and I have nothing but love for them. (Honestly, I was in college before I figured out that Grandpa’s “roommate” was more than his roommate. They were together over 40 years before his partner passed away in 2007)
Thank you so much for taking the time to respond and sharing your story. It was a tough post to write and even tougher to share on FB. Thanks for your encouraging words!
Thank you, Krista. I really needed to hear these precious, words, which resonate in my heart, and my feelings that day were the same. We went twice that day, so that all five of us had an opportunity to participate in something that meant something to us. I too, felt joy, then sadness. But what I realized is, that I wanted to make a conscious effort not to let my feelings of hurt take too deep of root, and let the Devil have a foothold in my heart. It would be just like him, the devil, to twist motives, and words and feelings and opinions and cause division among God’s people!! I hope you are encouraged.
Thank you Shannon. I appreciate your wise words. It is so easy to listen to the lies of the enemy, and I certainly did. I feel much better now and know, without a doubt, I was following the direction of the Holy Spirit. Have a blessed time this weekend.