I just finished reading Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community by Andrew Marin. This book is different from the hundreds that have been written about homosexuality and Christianity. And Marin is up front in telling you that if you’re looking for definitive answers, you’ll be disappointed. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that no matter where you stand and what you believe about same-sex issues you’ll disagree with something that Marin says. But the point of this book is not to influence your beliefs or behaviors in the manner that most books on the subject strive to do. What Marin is attempting is plainly stated in the subtitle—he wants to elevate the conversation between the GLBT community and the Evangelical community. He does this by helping you understand the mindset of others—whether or not you agree with them. And, if you approach his book with an open mind (whatever you believe), he can help you with that understanding.

Of course, there will be those who don’t want to elevate the conversation. On both sides there are those who prefer culture wars. Anything less than that feels like a compromise to some people. But if you have people you love who are gay or you are gay, you know that something beyond warfare is desperately needed. Don’t be afraid to pick up this book. You’ll disagree at some points, but Marin doesn’t beat you over the head. In fact, his words are kind and his book is a model of civil dialogue.

I'm going barefoot today. Join me! 

If you would like to contribute to the relief efforts for Haiti, I would highly recommend giving through Nazarene Compassionate Ministires. I know there are many good agencies who are doing fantastic work in the face of great odds. But if you're not sure which one to use, I can assure you that your dollars will be used effectively and with integrity through NCM.

Today I received my December issue of Sojourners. When I read Jim Wallis' editorial, The Urgency of Civility, I knew I had to share it with you.

I feel very strongly that our leaders have failed us on the issue of health insurance reform. We have a problem. But instead of watching intelligent people getting in the same room and sitting around the same table searching for solutions, we have watched our legislators treat one another as political enemies. Any leader knows that more can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit. But we cannot find a healthy response to the problem because our two major political parties seem to think that it is unthinkable to actually compromise with one another for the good of the people.

But it is not just our politicical leaders. The pundits have enthusiastically chimed in to vilify those with whom they disagree. And it has trickled all the way down to us. Most people I speak to are preoccupied with the politics of it, rather than trying to discover what would be best for every American.

I've hesitated to talk about this because I don't want to come off so negative about our leaders. Too late. So, don't listen to me, but read Wallis' commentary. I love the subtitle -- "Respecting the image of God in one another." For those of us who call ourselves Christians, that seems like a perfect starting point.

Here’s a link to a great article written by my daughter-in-law. “Everyday Giving” could be a life-changer for 2010 and beyond.