Protest

We are expecting protesters tonight at OCU. They are the folks from Topeka, KS, who protest at soldiers' and Aids victim's funerals. They also protest against anything that has to do with homosexuality. That issue gives OCU the dubious honor of their visit.

The theater department is doing The Laramie Project, a play based on the murder of a gay student in Laramie, WY, named Andrew Shepherd. OCU students have proclaimed today "Love Not Hate" day, and are wearing shirts that proclaim it.

In 30 minutes or so, there will be a service put together by Spectrum (the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender group on campus). The students are here setting up and have been so polite. I'll be running the sound system, so I'll be in the service. I'm curious, to say the least. When they made the reservation, they said that they wanted to have a service to say "God is Love" to counter the hate that was coming from the protesters later this evening.

One of the reasons I love working with college students is that they are very passionate! More than a few e-mails have gone out from the administration asking (pleading with?) the students to adopt the official campus response to the protesters--ignore them. Deny them the attention they seek. The students are planning a silent protest. Can they be silent? Will their passion and tempers get the better of them? I pray not.

In this most difficult issue, I will trust God that He is big enough to sort out who His children are and how they need to live. I'm looking at this as an opportunity to show all of our students love and hospitality. This doesn't change my thoughts on what scripture says about sexuality (gay and straight). Am I a little uncomfortable? Sure, I'll admit to that. But, I have a responsibility to God for my actions and my heart. God has enough grace to deal with the rest. Lord, enable me to reflect that grace, the very grace you've given me.