Earlier today, I received an email at our AskDrBrown Facebook page from a man we'll call Sandy, and I replied immediately to him. Here's the exchange, which I believe will speak to many of you:
From Sandy:
Hello Dr. Brown,
As I write this, it is past one in the morning and I cannot
sleep because of such a deep burden from the Lord. I feel profoundly called to
speak out publicly (on Facebook, etc.) on the issue of gay activism, and feel
equipped by the Lord to do so powerfully, compassionately, and effectively, but
(I'm ashamed to admit) am fearful that, as a public school teacher and public
figure in my community, such boldness would cost me my job and possibly career
in education, and possibly compromise my ability to financially provide for my
family (I have a wife and three very young children).
I understand that in light of God's providence and
protection, my fear is irrational and that I must trust Him for provision and
do His work regardless. I still, however, am questioning the wisdom of putting
myself and my family at such risk, considering my role as a public school
teacher. I have contemplated speaking out in an anonymous blog so as to publish
my concerns about gay activism without public repercussion. Even this, I am
ashamed to admit as someone who passionately loves Jesus and have been
following Him for 17 years.
So to summarize, I think I know the right answer, but I'm
humbly requesting of you, my brother in Christ, some encouragement that will
help me as I step past my fears and empower me to boldly endure even
devastating persecution for the name of Jesus. I suspect that you once wrestled
with similar issues before you decided to reach out with compassion and resist
with courage. I feel as though once I speak out, my life will never be the
same, and there will be no going back. Thank you for listening, and please pray
for me as I wrestle through this enormous step.
Your brother in Christ,
Sandy
My reply:
Bless you, Sandy, and
I am absolutely standing with you.
First, you have no choice in the matter: You either step out
and obey or live your life in shame and retreat. You have too much of Jesus
inside of you to do that!
Second, I believe you should operate with real wisdom, as if
every comment you make will be read around the world -- in other words, careful
and compassionate and clear in your communication -- and then be ready to be
used as a test case by the Lord in the event that your school district comes
against you. They would have no legal right to do so, and there are Christian
attorneys who will stand with you in a heartbeat. Are you willing to take that
stand?
Third, remember that one day you will meet common men,
women, and children who were tortured and martyred rather than deny Jesus. What
will you say to them?
Fourth, listen to this radio program with your wife: "Washing the Feet of a Martyr's Widow" -- then write back to me.
Forward in Jesus' name!
Dr. Brown
Brother, I too am standing with you!
ReplyDeletei too stand with you in the almighty power of prayer through our Lord Jesus' blood!
DeleteOur beloved Lord Jesus Christ will be with you, fear nothing. Praying for you brother.
ReplyDeleteBrother in Christ,
ReplyDeleteStand Strong! Embrace Humility! Keep the Faith! I am sure heaven will stand with you, and so will many Believers in Yeshua as Messiah! May Grace and Peace be multiplied to you and yours in the name of the Lord!!! Amen!
Due to the fact that I was a public school teacher for 35 years I know first hand that sadly, our public schools are a place that is extremely antagonistic to Christianity. God bless this brother. One Scripture that comes to mind is for "Sandy" to be "as wise as serpants and as harmless as a dove..." Also, AND I SPEAK WITH EXPERIENCE AND GREAT CONVICTION, if and when you do get in the line of fire from the enemy, you will very likely be, like Paul, alone except for Jesus with you(e.g. "everyone has deserted me..."). The public schools and all of our major institutions have been lost spiritually, intellectually, politically, socially and in every way by the failure of the Body of Christ in the U.S. and world-wide over the centuries. We need to repent of our sin, be willing to sacrIfice for Jesus, follow Him, TRUST IN HIS GRACE AND BLOOD ALONE, and stand, but BE WISE!
ReplyDeleteThink of eternity my dear brother and friend. Jesus will look into your eyes face to face, and say: "Thank you, for not being ashamed of me!" You were a bold witness of my Gospel and glorified me.
ReplyDeleteAmen Dr. Brown, and Sandy we are with you.
ReplyDeleteThe word of the Lord is a strong tower and the righteous run to it and are safe.
ReplyDeleteYou might want to keep in mind that there are lawyers who will help you fight for your first amendments rights. The ACLJ comes to mind. I too am a public school teacher and I went to our local high school's director of counseling and shared my ex-gay ministry and testimonies and books with her. I gave her a copy of John Paulk's book, "Not Afraid to Change" , which is riveting. You might pass along Dr. Brown's book, "A Queer thing..." or the shorter 65 page booklet to counselors in the system. My counselor was receptive and curious. Not convinced, I'm betting, but hopefully curious enough to read what I handed her.
ReplyDeleteIts a step. A baby step, but I was very nervous to make that appointment and share. God will give you courage.