Truth Need Not be Factual

The bible is filled with myths...creation myths, flood myths, myths about giants, myths of origin (tower of babel), miracle stories (virginal conception, a 90 year old woman conceiving, walking on water, parting water, living in a fish for three days, bringing dead children back to life, angel visitations, etc.). These stories can be true even when they can't be factual. They are powerful, though not literal. As the recently departed bible scholar Marcus Borg said, "Myth is stories about the way things never were, but always are." He used to also quote a Native American storytelling intro, "I don't know if it happened exactly this way, but I know it's absolutely true." Progressive spirituality distinguishes truth from fact. Truth is so much bigger and can be communicated with imaginative tales that are in no way factual.


"Myth is stories about the way things never were, but always are." Marcus Borg

First 40 hours of marriage equality in Florida

People who have been together for 15, 18, 25, 35, 40 years standing hand in hand, in tears, pledging the devotion they've already been living, affirming the love they have faithfully been sharing, and hearing that their relationship is finally recognized by both state and religion...that's what i've witnessed over and over for the last 40 hours. The joy, the relief, the healing on their faces has changed my life forever. I can't believe than anyone with a heart would have ever tried to keep such love from being expressed, celebrated, and protected.

Marriage Equality on Epiphany (Jan 6)

Marriage equality celebrations on Epiphany...It seems we have followed a celestial vision to an empowering, miraculous discovery.
The tune of We Three Kings is in my head, but somehow, my own words feel more appropriate:
"We many Queers of Florida are, ...
to be wed we need not go far;
ocean and sand, in love we stand
toasting in festive bars.
Oh...
Love for straights and love for gays
It's all equal now, today.
Love is winning; love's not sinning
Justice now has had her say." -- Durrell Watkins

So-called States Rights Do NOT Trump Human Rights

When Jeb Bush et al say states should be able to decide marriage equality issues they are saying 51% of the people should have the right to deny 10% of the population equal opportunity and equal protection. If rights are subject to the whims and prejudices of an electorate then they aren't rights. "States rights" is an old argument used to deny human rights. I can't believe anyone still falls for it.

Tears of Joy

The state where Anita Bryant (I'll pause for appropriate booing and hissing)...
waged war on same-gender loving people decades ago is now a marriage equality state. "The moral arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice." Or, more crudely but still powerfully stated in the words of "Brother Boy" (Sordid Lives)...CYSMPN?
Honestly, I've been teary all day. I've literally waited a lifetime for this day. New York became a marriage equality state after I left, as did Arkansas...Finally, I live in a state that (by judicial force, but whatever it takes) recognizes my full humanity. And, I can legally marry the person who has been my partner and spiritual spouse for all these years in my home state (and home church)...no need to cross any borders like a refugee (as was once our plan). I never realized how overwhelming the joy would be. Oh, and yes, the June wedding is being planned! But first, I get to share the joy of the couples who will be married this week. Whoops, here come the tears again.