I need to confess something that I wrestle with inside myself. I struggle with fully accepting people whose sexuality is different from my own—especially those who are transgender, bisexual, or questioning. These identities are hard for me to understand, and at times I find myself pulling back rather than leaning in. It isn’t anger or hatred, but confusion, uncertainty, and even discomfort.
Yet as I look at my own heart, I see that this is not just about them—it is about me. My struggle shows how limited my love can be when faced with what I do not fully understand. Humanity has always wrestled with differences. We draw circles around what feels safe and familiar, and anything outside those circles can feel threatening. But in truth, those “outside” the circle are still human beings, longing to be seen, heard, and valued—just like me.
When I am honest, I realize that God calls me to more than tolerance. He calls me to see the image of God in every person, even when their life or identity stretches my understanding. My struggle reminds me that love is not easy, but it is necessary. If I wait until I understand everything before I love, I will never love at all.
So I name this weakness in myself—not to excuse it, but to seek God’s grace to grow beyond it. My prayer is that over time, my heart will widen, my fears will lessen, and my respect for others will deepen. Because in the end, difference is not meant to divide us, but to teach us the depth of compassion, patience, and humility.
The Curious Pilgrims 