It Gets Better

Last Thursday night my husband (or chocolate bar, as he is affectionately known to the blogging world) and I were watching Bones, my favorite t.v. show. Someday, I'll tell you why, but today I want to tell you about a commercial that aired during my favorite prime-time hour. Google Chrome has produced a powerful, brave and risky commercial.

This public service announcement commercial brought the struggle that GLBT (gay, lesbian, bi, transsexual) teens go through every day to the forefront of my mind. The weight of their fear and hopelessness should press on all of us. I'm a Christian, I love Christ and therefore, I am called to love others regardless of who they are or what they do. While I do think that people should be able to love anyone they choose, just like I am free to love my husband, I don't want to debate the "right" or "wrong" of sexual orientation.

This project, known as The Trevor Project, brings together people of different race, religion and sexual orientation to bring a message of hope. Individuals are able to upload videos filled with encouragement and empathy. President Obama and his White House staff joined the cause. Pixar employees gave personal testimonies; they showed an outpouring of love to those in need. Television stars from House and Glee are also throwing in support. The list goes on with corporate empires such as Google, Yahoo, Apple, Facebook and Adobe spreading the word of love and destroying the path of hate.

These stories of hope, love, and faith for the future are the stories we should be exposing any oppressed population to. This is not simply a story for those who are GLBT, but for anyone feeling hopeless, unloved or without faith. Allowing this community of people to be abused because we don't like something about them is turning a blind eye to hatred- and allows it to continue to burrow its way into society. This isn't about sexuality- it's about loving people because they are loved and they have purpose in this world. The news is filled each day with stories of anger and hatred; as people of God, or people of a common community of humankind, we should be providing support for those in society who are often disregarded.

Please take the time this week to show someone they are loved despite their circumstances. If it becomes a struggle, as sometimes it is for me, remember that you are loved despite your shortcomings.