By Ellen Dykas
Recently while waiting in an airport line, I noticed the individual in front of me and was intrigued. The reason? I could not discern if this person was a man or woman. I have to confess I went out of my way to try to figure it out: gazing at his/her face, curiously straining to see the name on his/her passport. But from this person’s style, mannerisms and facial qualities, his/her maleness or femaleness was veiled.
Then…the TSA agent softly called out, upon his/her triggering the alarm in the x-ray machine, “I need a pat down for a FTM – birth female.” Uhg! My heart sank for her at what felt like an embarrassing public exposure somehow…having attention drawn to her (a Female-To-Male person who was born female). The TSA agent was gracious and professional, but the reality is that he needed to have this person checked out and the policies are that pat downs are gender specific.
Yet this female traveler did not identify as female; she identifies as a he, yet she is a she, or is she?! Are you tracking with me?! In a world impacted by sin and needy of redemption in every corner, the changing definitions, convictions and proclamations can cause our minds and emotions to swirl.
Social media and the news have been filled with stories from every angle of the very public transition of Bruce Jenner to Caitlyn Jenner and, more recently, the Supreme Court’s decision to legalize same-gender unions. How are we talking about these tough issues? How can we help new believers and younger people understand God’s Word not only regarding sexuality, singleness, marriage and relationships, but also of the reality of sin’s impact on each of these areas?
We need to follow God’s Word, in our hearts and actions. How?
- Pray like David did, that the words of our mouths and the meditations in our hearts would be pleasing to God. (Psalm 19:14)
- Boldly speak the truths of the Bible in a way which reveals God’s love, holiness and design for all aspects of creation. (Ephesians 4:15, 1 Peter 4:10-12)
- Recognize that our Creator Lord DOES have a design for all of creation which can only be lived out in dependence upon Him alone. (Colossians 1:16)
- Keep the gospel of grace in Jesus Christ central.
For more thoughts on talking to your kids, CLICK HERE. For more materials about our sexually broken world, go to Harvest USA.