April 8, 2025
Trust God and Love!
I was quite privileged to attend the Orthodox LGBTQ+ Faithful Spiritual Outreach Weekend at Fordham University this past weekend. An entire volume could be written about the intellectually stimulating lectures, the thought-provoking personal stories, and the heartfelt and monumental support of each other, which was exceptionally palpable over the days. We each went home spiritually refreshed and feeling strengthened by each other.
However, I would like to focus on one very small but meaningful moment over the weekend. During the service of Small Compline chanted with the Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Theotokos, Father Jerry Hall offered spiritual words meant to lead us closer to Christ, during this Great and Holy Lent as we travel towards Pascha, the Resurrection of our Lord. His insightful words were also meant for those of us who are LGBTQ and Ally Orthodox Christians. Father used four simple words, which have stuck in my mind for a few days since the conference: “Trust God and Love.”
Placing our trust, our complete trust, in God, our Creator and Savior and Sustainer, is indeed a road map, a guide, our lifeline. We do not have to worry about what others think or will even do to us, but instead be assured of the fact that God knows all, sees all, and provides all. He made us as we are, and we need to trust that God does not make mistakes; rather, He wants us to live fully as He created us and guides us daily.
All He asks is that we love: Love Him, Love ourselves, and Love each other.
Trust God and Love!
Thank you, Father Jerry!