What a day! My tush hurts from sitting in hard metal chairs for 6 hours. But the time flew by as we listened to Sy Rogers (www.syrogers.com). He has a compelling story: His mother died when he was really young and he was sent off to live with relatives that were practical strangers. Throughout his life he was bullied about being a “fag” and he started acting that lifestyle out. He was even going to get a sex change, before the Lord met him in a very unique way. You’ll have to buy his CD to find out! Anyway, he shares about the lessons he’s learned through his life.
Even though this was my second time listening to his talk, I still was super encouraged and challenged. I especially appreciated how Sy shared about the very “taboo” topic of sexual sin in such a matter-of-fact way.
I’m glad that our students got to hear from upfront about some risqué topics Asian American tend to avoid. I know for myself, I never heard about the birds and bees from my parents, except warnings not to get pregnant before marriage. I pray that our students may be able to submit all of themselves (including their God-given sexual side) to Him for His honor and glory.
Some of my favorite quotes of today:
*God would rather have you messy than not have you at all.
* God didn’t take away our sinful appetites. He gave us the strength to kill them!
* Worrying is calculating without God in the equation.
My favorite quote was when Sy shared about a time when his daughter was three, where he broke her favorite porcelain angels. He glued all the pieces back together, but in a way that he thought was rather unsuccessful. When he offered to toss it and buy her a new one, Sy’s daughter said, “Don’t throw it away Daddy. It doesn’t have to be perfect for me to love it.” I was moved almost to tears when I thought how our Heavenly Father loves us in the same way. Even though we’re broken and messy he loves us all the same. That message fills me with hope.