The concept of divine providence has been an integral part of religious belief systems for centuries. It is believed that God provides for his followers' needs and desires according to His will.
This can be challenging for those who identify as LGBTQ+, as they may feel excluded from the traditional understanding of providence due to societal stigma and discrimination. This paper seeks to explore how faith-based families reimagine divine providence through the lived holiness of their queer children.
It is important to understand what divine providence means. In Christianity, it refers to God's active involvement in creation and human life. This includes providing for people's needs and desires while also guiding them towards spiritual growth. The Bible speaks about God's providential care throughout its pages.
Psalm 23 says "the Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want," implying that God meets all our needs and protects us from harm.
Many queer individuals struggle with this idea. They may wonder why God would create them differently or exclude them from certain aspects of society. They may question whether God still loves them if He did not create them heterosexual. These concerns are valid, but parents of queer children must help their children reframe their thinking. By helping their children understand God's love, they can provide a sense of security and peace during difficult times.
Queer individuals need to learn to trust in God's plan. They should focus on living holy lives rather than worrying about their sexual orientation or gender identity. Parents can help by teaching their children scriptures like James 4:10-12, which states that we should submit ourselves to God's will. When we trust in Him, He works everything together for good. As queer individuals strive to live holy lives, they can see God working in unexpected ways and find joy despite adversity.
Families can encourage queer children to pursue their passions and use their gifts to glorify God. Even though society may not accept them, they have unique talents and abilities that can be used for His glory. Parents can support them as they explore these interests and help them navigate the challenges they face. They can also teach them how to share their story with others, showing that God uses diverse individuals to bring hope and healing into the world.
Faith-based families must reimagine divine providence through the lived holiness of their queer children. This requires understanding God's plan, trusting in Him, and using one's gifts to glorify Him. Through this process, families can experience God's love and blessings while helping their children thrive in an often hostile environment.
How do faith-based families reimagine divine providence through the lived holiness of their queer children?
Faith-based families often struggle with understanding how to reconcile their beliefs about God's sovereignty and plan for their lives with the reality that their child may be LGBTQ+. This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and confusion as they try to make sense of what it means to have a queer child within the context of their religious beliefs.