June is LGBTQ Pride month. And predictably, the memes are multiplying on social media—on both sides. Some people post memes showing their support, while others post memes like this one:
The reality is, God did make a covenant with Noah, and the rainbow is the symbol of that covenant.
“Then God said, ‘I am giving you a sign of my covenant with you and with all living creatures, for all generations to come. I have placed my rainbow in the clouds. It is the sign of my covenant with you and with all the earth.’ ” Genesis 9:12–13, NLT
But here’s the truth: symbols can have more than one meaning. What does this symbol mean?
In sign language, it is V or 2, and even for hearing people, it means 2. During World War II, it stood for Victory. It is also a sign for peace. If I search “peace” in my emoji list on my phone, it’s the first symbol to show up. It would be silly for someone to insist that holding up two fingers can only mean one thing!
Symbols mean whatever we interpret them to mean. Using a rainbow to represent the pride that those in the LGBTQ community have in their identity does nothing to change the fact that the rainbow is also a symbol of God’s covenant. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Those who have a problem with this symbol generally have problems with the LGBTQ community as well. They think that these people are destroying society with their “agenda.” Well, I’m sorry to disappoint them, but the only “agenda” LGBTQ people have is to be seen and treated as equals. They just want you to show them the same respect that everyone else gets. They aren’t trying to make anyone gay; they just want to support those who already are. Because being gay isn’t a choice. Having gay sex may be (straight men in prison do it all the time), but being gay is not. If I have to choose between loving and supporting them or condemning them at the risk that they will be driven to suicide, I will choose love and support every time.
Which brings up this point:
Some people take issue with the word pride, forgetting that there are both good and bad forms of pride. Of course, we all know that God condemns pride. We also recognize that pride in our accomplishments and being proud of our children are healthy forms of pride if not taken to extremes. I’m proud to be a woman. Why can’t my gay friends be proud to be gay?
Some people counter that if the gays get to celebrate gay pride, then they should be able to celebrate straight pride. I can’t think of a better answer than what you see in this meme:
If you don’t agree with me, I respectfully request that you set up a time to talk to me. Feel free to give me a ring or shoot me a text if you know me personally. We can arrange for lunch or something. If not, take advantage of my free consultation that I offer and book an appointment. I don’t want to argue, so don’t contact me if that’s all you want to do. But if you are interested in hearing more of why I changed from believing that gay people were destroying our country to embracing, affirming, and supporting them, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
