The definition of confusion according to Dictionary is;

1. a lack of understanding; uncertainty.

   ·  a situation of panic; a breakdown of order.

   ·  a disorderly jumble.

2. the state of being bewildered or unclear in one's mind about something.

   ·  the mistaking of one person or thing for another.

Before I go into any of my own personal thoughts regarding what I perceive as mass confusion involving gender, I need to say that as a cisgender individual, I have never experienced gender Dysphoria or sexual attraction to other females. The last thing I want to do is insult, minimize or criticize those struggling with what is a very complex and very real experience.

I was thinking about shopping for cereal a few years ago and I was completely overwhelmed at the number of choices. As of 2012, there were roughly 4,945 different types, including the customized varieties in online shopping! Giving kids the option of choosing even one out of a fraction of that number would be mind numbing. Maybe its just me, but I tend to be much more indecisive and cloudy about what I really want when given too many options.

No, I am not comparing an individuals wellbeing to shopping for cereal. The perspective I've had in thinking about our cultural gender and sexuality wars is that perhaps we are not making it easier by offering a menu to choose from. Each person is an image bearer of God, the Creator and master designer of all life. Each person is unique, valuable and needed. As complex and multifaceted as we all are, is it that simple to change who we are?  I would say no. There is nothing simple about it and I believe everyone should be taken seriously and offered a hand and have someone to walk with them in their journey of discovery. 

There is no formula, road map or menu. We are four-sided beings and health and wholeness means care for each part of us. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. I could not say what that looks like since no two journeys are the same. 

We are messy. We are broken. We bring joy and heartache, gifts, abilities and challenges. And it takes time. Real time. Face to face time. Who has time? 

We run, we race, we jump from one thing to the next. Oftentimes not pausing to really see the people around us. I want to be someone who pauses, who looks and really sees. Who takes the time to listen and offer my hand. I want to be the person who is willing to walk the journey of discovery, whatever it may be and know that good things take time.

You, my friend, may not want a menu or shelves full of options. You may discover you need only one other to know how much you matter. Because you do. 

What has your own experience looked like? Too many options and less clarity regarding life altering choices? Are you the person who sees, listens and walks with others? Have you felt like the invisible one, as if no one sees you or cares? Your story matters. You matter. Tell us how we can pray for you and if you would like us to walk with you in your journey.

In His incomprehensible love and ours, Jenn

Becky on: Jan 30th, 2023 03:36pm

After reading a book and listening to a webinar, the thing that struck me the most, is the fact that others want to be seen as individuals who are created in the image of God.

I love the questions you pose. I am still working on being the person that really sees, listens, and walks with others. Sometimes that is easy and other times it is difficult. Yes, I have felt invisible, and at times I still do. But I also have those who do truly see me, listens to me, and walks with me in this journey called life. And it makes all the difference.