Who is my neighbor—and does my love reach beyond the peoplewho look, believe, or live like me?

In Episode 9 of Created by God to Be…, I explore the GoodSamaritan in Luke 10:25–37 alongside Jesus’ call in Matthew 22:34–40 to loveour neighbors as ourselves.

Loving our neighbors means crossing the boundaries societyhas created. It means refusing to diminish anyone because their identity orlife does not fit our expectations. I share how the treatment of transgenderpeople touches me personally, and why everyone deserves compassion, dignity,and belonging.

Whatever others may call “normal,” their judgments do notdefine your worth. You do not have to become someone else to deserve love.

Join me as we consider how to become neighbors who turncompassion into action. If this episode speaks to you, please share it withsomeone who needs encouragement.

In John 4:4–30, Jesus meets a Samaritan woman beside a well. Society may have judged her because of her identity, history, and relationships—but Jesus does not shame or condemn her. He listens, answers her questions, treats her with dignity, and recognizes the gifts already within her.

This episode offers an affirming message for LGBTQ+ people and anyone who has felt judged or rejected: You do not have to erase your identity, hide the person you were created to be, or become someone else before approaching God. You are already known, welcomed, and loved.

Imagine how wonderful the world would be if we treated one another with the same compassion.

If this episode is meaningful to you, please share it with someone who may need its message.

#CreatedByGodToBe #KnownNotCondemned #LGBTQFaith #ChristianInclusion #John4

Episode 7 Ruth 1:6-18

In this episode of Created by God to Be…, weexplore Ruth 1:6–18 and the powerful bond between Ruth and Naomi—a story ofloyalty, chosen family, belonging, and love that refuses to leave someonebehind. We also reflect on the changing relationship between parents and theiradult children: the pride of watching them build lives of their own, theuncertainty of wondering what comes next, and the importance of continuing tolove them even when we do not understand or agree with every choice they make. Formany LGBTQ+ people, chosen family becomes a vital source of acceptance andbelonging when relatives or religious communities reject them. Ruth’s storyreminds us that family is not defined only by blood. Family can also be foundin the people who remain beside us, honor who we are, and love us withoutconditions. Sometimes people who care deeply for one another must followdifferent paths. That does not erase the meaning of their relationship or theways they helped one another grow. Whether we stay together or part with love,each relationship can become part of the person God is helping us become. Ifthis episode is meaningful to you, please share it with someone who may need tohear that they are worthy of love, family, and belonging.