what do you say?

when you are
with a group 
of gay people
and they ask you 
what you do 
for a living 
do you tell them 
you are a minister? 

that was the gist
of her question

my answer: 
yes

and when you tell them
you are a minister
what do they say?

they 
meaning the gay

the second part of 
her question 

my answer:
they
the gay
say 
a variety of things

mostly 
i hear about
the pain
and their
rejection
and stories 
as to why they 
do not attend 
church anymore.

and i 
understand

that is
i understand them
their stories 

i am thankful for the 
churches who make an effort
to create new realities 
for those who are gay and 
have experienced 
rejection and hurt.

i remain 
confused
at those who cannot love
despite the definitions 
and convictions they 
hold on to so tightly

the calling is to love

how can you love when 
you push away?

how is this love?