It’s the time of year, once again, where people are making two lists. One to send to Santa1 and another list of all the things they’re thankful for. Some of you might even give a toast at a Thanksgiving dinner to list the things you’re thankful for.
And while many of us are able to be thankful for the same things- health, happiness, a job, family, love, friends, the list goes on- there are a few things that we rarely express our gratitude for.
Originally I was going to write an article about being thankful for grace. But on the day of the midterm elections, I realized I needed to discuss a different topic. As I left the polling place, I passed my friends who were waiting in line to cast their votes. And as stupid as it sounds, I honestly teared up.((Yes, I’m an emotional wreck who cries at everything. The secret is out.))
And I realized that as much as I am thankful for grace, I’m more thankful to have a voice, especially since the 2016 election. Historically so many people have been denied a voice in their government, with felons still being wrongfully banned from using their voice. And if certain people can get their way, I’m pretty sure they will try to take away queer voices at some point.
So I’m thankful that I’m able to contribute my opinions and ideals to my country and state. Even though, just like the 2016 election, Alabama as a whole did not agree with my voice, I was able to show the politicians what is important to me as a constituent. And sometimes our voices do make a difference. We were able to stop Roy Moore from continued to suppress people when we elected Doug Jones instead. My voice played a part in that, for which I feel honored.
Even when it doesn’t feel like my voice makes a difference- what’s one vote in a state with deeply rooted ideological differences- it does.
Not only do I have a voice in politics, I have a voice in a culture where Christianity and queer identity often clash. From my articles here to my social media presence, I am able to help the world understand that queerness and Christianity are not mutually exclusive.
Even when people are actively hostile to me and my beliefs, I still have a voice that I can use.2
It will rarely change their mind, admittedy, but that should never stop us from using our voices. We have them for a reason, and we should use them to speak truth and light into a world lacking in it.
