12/28/2023
Are you a parent of a child who has come out of the closet? And now you feel like you’re the one in the closet and you don’t know what to do? I have a very familiar story I’d like you to follow along with me and listen one more time.
Have you ever been invited to something, and it was like, “Oh I don’t want to go,” but you went anyway and something amazing happened? Later you think back on that event, and you think, “Oh my goodness what if I hadn’t gone!” You were just so close to missing out on something epic.
One day Jesus heads down to the Sea of Galilee and people gathered around him listening to him speak about the word of God. Jesus saw at the water’s edge 2 boats and the fishermen who were washing their nets. He then got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon Peter, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then he sat down and taught the people from the boat. Peter is a captive audience.
When he had finished speaking the said to Simon … and most of us know what happens next … but this is so important though, for you and me right now.
He says something unexpected, but it was something that Peter could easily do. It was a “baby trust me” step. He said, “Peter, I want you to put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.” This is completely doable, but it was unreasonable and its costly. But there was another reason that this was unreasonable.
Peter knew it was going to be a complete waste of time. Peter answers politely. “Master we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything.” Translated, we went fishing when you’re supposed to go fishing and didn’t catch anything. What do you suppose is going to happen if we go fishing when you’re not supposed to go fishing … just wondering? Also, Peter looking at the shoreline and everybody is watching them.
Peter is thinking if anybody else asked me to do this it would be an easy no. But I’ve been sitting here in this boat hearing the amazing things you are saying about the kingdom of God, I’ve never heard anyone teach this way … with that kind of authority. So, if you want to go fishing and not catch fish, okay. And then he says this, … this is where the story intersects with your life and my life …, “But because you say so…”.
I would like you to pause for just a moment and say this to yourself … are you ready? “But because YOU say so …” This statement has the potential, I’m not exaggerating, to change the trajectory of your entire life. For some of you, you’re wrestling right now with this issue about trying to get help and you’ve got 25 reasons why it’s unreasonable to attend a retreat for parents of LGBTQ children in Saint Johns, MI. It’s going to cost too much, I don’t have the time, people are going to look at you funny, it’s not going to work out … But there’s something in you that feels like … you know what I think I’m supposed to do this. Its like God wants me to do this.
Your response to this tension has more potential and had greater consequence for good than you possibly could imagine. But because you say so … this is where it all changes because Jesus, wasn’t asking Peter to believe something … he was asking him to do something … to take a baby step perfectly in his ability. And Jesus knew that if Peter would say yes, when Peter’s faith intersected with God’s faithfulness, it would change Peter’s life forever. Based on what you know, based on what you have heard, based on what Jesus has done are you willing to let down the nets?
Hidden Wounds (https://hiddenwounds.us/) is partnering with PeacePrints (https://www.centerpeace.net/peaceprints) to offer retreats in Michigan for parents like you looking for hope and healing.
This retreat offers hope that parents as a parent of gay child, you don’t need to choose between your faith and your child. In a weekend environment find an atmosphere of safety and be introduced to parents from all over who are similarly situated, seeking a place of understanding and support.
Let down your nets as that first “baby step”. Access Hidden Wounds at https://hiddenwounds.us/ and fill out the form to get more information about the June 7-9, 2024 retreat in Saint Johns, Michigan. Like Peter, you’ll never regret you did.
Gary R. Tucker, PhD, MEdT, CPLC JACKSON, MICHIGAN
