Comments on: Letter to a Christianist Notion

by: Bobi Foster

Thu, 29 Mar 2007 03:59:00 +0000

Hey Kevin, I really enjoyed the book signing in Vicksburg Friday night. I just read your “Letter to a Christianist Notion” and WOW! Thats really the first word that comes to mind! When I read the part that you said “God made me in His image, so if I’m a n—–, than God’s a n—– too. You think about that.” it really makes me think! As I read it, I think about how you spoke those words Friday night in the loft of Karole and Chris’s, it really touches me! you are an incredible writer by the way you use your words! I feel very honored to have met you! I look forward to hearing about your journey-God Bless
Bobi Foster

by: vicki

Tue, 27 Mar 2007 02:31:39 +0000

oh my God; kevin connects us all. Thank you

by: vincentlachina

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 21:19:30 +0000

Fourteen sign carrying protesters are stationed outside the doors of the health care facility where I work. As I entered the building, one yelled, “God hates you for what you do” and another, “You’re going straight to hell.” This happens at least once a week. If I for one moment thought these hateful people controlled my eternal life, I would quake in my boots. But they do not anymore than the woman who wrote to you controls yours. Having grown up a Catholic and becoming a Baptist later (I must have been dropped on my head as an infant), I have never once felt outside the grace of God, nor estranged from the Church, even though I have been victimized by organized congregations who physically removed me for having “come out.” I’m 61, and you will find my butt occupying a pew every Sunday (except, of course, when I ask God to make a house call). I’m there because I honestly believe that treasured verse in Romans 8:1 which promises, “There is therefore no condmenation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Imagine that! But even better than that verse is one I found in the Phillips New Testament. I never cease to smile when I read it — “The whole world stand on tiptoe waiting for the sons and daughters of God to come into their own.” So what if the hate-filled woman is right and I am going to hell. Imagine what a glorious group of folk will be there with me! We’ll have a ball.

by: Jon-Marc McDonald

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 20:58:29 +0000

Kevin,

My grandfather was a leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, my family is extremely conservative and I was “groomed” if you will to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. Anyway, came out when I was 20 in a very public way and became persona non grata with most of my family.

I read your book and identified with much of what you wrote. You put into words what so many of us have felt and thought but have been unable to express.

I wish I knew of your reading and signing in NYC but I learned of it too late. Hopefully you will have another in the future!

Jon-Marc

by: southbeachbum

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 15:17:05 +0000

A very nicely balanced response. I’m gonna have to remember that one next time I go into a rage. Looking forward to seeing you in Miami Beach next week.

by: Alan Hawkins

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:25:21 +0000

Vicki,

Looking back through the threads I am embarrassed that I did not see you before now.

Too many subtle name changes… They make me smile. Having been away so long kind of freezes people in your mind. You will always be 21 in my eyes.

I found your web site…more fun. You ARE the contrarian soul… and still as beautiful as ever. If I ever get home I will walk that block or two with you…I need it worse.

by: Alan Hawkins

Mon, 26 Mar 2007 04:59:22 +0000

Hi Vicki,

Thank you for the kind hello on the San Francisco thread. I hope you are well. Yes, I have been reminiscing my old Mississippi life through this blog and the challege it presents.

A few years ago I took a similiar journey on racial reconciliation with Spencer Perkins after the publication of his book; More Than Equals: Racial Healing for the Sake of the Gospel. Spencer’s parallel account of life in Mississippi during the 60s and 70s was a painful dose of reality. I wept many tears over a life I barely knew existed even though it was right in front of me. His untimely death in 1998 was heartbreaking.

Now Kevin has done it again. Nothing prepares the heart for change quite as fully as human testimony. Hypothetical debates never quite transport us into the marrow of a matter. God help us to at least talk to one another with civility and receive one another with kindness as we hear this story.
Kevin has written a compelling if sometimes uncomfortable account. I have been praying that his journey through my home soil would go well.

Vicki greet my old friends and tell them that Mississippi is never far from my thoughts. Bless you.