Quench! Refreshing Devotionals by Gay, Trans, and Affirming Christians

It’s been a really long week. My intent is to relax with my little family today and then, late this afternoon head into the new work week as I do every Sunday afternoon- hopefully a bit renewed.

I’m a Christian, I admit it. Am I a strong one? No. Am I as devout as I probably should be? No. Does my faith help me through the rough times…like now? I’m a work in progress.

I work part time (12 hours a week) for a church. As a part of my duties, I deal with all of the email that comes in. The denomination, a predominately open and affirming one to the LGBT community (UCC), emails a daily devotional…daily. These are typically written by the same handful of people – mostly pastors – but, occasionally there’s a new voice. Many I agree with or find something to take away. Some, not so much. I really enjoy the ones that are more uplifting than fire and brimstone. I always feel guilty for deleting any of them regardless of whether I liked it, agreed with it or not.

I recently found the book, Quench! refreshing devotionals by gay, trans, and affirming Christians, and I couldn’t wait to dive in. Life has been turmoil lately. I just didn’t feel up to anything that wasn’t upbeat and uplifting. I know it’s the Lenten season but my reality right now is that things are pretty tough for some family members and, being involved to assist, I’m feeling their pain too. I really had been looking for something that would make me feel renewed. I found it!

One reviewer called Quench! a “spiritual support group in book format”. You get 100 different authors; all gay, lesbian or trans or close, affirming allies.  These come from both lay people and clergy. Each has written a meditation based on a scripture. The author’s each give their own thoughts on the scriptures…what they took away from it and then offer a thought for the day.

Glancing through, and after the first few days, I found this to be very upbeat. I’m looking forward to the next 90+ days.