To Joan and Pauline, from Serene (Response to Pink Dot First Video 2016, Part 1)

https://www.facebook.com/lovexenos/posts/823743147760873

Hi ladies, I'm Serene. I do not know you personally but I know the two of you in my personality and in my past.

I am bubbly like Pauline, laughing loudly with no concern: )

I was depressed and lonely like Joan, until I let Jesus into my life nearly 10 years ago.

Joan, I didn't know what you went through or are still going through but I went through a major depression and like you, I contemplated suicide.

In fact, I attempted suicide and ended up in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). With tubes all over me to monitor my progress after pumping out the toxic medicine in my stomach, I saw my family members. For the first time in my life, I saw the tears in their eyes and realized that this life is not my own. I do not have the right to end this life which my Lord gave me.

My mother died with no goodbye. My family was no longer the same. I wanted to be with my mother who was my world. I wanted my imperfect family back. I needed not just my dad but also my mum.

Attempting suicide was my desperate cry for help. I knew something was very wrong in my life. Yet, suicide can never get me what I want nor is a solution to challenges in life. Suicide only hurt the people who love me.

I have a University friend who did not agree with the way I lived my life after my mum's death at 19 years old. She was there for me, just like Pauline is to you, Joan. I thank God for the beautiful friendship between Pauline and you.

None of my friends agree with my wayward ways before I received Christ. Does love equals agreement in life issues, especially when it is homosexuality that comes with great and divine consequences?

How many times have family members, friends or colleagues quarrelled with one another simply because each of us is unique and thus have differing viewpoints? Does that mean we don't love one another?

What exactly does God say about homosexuality and other sins? I'm sure you know. How does our heart deceive us? Do we know?

Are our desires greater than obedience to our holy God?

Jesus is our Hero who saved us from our sins, sanctifies us daily and gives us His Spirit to lead a transformed life.

No man is our hero. That is exaltation of man. Our courage comes from our Lord. We are nothing apart from Him.

Courage is not coming out and giving yourself a label 'lesbian'. Pauline, you are not a label but a person of great worth. I pray you first acknowledge this deep in your heart. No one can convince us of how precious we are except our Creator.

Everyone deserves acceptance but not every behaviour is accepted to progress as a nation.

A parent will always accept a child but will not accept the child's behaviour of smoking simply because smoking harms the child's health.

Pauline and Joan, there is no straight ally or straight people. There is no LGBT community.

We are all one community, people who are broken, needing the mercy and grace of God to be extraordinary.

We are all human beings made in God's image, destined to lead a transformed life in Christ.

Let our Lord Jesus Christ illuminate your mind and heart.

Thank you for reading this note, truly from the love of a stranger.

Shalom,
Serene