Livestrong response
This is in response to Alex Marra’s Apr. 11 editorial, “Make-a-Wrist Foundation.” While I respect Marra’s opinion, I believe he missed another side of the argument.
Yes, there are rip-offs of the bracelet that exist purely for the sake of fashion. But the Livestrong bracelet should not be included in that category.
My grandfather battles cancer every day. His children, grandchildren, wife and numerous friends all wear the bracelet. We do so to remind ourselves of him, of his fight against the disease.
While I’m sure many wear the band as only a fad, many more do not. I wear mine daily, without fail, whether it’s to class or work, church or just to the store, if it matches or not. The band is not a reward for donating money, but a plea to show your support.
I don’t see any harm in someone wearing the bracelet as only a fad. Despite their intentions, at least some money, no matter how little, was donated and they are showing their support (intentional or not).
If you don’t like the bracelets, fine. Don’t wear one. But don’t assume those of us who do are simply doing so for something in return or to take part in a preppy trend.
Sincerely,
Emily Hanisch
‘I’m convinced’
This past Monday, April 11th, a few hundred students in the Commons Theater were graced with the presence of Barry Anderson, a former homosexual, or what some might call an ‘ex-gay.’ In an event hosted by the Reformed University Fellowship, the Presbyterian outreach ministry of VCU, Mr. Anderson spoke about his life-changing experience with God.
Many found this talk to be confusing and nonsensical, while still others seemed to think it outright absurd and a complete waste of time. After the countless negative opinions I have endured concerning this speaker, I feel obliged to shed some positive light on what I thought was a very meaningful and worthwhile experience.
Going into the theater as a member of the RUF, I fully expected and anxiously anticipated a monologue on the details of the Bible which forbid homosexual behavior. To my pleasant surprise, I received something much more beneficial. Instead of arguing through logic or trying to convince people to change their minds, this speaker offered the hope that God can change anyone’s heart.
There is a power in the Word of God that many in this world, including myself, have found to be life-changing. Many others have found it to be life-threatening. But instead of using this Word to condemn those who identify themselves as homosexuals, Anderson used it to show that, of all the things God cares about, homosexual behavior is at the bottom of the list. In fact, ‘straight people’ are no better in God’s sight than gays or lesbians. Anderson stressed God’s unconditional love; a love that is without exception. To God, we are all equally sinners. God cares most about one thing; that we love him with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our mind.
Anderson was homosexual until after college. Up to that point, he struggled with putting his trust in God and allowing God to transform him. He used, what was for him, a very real metaphor of looking down a cliff which would undoubtedly lead to death and hearing God say, “Jump, and I will catch you.” Well, when Mr. Anderson finally made that jump, God began changing his heart. Anderson began having heterosexual feelings and met his wife shortly after. He is nearly fifty years old now, has been married for 26 years, and has eight going on nine children.
There was much to be learned from this event, no matter where you stand on the spectrum of the homosexual debate. I learned that it does not matter how one becomes homosexual, whether it be childhood abuse to genetic factors or simple choice. We are all sinners, God loves us all and our sins have been paid for through the death of Christ. According to God, homosexual behavior is in fact wrong, along with a slew of heterosexual behaviors. The point is that if we love God, he will change our hearts and mold us into beings that are pleasing to him. Furthermore, we are all works in progress and will not be perfected until the day that we meet our maker face to face. If I may end with a quote borrowed from Mr. Anderson, “I’m Convinced” that God’s Word changes lives.
– George Belden