Stop 1: Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA
Thursday, 9 March 2006
After nearly a week of training in Washington, DC we are prepared for our first stop at Liberty University tomorrow. Finally being here with the group has forced me to realize that this action is actually going to happen. For the past few days, I have been grappling with my role on this ride and in our action at Liberty. My purity of motive is of the utmost importance to me in this effort. Jerry Falwell has already indicated that we are not welcome on his campus, but we will be going with open arms and with our presentations prepared to meet and dialogue with Liberty students. If he chooses to arrest us, that is his right, as Liberty is a private institution. We are not questioning this right but instead are trying to bring to the attention of the public that we, as members of the LGBT community, are not welcome to discuss an alternate viewpoint that the students of Liberty have probably never heard. I know that there are students at Liberty who are forced into the closet and are led to believe that their lives are sinful and hated in the eyes of God. I cannot believe that God hates. Like Anne Frank, I believe in the inherent goodness of human nature, and if I am to have faith in this belief in humanity, then how can I expect any less from our Creator?
I am fully prepared to be arrested tomorrow. If I can deflect some of the hatred and pain felt by those LGBT students, I will rise to the occasion. Through my willingness to accept this burden I can prove my conviction, support, and unending love and faith in humanity. I hope my open nature and ability to freely emote will illustrate the love that I feel in my heart for everyone and will be able to begin to bridge the gap between me, a gay man, and the Christian students at Liberty. With this knowledge, I will confidently step on to the Liberty University campus tomorrow with my eyes on the prize.
Thursday, 9 March 2006
After nearly a week of training in Washington, DC we are prepared for our first stop at Liberty University tomorrow. Finally being here with the group has forced me to realize that this action is actually going to happen. For the past few days, I have been grappling with my role on this ride and in our action at Liberty. My purity of motive is of the utmost importance to me in this effort. Jerry Falwell has already indicated that we are not welcome on his campus, but we will be going with open arms and with our presentations prepared to meet and dialogue with Liberty students. If he chooses to arrest us, that is his right, as Liberty is a private institution. We are not questioning this right but instead are trying to bring to the attention of the public that we, as members of the LGBT community, are not welcome to discuss an alternate viewpoint that the students of Liberty have probably never heard. I know that there are students at Liberty who are forced into the closet and are led to believe that their lives are sinful and hated in the eyes of God. I cannot believe that God hates. Like Anne Frank, I believe in the inherent goodness of human nature, and if I am to have faith in this belief in humanity, then how can I expect any less from our Creator?
I am fully prepared to be arrested tomorrow. If I can deflect some of the hatred and pain felt by those LGBT students, I will rise to the occasion. Through my willingness to accept this burden I can prove my conviction, support, and unending love and faith in humanity. I hope my open nature and ability to freely emote will illustrate the love that I feel in my heart for everyone and will be able to begin to bridge the gap between me, a gay man, and the Christian students at Liberty. With this knowledge, I will confidently step on to the Liberty University campus tomorrow with my eyes on the prize.
posted by Jacob Neal at 1:24 AM
5 Comments:
i love jacob, he's pretty much my hero.
Jacob, I am sooooo proud to know you! I hope you accomplish all of your goals, but come home safe!
Love you lots!'
Carolyn
Jacob, you are a far wiser and more courageous man than those who claim the mantle of leadership yet allow bigotry and sexual persecution to continue.
May your journey be safe and may your shining smile disarm the doubters and soften their hearts!
I see that you may have been arrested...just to let you know I donated so Carl M. could be on the ride. You all have a pure goal and real heart. I'm sorry I couldn't do more to help the whole ride. I'm going to follow the entire ride and wish I could be there with you all. It's the best thing Soulforce has ever done!!!
Thank you for being so brave. It means a lot to me personally. So thank you.
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