Editors Note: On Friday, May 13, JP Davis posted a photo of an assignment from the Christian Academy of Louisville, asking students to write a letter to a hypothetical friend struggling with homosexuality to persuade them of the goodness of Gods design in a way that does not approve of any sin. The Academy has confirmed the assignments authenticity and said that it is reviewing it, although the school also reaffirmed its belief that marriage should be between a man and a woman and sex should only occur within marriage. This is Davis response: a letter to a young JP.
Dear JP in seventh grade,
Hey. Im you when youre 39. Ive learned and grown a lot since seventh grade, and I have something to say to you.
I understand why youre staying in the closet. Im sorry. Im sorry your parents live in fear and swim with insecurities. Im sorry youre surrounded by a world of people who dont accept you as yourself. Im sorry youre taught youre going to hell and are a sinner. No matter when you choose to come out, its going to be tough, not going to lie. It will not go well with the parents and some of your friends. In fact, it will change your Mom forever; it will never be the same between you two. So take the time you need. Soak up all the quality time you need with your Mom before you decide to finally live your truth.
All the girls that say youre gay, they actually really love you and just wish you were straight so they can have you. They will be lifelong friends.
For a few of the guys who bully you, Im sorry. Stay strong.They do eventually come around and apologize. The world is a big place; unfortunately, your world right now is small. Youre all being taught the same bullshit, but as you all grow older, travel, learn, expose yourself to others, you see the world more clearly. Im sorry it sucks for you now.
Im sorry you cant experience dating, love and sex normally as a young person. Im sorry you cant flirt. Im sorry you cant hold hands or show affection with a boy. Im sorry you cant take your guy crush to dances. Im sorry you cant be yourself. Im sorry adults teach that something is wrong with you. Stay strong. Youll find out by being yourself and staying strong, things really work out for you. People respect and love you.
Ive learned that many adults live in fear and insecurity. Many adults dont know how to think and speak for themselves. Many adults are victims and tools to power and control. Youre a strong spirit, just like Mom. Never change.
It wont be easy. Youll never understand, at least at 39 years old, some aspects of the world or humans. Still today I walk around most days feeling like I live in a parallel universe. I simply dont understand humanity sometimes. A lot of folks not living their truth.
Keep having empathy. Keep seeking understanding. Keep loving.
Trust yourself, your values and your soul. Its going to be OK, and one day youll have the influence to change hearts and minds. Maybe help save a life.
Im sorry you cant be you right now. Hang in there; youve got lots of people who will need you and will love you. You will make a big difference one day in our world.
Love, JP.
#stopthehate
JP Davis is the founder of JP Davis Partners. He is from Eastern Kentucky.