Faith, Identity, and Resilience: Mike Maeshiro's Journey on Flip Your Lid
For me, the reason so many good people are happy to condemn and exclude and demonize a whole group of people for something they can't change about themselves. And so a lot of pastors live in the red and blue, and so that is where the congregation holds them, and they don't have to unless something personally happens to them.
What happens when your faith and identity collide in a world that often sees them as incompatible? In this episode of 'Flip Your Lid', Kim Honeycutt chats with Mike Maeshiro, a man who has navigated the turbulent waters of being both Christian and gay. Mike opens up about his journey of coming out and the backlash he faced from his own church community, including his experiences with Bethel Church.
He tackles the infamous 'Clobber Passages', offering a fresh perspective that challenges traditional interpretations. Mike's story is one of resilience and finding purpose despite rejection. He shares how he continues to seek healing and build relationships even when faced with non-affirming friends and communities. The conversation touches on the irony within the church's response to LGBTQ+ individuals and calls for greater compassion and understanding.
Mike's courage and determination shine through as he discusses his ongoing efforts to create safe spaces for marginalized groups. Tune in to hear his powerful story and learn how we can all contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment.