Watching tens of thousands of people filling an arena, I can’t ignore that something is going on in Houston. The first time I heard about Joel Osteen, my mother pulled me in to her room to listen in on his sermon which seemed more like a spiritual speech…so I stayed for the entire 30 minute show. He spoke of living your best life and sprinkled it with God. For half an hour, I listened as he lifted his congregation and brought hope to the millions of people around the world watching him on TV. I watched to see what it was about this seemly simple man that attracted so many people.  It didn’t seem like a complicated formula of attraction.  He shared lessons through humorous stories, comforted people with his “good ole boy” smile and accent and most importantly he gave HOPE.

For years I have spoken about American’s need for hope and this man and his family tapped into that very need. His sermons aren’t overly religious, but all of them are spiritual. However, after watching Oprah’s Next Chapter, I found myself dead center in a struggle having very little to do with Joel Osteen himself.  I’ll get to that later.

It was hard not to be overwhelmed by the grandness and the multicultural diversity.  It appeared to be everybody’s church. With 25-foot waterfalls, Grammy-winning lead singers, 16,000 seats and a 450 member choir…Lakewood Church wasn’t your average church. I didn’t see any crosses and a bible never touched his hands, but no one was handing out Kool-Aid either.  Something was different. Clearly money was coming in but Joel says he doesn’t even take a salary.  All of his earnings come from his books.

“God didn’t make anyone inferior. He didn’t make any person second class. Every one of you is a masterpiece. You are fully loaded and totally equipped for the race that’s been designed for you.”  As you listen in it is easy to see why so many people are drawn to his words.  The message resonates within each of us, giving us hope and making us feel whole and good enough.

Following a few of Oprah’s questions that I posted in videos a few days ago, Oprah asked Joel a question about homosexuality. Here is where my quandary began.

Most people try to avoid conversations that may make others uncomfortable, but I think that is where we go wrong.  Expression is vital to learning and growing as a community. We don’t have to agree, but we need to be respectful of choice and expression.

As Joel Osteen’s spoke, you could hear the love without mention of hate or unaccepting.  However,  he has announced that he has other views.  He stated that homosexuality is a “sin.”  As he hesitated, I wondered if he truly believed that or feared stating otherwise and losing followers.  Many people have been led away from church because of this inability to be open.  So, as I set up my mother’s TiVo to record Joel’s lessons, I struggled internally.  I love his messages, but I don’t necessarily support all of his values.  That makes it so hard.  I wouldn’t promote or give a moment to someone spouting hateful remarks but I am certain that I have spoken to or even shared dinner with some that have different beliefs than I do. But, if we segregate ourselves, then how can we move forward? How will the hope and understanding that Joel Osteen talks about ever find us? I alone don’t have the answers. We all need to find them together. There is a reason why God uniquely created all of us. Instead of finding flaws…perhaps we should be recognizing the awe.

I was raised by a single mother in both Texas and California when I was young. Despite prejudices that surrounded me, I was lucky. Since before I can remember, my mother encouraged me to see with limited color…skin tone was like paint on a car. It has NOTHING to do with one’s spirit. With this premise, my view of people changed. We were all unique. So when people tell me that they are homosexual, I have no issue with it. It isn’t a question of sin or choice for me…it is who they are. Period. I don’t think of it any more than I would if someone told me they had brown eyes. Still society has a hard time addressing what they don’t understand. Instead of being open to all possibilities…some people close into a ball, protected by their comfy beliefs. Yet Joel Osteen tells us that “God does not make mistakes” and he is RIGHT. The point I am making is that it is not our job to judge…especially God’s work. That solely belongs to God. Our job is simply to learn and LOVE.

I think it is important to note that I loved almost everything Joel Osteen was saying and Oprah did an incredible job (as usual) balancing the delivery of the delicate questions we all want to hear. Not too long ago I gave someone the advice “only take what lifts you up and release the rest.”  I do value Joel Osteen’s messages. I will continue to sit next to my mother as she smiles and listens to his positive messages. I am grateful for them. THEN I will take the positive energy and go out into the world and do better. In time, who knows. Maybe another “Joel Osteen” will come along who stands up with a similar smile full of hope and silly stories….and he will open his heart to all my neighbors, FULLY accepting them as God created them. When this happens, I am certain THAT church will need at least 16,000 seats!