My Small, Gay, Lutheran Family: A Poem and Reflection
A Poem by Albie Nicol
Jacqui’s Eggplant Curry As I rush between holy Works, holy spaces, and Spiritual works and burnout.
Jones’ patience as our hands Fumble across a table Placing playing cards on top Of each other as I learn Blitz.
Naomi’s home-cooked meals With the musings of Tripp Fuller And John Cobb playing in the Background as she prepares Nourishment for our theological night.
Grace upon grace, Hand upon hand, A family created Without necessity of man
Rainbow ribbons tied to bells and sticks Queer clergy and allies all in a mix Celebrating the new deacon in stride Proclaim and the Spirit calling us into abide
Sunshine on asphalt and glitter everywhere 17,000 marching in Columbus Pride So many of us Lutherans unwilling to hide Croptops and collars equipped, worn, adorned with care
Grace upon grace, Hand upon hand, A family created Without necessity of man
My heart is held by our Genderful Creator In their outstretched arms, I feel queer love Exploding into the communities I exist within Calling each of us together, fitting like a glove.
As a young queer and trans person called to ministry, I was blessed with a wonderfully supportive family of origin who are some of my biggest cheerleaders. So when I was called to reflect on what a queer Lutheran family looked like, I had to look to my more recent experiences with seminary, and how our community built upon love and mutual aid has created a family straight out of God’s kin-dom. Truly I tell you, the seminary experience full of other queer and trans folks in my cohort and program has created additional room in my heart and mind of what it means to be a family, and how God’s intent and will is for us all to find family where we are in life. I am ever-thankful for the family I was given by God: the parts I grew up with, and the parts I grew into here at seminary.
Albie Nicol (he/they) is a queer and trans seminarian at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University in Columbus Ohio. He is an entranced candidate for ordination in the ELCA and comes from the Northeastern Iowa Synod. He is the Proclaim Seminary Representative for Trinity, as well as a student leader. In his free time, Albie can be found in a hammock, at home crafting with his cats, or finding fun adventures to embark on with his seminary family. |