The issue of homosexuality is one that has advanced to the
forefront of most societal circles, especially within the Church. This has not
simply been by course of agenda or political intent, but one that has developed
quite naturally as our culture continues to progress in becoming more socially minded.
There was a time when one could develop a personal belief on homosexuality,
keep it to themselves and within certain circles, discuss it openly and without
fear of judgment. Pastors and Christian leaders could remain fairly neutral by
virtue of political correctness, and never have to really confront the issue or
take a stand one way or the other. While radically opposite ends of the
spectrum have continued to stand by traditional positions, mainstream
Christianity has been afforded the luxury of ignoring the issue. This is simply
no longer the case as an obvious line is being drawn for all to choose a side
on which to stand. In the company of authors such as Timothy Kurek and Matthew
Vines, with his first book,
Straight Face,
Brandon Wallace has created yet another instrument that has etched that line even deeper and more defined.
Brandon is well on his way to becoming a leading voice for
homosexuality within the Church. Gay Christian leaders are finding their way
into the mainstream of Christian culture, although this is still a somewhat of
an anomaly. What makes Brandon’s voice so unique on this issue is his deep
connection with traditional conservative church culture and his previous
personal rejection of homosexuality. Growing up in Arkansas, in the heart of
Southern Bible Belt theology, being a gay Christian was not an option, much
less for one hoping to enjoy a career in ministry. From all practical and
outward perspectives, Brandon experienced a typical upbringing within the Evangelical
Church. Finding faith in Christ at a young age, Brandon developed a deep relationship
with Christ and began to entertain early aspirations that he was called to a
life in ministry. Although knowing the truth of his sexuality from an early age,
he began the process of preparing for what he thought his life would look like
as a pastor. He jumped through each proverbial Evangelical hoop, dotted each
Baptist “I” and crossed every Conservative Bible Belt “T”. From the outside
looking in, Brandon was on the ministerial path to become an Evangelical golden
boy; as long as the door to his closet stayed closed and well locked. Brandon would
need help in achieving what he had always aspired to achieve, and to silence
the part of him that he had grown to hate. That help would come in the form of an
unusual partner in ministry. A friend that would stand by him, but not exactly
in love and support. A partner that would become more of an enemy than ally. Enter
Straight Face.
Straight Face is more
than the autobiographical title of Brandon’s story; it is the name of his mask;
his alter-ego that helped him navigate the uncertain waters of being a gay
Christian living in the closet. Straight Face
is the story of what it is like to wear a mask and reject the true self. It’s
the story of a Christian leader, with a deep love for Christ, the Church and
even the traditional conservative culture in which he was raised. It’s the
story of how a talented young leader struggles to not only find his place in
ministry, but discovers and accepts himself as God created him to be. And it’s
the story of how, upon finally coming to grips with the truth of his sexuality,
he finds that in reality the enemies he would face were not those of the
typical nature. His greatest foes were not God, not the Church, not his friends
and family, but the one person that he had spent years fighting against:
Himself.
Brandon writes in a compelling way that draws the reader
into his story. It challenges the reader to look at the issue of homosexuality
within Christianity from a real, humble and honest perspective. The reader will
feel as if they are joining him on this journey, feeling his pain, experiencing
his frustrations and sharing in his joys. Each page creates opportunity to feel
that you are with him, walking side by side in his struggles. Brandon welcomes
the reader into his story as a friend, brother or son, and regardless of your personal
beliefs on homosexuality, you will feel compassion. Straight Face is not necessarily intended to convince the reader of
changing their views on the issue, but is a humble and respectful entreaty to help
the reader come to the realization that we all wear our own masks to some
extent. With love and conviction, Brandon gives the reader permission to be who
they are, without concern with popular and cultural opinion.
The Church is rapidly facing a point in history in which it
must confront changing societal issues in candid and honest discussion. Despite
our comfort zones, we are rapidly moving to a culture that is more focused and
concerned with issues that may have previously made many of us uncomfortable.
Within the Church, the key to facing and remaining relevant in times of
cultural shift is truth. And while talk of transparency and authenticity are
common in most Christian circles, the evidence proves that words do not always
match actions. Brandon encourages the reader that our first action must be
removing the proverbial masks, because only then can we face the other person
with the unconditional love and compassion of Christ.
You can find Brandon's book, Straight Face on Amazon and connect with Brandon on facebook, twitter or his website, The Gay Christian
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