My Mom's Letter to Sunnie Kahle's Principal

Remember that post I wrote two days ago about Sunnie Kahle, the eight-year-old-girl who was kicked out of her Christian school for "looking like a boy?"  My MOM was the one who told me about the story; I think she saw a little of her daughter in Sunnie.  And my mom took ACTION!  She wrote a letter to Sunnie's principal, and gave me permission to share it with you all:


Dear Ms. Bowman,

Two days ago I read the Yahoo article about  Sunnie Kahle, the 8-year old who was, until recently, a student in your school and who was, in essence, asked to behave more like a girl.  That article hasn’t left my mind, so I decided to write to you.  I can’t begin to tell you how appalled and saddened I am by your position on this.  As a mother, grandmother, teacher, and most importantly, a Christian, I am surprised that you actually believe this is a Christian stand or that Christ would approve of such actions and comments.  It is this kind of thinking that contributes to both non-Christians and Christians from staying away from the church – they don’t want to be a part of a religious community that is so arrogant and judgmental.

My understanding of Christ’s teaching is that, rather than judging others, we should be trying to live our own lives as Christ lived.  Do you really think He would turn this young girl away because of her clothing or because her hair was too short or because she wasn’t feminine enough?  If you really believe that, then you and I pray to a different God.

So what is it that concerns you, really?  Are you simply afraid she might be “gay?”  I understand your worry – the very thought makes us “old- school” Christians quite uncomfortable.  My daughter was a tomboy as a young girl, much like Sunnie.  She donned short hair and jeans and played on various sports teams. Now a woman in her 30’s, my daughter is one of the kindest, most caring, gentle spirits I have ever known.  She is bright and courageous.  She holds steadfast to a strong moral foundation and her faith in God.

And, it turns out, she’s gay.  Trust me when I say, it wasn’t easy for any of us, and especially not for her.  It didn’t change her love for God, nor God’s love for her.  But it certainly gave God a chance to teach me a thing or two about His love.  It required us to really trust that God doesn’t make mistakes, and that he has a purpose for everyone’s life, and that He loves everyone.  I suspect God needed me to learn that the outside of a person – that is, their clothes, their hair, their sexual preference - was the wrapping to his gift.  The gift, the real blessing, is to be found in each individual’s soul.  The soul HE created.

I hope you come to see that this young lady, Sunnie Kahle, is just as special and unique, as much a blessing in our lives, as any other child, because she is God’s child.  To try to change her spirit, to “fix” God’s perfection – my heart breaks for you.  I hope you reconsider your stand and find peace in a new decision.

God bless.