I’m going to do something I told myself I would never do. 

I said I would stay away from controversial topics. I know my opinion will not change your opinion, and vice versa.

Here’s the thing. I’ve seen the news. I have a fire burning in me and I just CANNOT stand on the sidelines and keep my mouth shut. Boycotters, I’m calling you out. 

I’m not writing this just because my husband happens to be employed by Target. I’ve been frustrated with boycotters, Christian and non-Christian alike, for awhile now (Chick-fil-A and Starbucks boycotts, I see you). 

Before I really dig into my point, I have to ask the question:

What is it that you think boycotting will accomplish? Do you think you’ll “show them”? Or do you think that these mega companies will actually lose enough business to change their policy? 

I mean, perhaps.  It has happened. I won’t deny that. But it’s not likely. 

I can assure you, these large companies did not make their decisions lightly. They knew they would piss off a few large groups of people. They’re ready for it. They expected this. They can afford it. 

Don’t get me wrong here. I’m on your side. I think this policy is dangerous and opens the door for sex offenders and pedophiles alike to abuse the system put in place to give a sense of equality. I’m angry. I will protect my daughter and myself and use the private family restrooms; but I’m not boycotting Target. 

Here’s the thing: I’d be happy to sign a petition stating that the policy should be revoked, perhaps even replaced with a policy that changes “Family Restrooms” into “Equality Restrooms” (which is what they are, anyway, and I’m dumbfounded as to why there was a need for this policy in the first place). 

Here’s why I have not and will not boycott Target, or any other company with policies I do not agree with:

You can’t boycott everything. 

Did you know there are lists out in cyberspace of all the places and products that Christians should boycott?  There are. Here’s one of many. Chances are that you do business with a majority of them, too. 

The Bible doesn’t say much on boycotting, but it does say this: 

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (NIV)

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world.

This passage quite literally, if you ask me, says that it is IMPOSSIBLE to boycott everything you don’t agree with. In order to do so, you would have to leave the world. (!!!!!!!!) 

We live in a secular world, filled with secular companies, that have secular view points, and secular policies, that are trying to stay relevant. 

If Target didn’t do it, another company would have. 

While Christians AND non-Christians are boycotting Target (because this is NOT about the transgender community, it’s about people posing as such to gain access to the opposite gender’s restroom), I’m talking specifically to Christians at this point…

How will you be a light, if you run away from all of the dark places? 

Acts 1:8 (NIV)

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Note: the ENDS of the earth. That, to me, means every. single. nook. and cranny. on. the planet. 

Even Target. 

You don’t have to agree with the policy. You don’t have to PRETEND it’s okay.  You can fight it. You can petition. You can make your voice heard. 

You don’t have to “show them” by boycotting. 

I leave you with one simple question. I beg you to search your heart and answer it honestly: If Jesus walked the earth today, would He join your boycott? 

John 13:34 (NIV)

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

UPDATE: While I knew this post would not be accepted by all, I did not expect the amount of conversation it would spark. Thanks to a conversation with a dear friend, I just wanted to share more of my heart behind this post HERE, because while I will try to answer as many people as I can, I also have a toddler to care for. 😉 

I do feel like there is a line between meekly choosing not to shop at Target and proclaiming “boycott!” to “show them” not just in this situation, but in the past and on issues yet to come. I think we, as Christians, are called to a higher standard.

WHAT IF: Christians came up with an alternative that showed love and respect to the transgender community, complete with signatures, and presented it to Target and other companies that will likely implement as well?  

It was brought up that my words are a bit harsh. I never meant for my post to come off as a rant- more of a challenge to question our motives and to really seek whether or not it’s really what Jesus would do. 

I’ve had this on my heart for over three years. I remember sitting in my car, at a Starbucks in Los Angeles, with a heavy heart as I read post after post of Christians boycotting Starbucks. The feeling that it wasn’t right has never left me. Each time these issues have come up, I felt a nagging. To me, that’s the Holy Spirit. Someone, somewhere, isn’t acting out of true conviction. Maybe my post was for them. I did not expect everyone to agree- but I definitely did not rant to cause a scene. In my heart of hearts, I’m being obedient to a strong conviction. And I’m doing it because I DO love my brothers and sisters and I genuinely think there MUST be a better way.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. Whether or not you agree is fine with me- I’ve presented my piece. I hope you’ll consider all options of how to react to this unfortunate policy. 

Sincerely,

Gabrielle ❤