I really felt led to start this topic in order to encourage, strengthen, unify and equip Christians to minister the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ to those affected by homosexuality.
Some Christians find it such a difficult subject to talk about and there are so many answers needed to so many questions such as How can we balance truth with a message of mercy and compassion? How do we respond well to this issue as Christians? How do we love homosexuals as Jesus does?
Homosexuality is a fact of life and there are millions of people affected by the condition, as Christians it is our duty to the Lord Jesus Christ that we go out and spread the Gospel to everyone, regardless of who they are or what they are. Churches are unequipped to deal with modern day issues such as homosexuality, same sex attraction and those suffering from transgender problems.
I sincerely hope that this topic will help those who are directly or indirectly affected.
I shall start posting as soon as Ive gathered the appropriate information.
With this moderator's blessings... (Bo Jangles)
Full Version: Ministering To Those Affected By Homosexuality
thank you Bojangles, I was hoping for some sort of confirmation that I was doing the Lords work and not a work of the flesh.
God Bless you xx
God Bless you xx
Bless you CC for taking this up.I think everybody knows someone who is/was affected by this.
We need a love strategy!! CC lead the way !
We need a love strategy!! CC lead the way !
QUOTE(Cornelius @ Nov 19 2005, 12:59 PM)
Bless you CC for taking this up.I think everybody knows someone who is/was affected by this.
We need a love strategy!! CC lead the way !
[right][snapback]23753[/snapback][/right]
We need a love strategy!! CC lead the way !
[right][snapback]23753[/snapback][/right]
I find this incredible myself...I saw on TV a couple of nights ago that something like one of every seven Americans are gay! I wish I had the answers, believe me. But some of these people have a heart for God. I do not have any understanding how the issue is before the throne of grace. I do know that I have seen much that shows me there is more to God than we understand. I still view the homosexual lifestyle as having been expressly dealt with in scripture. I mean it is there in black and white. God has pulled no punches in the letter.
But there is something which does not fit with all this and God. I do know I am glad I do not have to deal with it in my life or in the lives of friends and asscociates.
Wish I were more help
As I mentioned above, this thread will, God willing and with His help, encourage, strengthen, unify and equip Christians to minister the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ to those affected by homosexuality. I hope it will help you guys as well. You never know, you might come across someone affected who you will felt led to minister to!
____________________________________________________________________
FAQ'S
Is homosexuality genetic?
Relatively recent brain studies done by Dr. Simon LeVay examined a portion of the hypothalamus believed to control sexuality. He used cadavers from a very small sample of homosexual and heterosexual men (their orientation was, in some cases, presumed but not confirmed), and heterosexual women. Some of the men had died of AIDS. He measured this portion of the brain and found it significantly smaller in homosexual men. Although LeVay did not say this proved inborn homosexuality, some among the media and activists eagerly reported the tentative findings as being conclusive.
However, the results are highly speculative. This particular area of the brain is not much bigger than a pinhead anyway. And in fact, researchers debate whether weight or volume is a more accurate measurement method. The results do not shed light on causation: did genetic homosexuality cause a smaller portion of the hypothalamus that governs sexual behavior, or did chosen sexual behaviors cause a change in the hypothalamus? Or neither? Studies of twins aren’t any better. If homosexuality were truly genetic, you would expect to find an absolute, one-to-one correlation of sexual orientation for identical twins. In other words, any time one twin was homosexual, the other sibling would be, too.
Yet, that is definitely not the case—findings of 40% to 50% correlation don't match up to the 100% standard needed to "prove" genetic causation. Seeing that research findings do not prove their case, some gay-affirmative researchers and others attempt to bypass this barrier by saying that even a 40% to 50% correlation shows that genes are "at least one component" in a homosexual orientation.
If homosexuality is genetic, then that doesn't explain why we see such a similarity in personal backgrounds among the men and women who seek our help. There is a pretty uniform picture of poor family dynamics in general, a rift in the father-son or mother-daughter relationship growing up, feelings of being an outsider among one's peers during childhood and adolescence, and instances of sexual abuse/incest. These are root issues that men and women can address.
And even if homosexuality were partially or completely genetic in origin, that does not change the moral question involved: God declares in the Bible that homosexual and lesbian activities are sin (Romans 1:26–27).
____________________________________________________________________
Can we change Gays into Straights?
What you are really asking is whether there is realistic hope for change for men and women who do not want their sexual orientation to be homosexual. And the answer to that is yes!
In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Paul gives a list of all kinds of sinners that will not inherit the kingdom of God, including those that practice homosexuality. But he goes on to say, "and that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Some Corinthian Christians had formerly been homosexuals, but now were counted among the saints. Now, that's good news indeed!
No one is saying that change is easy. It requires strong motivation, hard work, and perseverance. But we find hundreds of former homosexuals who have found a large degree of change--attaining abstinence from homosexual behaviors, lessening of homosexual temptations, strengthening their sense of masculine or feminine identity, correcting distorted styles of relating with members of the same and opposite gender. Some former homosexuals marry and some don't, but marriage is not the measuring stick; spiritual growth and obedience are.
On the statistical side, careful reviews of research studies on sexual orientation change suggest that real change is indeed possible. Studies suggesting change rates in the range of 30-50% are not unusual, although "success rates" vary considerably and the measurement of change is problematic. For details and review of several studies, see the link below.
http://www.newdirection.ca/a_change.htm
____________________________________________________________________
How does a homosexual person change?
Freedom from homosexuality is increasingly experienced as men and women mature through ongoing submission to the lordship of Christ and His Church. This transformation enables him or her to shed the old, sinful identity and in its place learn new ways of relating to self and others. Working through underlying relational and abuse problems is a significant component in this process. Making use of individual and pastoral counseling, support groups, personal Bible study, and a same-sex discipleship group are beneficial.
____________________________________________________________________
Can a person be gay and still be a Christian?
That depends on your definitions. Yes, a man or woman certainly might struggle with homosexual temptations and even behavior, yet truly be a Christian. However, if someone pursues homosexual involvement and refuses to acknowledge this as sin, it's valid to humbly question whether their commitment to Christ is genuine.
Some professing Christians tout a "pro-gay theology" which alleges that Scripture has been mistranslated and misinterpreted when it comes to the issue of homosexuality. All prohibitions against homosexual behavior are explained away. Sometimes, same-sex friendships between Bible characters (Jonathan and David; Ruth and Naomi) are said to be model homosexual relationships. This deceptive, seductive, self-justifying theology constitutes Scripture twisting (see 2 Corinthians 4:2).
____________________________________________________________________
If AIDS is God's judgment against homosexuals, doesn't befriending them interfere with His will?
This is really two questions. First, is AIDS God's judgment against homosexuals? This important question requires a long answer to be satisfying. So, an excellent, challenging book that addresses this question is The AIDS Epidemic: Balancing Compassion and Justice by Drs. Glenn Wood and John Dietrich (Multnomah Press, 1990).
In brief, AIDS is better seen as a reaping of consequences than as God's wrath on a specific group. Ultimately, all death is a result of sin, whether sin inherited from Adam, or personal sin. Certain behaviors (such as sexual intercourse and sharing intravenous drug equipment) carry the risk of infection with HIV. Some engaging in these activities do not contract HIV. Yet others who do not engage in these activities--such as hemophiliacs and infants born to mothers with HIV--sometimes do contract HIV. You simply cannot find Scripture to support HIV/AIDS being God's specific judgment on homosexuals.
Second, is it interfering? Even if God levies a specific judgment, such as when He decided to destroy Nineveh, the Lord always seems to provide someone (like Jonah) to bring a message of hope through repentance. Or like Noah to all those alive at his time. In the first case, the people of the city were saved; in the second, none outside Noah's immediate family.
Whatever you decide about the question of whether AIDS is God's judgment, couldn't you be that messenger of good news? Some may reject it, but others will not. Many men and women with AIDS have turned to Jesus Christ as their Savior in the last years, months, or hours of their life. As the Scriptures say: "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" (Jude 22–23).
____________________________________________________________________
If I have anything to do with a gay person socially, aren't I condoning his or her lifestyle?
It is interesting that few if any people seem to ask this question about socializing with gossipers, liars, people from non-Christian religious backgrounds, etc. The Bible repeatedly tells us God is no respecter of persons. That means He shows neither favoritism for nor prejudice against anyone. Wouldn't it be better for us to view someone gay as just another sinner, in need of the same things that we all need--the good news of redemption from our sins by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross? If you know the truth and do not show favoritism or prejudice, interacting with someone gay shouldn't shake you or your faith, whether in a social or work setting.
____________________________________________________________________
What can I do to make a gay person change?
Of course, you cannot make anyone change. They must be motivated for themselves to want to change. But you definitely can play a very important part in assisting Christians to overcome homosexuality or lesbianism.
First, you can pray for an unsaved homosexual person and share the gospel with them. If you are relating with a Christian struggling with this issue, you can pray for them, too. Pray God will give them the courage and perseverance to achieve sexual abstinence. Sexual activity usually covers deep wounds. Once activity stops, the "pain-killer" of sex wears off and underlying emotional pain can surface. Be there to listen and support them in this process.
Pray God will help them see and find biblical resolution to underlying issues that led to a homosexual orientation. Learn what you can about these problems, and find someone with expertise that can counsel your friend. Pray the Lord will help them re-connect with His original design and purpose for them as a man or woman. If you are the same gender as your friend, you can play a tremendous part in his or her healing just by being a role-model of what a godly man or godly woman is like. That means being vulnerable about your weaknesses, aggressively pursuing personal maturity, and above all, seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Don't discount your ability to help someone leave homosexuality and into all that God plans for their lives. Be a friend: encourage, confront, listen, share. Go side-by-side with them through the challenging adventure ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
____________________________________________________________________
FAQ'S
Is homosexuality genetic?
Relatively recent brain studies done by Dr. Simon LeVay examined a portion of the hypothalamus believed to control sexuality. He used cadavers from a very small sample of homosexual and heterosexual men (their orientation was, in some cases, presumed but not confirmed), and heterosexual women. Some of the men had died of AIDS. He measured this portion of the brain and found it significantly smaller in homosexual men. Although LeVay did not say this proved inborn homosexuality, some among the media and activists eagerly reported the tentative findings as being conclusive.
However, the results are highly speculative. This particular area of the brain is not much bigger than a pinhead anyway. And in fact, researchers debate whether weight or volume is a more accurate measurement method. The results do not shed light on causation: did genetic homosexuality cause a smaller portion of the hypothalamus that governs sexual behavior, or did chosen sexual behaviors cause a change in the hypothalamus? Or neither? Studies of twins aren’t any better. If homosexuality were truly genetic, you would expect to find an absolute, one-to-one correlation of sexual orientation for identical twins. In other words, any time one twin was homosexual, the other sibling would be, too.
Yet, that is definitely not the case—findings of 40% to 50% correlation don't match up to the 100% standard needed to "prove" genetic causation. Seeing that research findings do not prove their case, some gay-affirmative researchers and others attempt to bypass this barrier by saying that even a 40% to 50% correlation shows that genes are "at least one component" in a homosexual orientation.
If homosexuality is genetic, then that doesn't explain why we see such a similarity in personal backgrounds among the men and women who seek our help. There is a pretty uniform picture of poor family dynamics in general, a rift in the father-son or mother-daughter relationship growing up, feelings of being an outsider among one's peers during childhood and adolescence, and instances of sexual abuse/incest. These are root issues that men and women can address.
And even if homosexuality were partially or completely genetic in origin, that does not change the moral question involved: God declares in the Bible that homosexual and lesbian activities are sin (Romans 1:26–27).
____________________________________________________________________
Can we change Gays into Straights?
What you are really asking is whether there is realistic hope for change for men and women who do not want their sexual orientation to be homosexual. And the answer to that is yes!
In 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Paul gives a list of all kinds of sinners that will not inherit the kingdom of God, including those that practice homosexuality. But he goes on to say, "and that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." Some Corinthian Christians had formerly been homosexuals, but now were counted among the saints. Now, that's good news indeed!
No one is saying that change is easy. It requires strong motivation, hard work, and perseverance. But we find hundreds of former homosexuals who have found a large degree of change--attaining abstinence from homosexual behaviors, lessening of homosexual temptations, strengthening their sense of masculine or feminine identity, correcting distorted styles of relating with members of the same and opposite gender. Some former homosexuals marry and some don't, but marriage is not the measuring stick; spiritual growth and obedience are.
On the statistical side, careful reviews of research studies on sexual orientation change suggest that real change is indeed possible. Studies suggesting change rates in the range of 30-50% are not unusual, although "success rates" vary considerably and the measurement of change is problematic. For details and review of several studies, see the link below.
http://www.newdirection.ca/a_change.htm
____________________________________________________________________
How does a homosexual person change?
Freedom from homosexuality is increasingly experienced as men and women mature through ongoing submission to the lordship of Christ and His Church. This transformation enables him or her to shed the old, sinful identity and in its place learn new ways of relating to self and others. Working through underlying relational and abuse problems is a significant component in this process. Making use of individual and pastoral counseling, support groups, personal Bible study, and a same-sex discipleship group are beneficial.
____________________________________________________________________
Can a person be gay and still be a Christian?
That depends on your definitions. Yes, a man or woman certainly might struggle with homosexual temptations and even behavior, yet truly be a Christian. However, if someone pursues homosexual involvement and refuses to acknowledge this as sin, it's valid to humbly question whether their commitment to Christ is genuine.
Some professing Christians tout a "pro-gay theology" which alleges that Scripture has been mistranslated and misinterpreted when it comes to the issue of homosexuality. All prohibitions against homosexual behavior are explained away. Sometimes, same-sex friendships between Bible characters (Jonathan and David; Ruth and Naomi) are said to be model homosexual relationships. This deceptive, seductive, self-justifying theology constitutes Scripture twisting (see 2 Corinthians 4:2).
____________________________________________________________________
If AIDS is God's judgment against homosexuals, doesn't befriending them interfere with His will?
This is really two questions. First, is AIDS God's judgment against homosexuals? This important question requires a long answer to be satisfying. So, an excellent, challenging book that addresses this question is The AIDS Epidemic: Balancing Compassion and Justice by Drs. Glenn Wood and John Dietrich (Multnomah Press, 1990).
In brief, AIDS is better seen as a reaping of consequences than as God's wrath on a specific group. Ultimately, all death is a result of sin, whether sin inherited from Adam, or personal sin. Certain behaviors (such as sexual intercourse and sharing intravenous drug equipment) carry the risk of infection with HIV. Some engaging in these activities do not contract HIV. Yet others who do not engage in these activities--such as hemophiliacs and infants born to mothers with HIV--sometimes do contract HIV. You simply cannot find Scripture to support HIV/AIDS being God's specific judgment on homosexuals.
Second, is it interfering? Even if God levies a specific judgment, such as when He decided to destroy Nineveh, the Lord always seems to provide someone (like Jonah) to bring a message of hope through repentance. Or like Noah to all those alive at his time. In the first case, the people of the city were saved; in the second, none outside Noah's immediate family.
Whatever you decide about the question of whether AIDS is God's judgment, couldn't you be that messenger of good news? Some may reject it, but others will not. Many men and women with AIDS have turned to Jesus Christ as their Savior in the last years, months, or hours of their life. As the Scriptures say: "Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh" (Jude 22–23).
____________________________________________________________________
If I have anything to do with a gay person socially, aren't I condoning his or her lifestyle?
It is interesting that few if any people seem to ask this question about socializing with gossipers, liars, people from non-Christian religious backgrounds, etc. The Bible repeatedly tells us God is no respecter of persons. That means He shows neither favoritism for nor prejudice against anyone. Wouldn't it be better for us to view someone gay as just another sinner, in need of the same things that we all need--the good news of redemption from our sins by the work of Jesus Christ on the cross? If you know the truth and do not show favoritism or prejudice, interacting with someone gay shouldn't shake you or your faith, whether in a social or work setting.
____________________________________________________________________
What can I do to make a gay person change?
Of course, you cannot make anyone change. They must be motivated for themselves to want to change. But you definitely can play a very important part in assisting Christians to overcome homosexuality or lesbianism.
First, you can pray for an unsaved homosexual person and share the gospel with them. If you are relating with a Christian struggling with this issue, you can pray for them, too. Pray God will give them the courage and perseverance to achieve sexual abstinence. Sexual activity usually covers deep wounds. Once activity stops, the "pain-killer" of sex wears off and underlying emotional pain can surface. Be there to listen and support them in this process.
Pray God will help them see and find biblical resolution to underlying issues that led to a homosexual orientation. Learn what you can about these problems, and find someone with expertise that can counsel your friend. Pray the Lord will help them re-connect with His original design and purpose for them as a man or woman. If you are the same gender as your friend, you can play a tremendous part in his or her healing just by being a role-model of what a godly man or godly woman is like. That means being vulnerable about your weaknesses, aggressively pursuing personal maturity, and above all, seeking to grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ.
Don't discount your ability to help someone leave homosexuality and into all that God plans for their lives. Be a friend: encourage, confront, listen, share. Go side-by-side with them through the challenging adventure ahead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
QUOTE(Cherrychookie @ Nov 18 2005, 08:56 AM)
I really felt led to start this topic in order to encourage, strengthen, unify and equip Christians to minister the transforming power of the Lord Jesus Christ to those affected by homosexuality.
Some Christians find it such a difficult subject to talk about and there are so many answers needed to so many questions such as How can we balance truth with a message of mercy and compassion? How do we respond well to this issue as Christians? How do we love homosexuals as Jesus does?
Homosexuality is a fact of life and there are millions of people affected by the condition, as Christians it is our duty to the Lord Jesus Christ that we go out and spread the Gospel to everyone, regardless of who they are or what they are. Churches are unequipped to deal with modern day issues such as homosexuality, same sex attraction and those suffering from transgender problems.
I sincerely hope that this topic will help those who are directly or indirectly affected.
I shall start posting as soon as Ive gathered the appropriate information.
With this moderator's blessings... (Bo Jangles)
[right][snapback]23571[/snapback][/right]
Some Christians find it such a difficult subject to talk about and there are so many answers needed to so many questions such as How can we balance truth with a message of mercy and compassion? How do we respond well to this issue as Christians? How do we love homosexuals as Jesus does?
Homosexuality is a fact of life and there are millions of people affected by the condition, as Christians it is our duty to the Lord Jesus Christ that we go out and spread the Gospel to everyone, regardless of who they are or what they are. Churches are unequipped to deal with modern day issues such as homosexuality, same sex attraction and those suffering from transgender problems.
I sincerely hope that this topic will help those who are directly or indirectly affected.
I shall start posting as soon as Ive gathered the appropriate information.
With this moderator's blessings... (Bo Jangles)
[right][snapback]23571[/snapback][/right]
Cherrychookie,
I think it's great that you are helping others. There really is a need out there. People that are dealing with this, either directly or indirectly, do need your help. I'm glad that they will be getting it from a state of love, rather than a state of hate. Thank you for all your help!
LOVE TO ALL!!!!!!
Bless you and thank you x 
Thank you Cherry!! I will use this to help my sister In-law...I pray for her daily.
QUOTE(Gr8ful @ Nov 21 2005, 09:38 PM)
Thank you Cherry!! I will use this to help my sister In-law...I pray for her daily.
[right][snapback]24387[/snapback][/right]
[right][snapback]24387[/snapback][/right]
Amen Cherry, you don't need our blessing!! You go girl!!
MY TESTIMONY
I always knew I was different from a very early age. I never felt like a girl and didnt look like a girl. I would scream if anyone tried to put me in a dress, I kept my hair very short, played football and did all things 'boyish'.
I was sexually abused when I was a child by a neighbour and my father was a violent man who beat me, my siblings and my Mother for the slightest thing. I didn't feel protected or valued as a girl. And for years, I believed lies about myself, God, and men. The experience also kept me from embracing femininity which, to me, meant being weak and vulnerable.
When I reached puberty, I knew then that my sexuality was not of the norm. I developed crushes on female teachers and other students even though I knew it was wrong. I was athletic and very good at sports.
Whilst my classmates were blooming into women I was sitting there wondering when it would be my turn to develop feminine curves, bumps and start having periods. I actually felt like a third sex. I was a late developer and wasnt interested in the things the other girls were which was make up and boys. I was happy playing soccer, fighting and living in my own little world.
I left school when I was 15 with good grades and just drifted through life doing nothing for a couple of years. When I was 17 my friends and I went to a Pentecostal church with another friends parents. We all sat in the back making rude noises and giggling but when the call came for salvation, 3 of us put our hands up including me. I never felt so scared in my entire life. My face was burning and my heart pounding in my chest. I gave my life to Jesus there and then and we all started to attend church regularly.
One day the Pastor's wife came to me and asked me to go into a room with her, at first I thought I'd done something wrong! She talked to me about the Holy Spirit and started praying with me. She encouraged me to start praising God, I started praising and then she touched my mouth and my lips began to tingle and my tongue felt really thick and I started to shout in another language. She left the room and I started praying loudly in tongues with tears streaming down my face. I felt as though my whole body was overflowing with a strong electrical current and I just collapsed under the weight of it all. I couldnt understand what had happened but it felt fantastic!!!
The next day felt like no other, colours seemed brighter, and I felt as though I was walking on rubber, I felt different, I felt cleaner. A couple of weeks later I was baptised in a pool in the church, it was fantastic. I felt wonderful. I carried on attending prayer meetings and services for a year.
I dont know how it happened and I cant remember but I started drifting away from my friend and church. I got a job in a local restaurant and met a guy working there who was gay, his name was Roger. He was a nice guy and we started socialising. I was beginning to get curious about my sexuality again and one Saturday night he took me to a gay bar. It was a completely different world and I felt accepted and comfortable being with people who were like me. At that time I could never feel comfortable in straight places and I was scared of men as they always seemed to be after one thing - sex.
Whilst I was in the gay club I kissed another woman and at that time in my life it felt right, I felt at ease with myself and knew then that this was the life I thought I wanted to live.
I drifted from one relationship to another and became embroiled in the hedonistic 'gay' scene and was heavily into soft and hard drugs. I wasn't happy inside at all and was miserable, I kept on using drugs as a means of escape.
In 1988, I nearly died of a drugs overdose whilst I was living in America. It was a miracle I survived,. I had overdosed on valium and was literally kept alive by people banging saucepans and shouting at me over two days to keep me conscious. When I returned to England I walked out on my then 'partner' and moved away from my home town. This was how I kept living my life, moving from one relationship to the next, taking drugs, drinking and then escaping to where I thought no one could find me.
Things came to a head in 1993, I was 28. I was in yet another unstable relationship, very depressed and miserable. I felt empty and desolate inside and just lost the will to function or even live. I decided to move back with my parents -not an easy decision at that age!!.
I began to straighten my life outwardly but I was still searching for something to fill the emptyness I felt inwardly.
I was out shopping when I bumped into a lady from the church that I was saved in, she was telling me of a local church that she was a member of and that I should come. Well I kept bumping into her all that week wherever I went! I was tripping over Christians left, right and centre!
One Sunday I got up, sat on the edge of my bed and made a decision...I was going to church. I got dressed and turned up at the church where my friend was a member of and I gave my heart to Jesus again. I felt complete and whole again. I became an active member of church and got re-baptised in the Holy Spirit and started to make some good Christian friends again. One day I was driving around and saw my ex-partner. I had a Christan tract with me in the car and I stopped and turned around and found her. I walked up to her and handed her the tract, saying "I think you need this". I couldnt walk away and we ended up talking for a long time. I let the Devil back in.
We got back together again but it didnt last very long. I missed the church and it didnt feel right, I left and decided that this was the last time ever. I re-committed and moved in with a christian family.
The sinful habits I had made were hard to break because they were more than just habits, they were a way of life - dating, intimacy, love, the things that straight people take for granted every day. I had to face the pain of my past and reject the lies I had believed about myself. I had to start making healthy and Godly relationships. This is an arduous process which continues to this day.
I have failed miserably many times since and everyone wants to know "Are you straight now?" and my answer is "I'll get there when I'm supposed to !" Many are not impressed to hear this. You are not supposed to be impressed with me but with Gods love, grace and power. Heterosexuality is not the goal, HOLINESS is and IM GETTING THERE!
As I walk daily in deeper intimacy with Jesus I experience continuing victory over this struggle. The walk out of Egypt didnt happen overnight and it is not over yet but God is showing me His power to do the impossible in my life. He is healing a lonely little girl inside, rebuilding my shattered femininity and daily extending grace to an imperfect daughter.
TRUE LOVE CHANGES YOU. AMEN.
I always knew I was different from a very early age. I never felt like a girl and didnt look like a girl. I would scream if anyone tried to put me in a dress, I kept my hair very short, played football and did all things 'boyish'.
I was sexually abused when I was a child by a neighbour and my father was a violent man who beat me, my siblings and my Mother for the slightest thing. I didn't feel protected or valued as a girl. And for years, I believed lies about myself, God, and men. The experience also kept me from embracing femininity which, to me, meant being weak and vulnerable.
When I reached puberty, I knew then that my sexuality was not of the norm. I developed crushes on female teachers and other students even though I knew it was wrong. I was athletic and very good at sports.
Whilst my classmates were blooming into women I was sitting there wondering when it would be my turn to develop feminine curves, bumps and start having periods. I actually felt like a third sex. I was a late developer and wasnt interested in the things the other girls were which was make up and boys. I was happy playing soccer, fighting and living in my own little world.
I left school when I was 15 with good grades and just drifted through life doing nothing for a couple of years. When I was 17 my friends and I went to a Pentecostal church with another friends parents. We all sat in the back making rude noises and giggling but when the call came for salvation, 3 of us put our hands up including me. I never felt so scared in my entire life. My face was burning and my heart pounding in my chest. I gave my life to Jesus there and then and we all started to attend church regularly.
One day the Pastor's wife came to me and asked me to go into a room with her, at first I thought I'd done something wrong! She talked to me about the Holy Spirit and started praying with me. She encouraged me to start praising God, I started praising and then she touched my mouth and my lips began to tingle and my tongue felt really thick and I started to shout in another language. She left the room and I started praying loudly in tongues with tears streaming down my face. I felt as though my whole body was overflowing with a strong electrical current and I just collapsed under the weight of it all. I couldnt understand what had happened but it felt fantastic!!!
The next day felt like no other, colours seemed brighter, and I felt as though I was walking on rubber, I felt different, I felt cleaner. A couple of weeks later I was baptised in a pool in the church, it was fantastic. I felt wonderful. I carried on attending prayer meetings and services for a year.
I dont know how it happened and I cant remember but I started drifting away from my friend and church. I got a job in a local restaurant and met a guy working there who was gay, his name was Roger. He was a nice guy and we started socialising. I was beginning to get curious about my sexuality again and one Saturday night he took me to a gay bar. It was a completely different world and I felt accepted and comfortable being with people who were like me. At that time I could never feel comfortable in straight places and I was scared of men as they always seemed to be after one thing - sex.
Whilst I was in the gay club I kissed another woman and at that time in my life it felt right, I felt at ease with myself and knew then that this was the life I thought I wanted to live.
I drifted from one relationship to another and became embroiled in the hedonistic 'gay' scene and was heavily into soft and hard drugs. I wasn't happy inside at all and was miserable, I kept on using drugs as a means of escape.
In 1988, I nearly died of a drugs overdose whilst I was living in America. It was a miracle I survived,. I had overdosed on valium and was literally kept alive by people banging saucepans and shouting at me over two days to keep me conscious. When I returned to England I walked out on my then 'partner' and moved away from my home town. This was how I kept living my life, moving from one relationship to the next, taking drugs, drinking and then escaping to where I thought no one could find me.
Things came to a head in 1993, I was 28. I was in yet another unstable relationship, very depressed and miserable. I felt empty and desolate inside and just lost the will to function or even live. I decided to move back with my parents -not an easy decision at that age!!.
I began to straighten my life outwardly but I was still searching for something to fill the emptyness I felt inwardly.
I was out shopping when I bumped into a lady from the church that I was saved in, she was telling me of a local church that she was a member of and that I should come. Well I kept bumping into her all that week wherever I went! I was tripping over Christians left, right and centre!
One Sunday I got up, sat on the edge of my bed and made a decision...I was going to church. I got dressed and turned up at the church where my friend was a member of and I gave my heart to Jesus again. I felt complete and whole again. I became an active member of church and got re-baptised in the Holy Spirit and started to make some good Christian friends again. One day I was driving around and saw my ex-partner. I had a Christan tract with me in the car and I stopped and turned around and found her. I walked up to her and handed her the tract, saying "I think you need this". I couldnt walk away and we ended up talking for a long time. I let the Devil back in.
We got back together again but it didnt last very long. I missed the church and it didnt feel right, I left and decided that this was the last time ever. I re-committed and moved in with a christian family.
The sinful habits I had made were hard to break because they were more than just habits, they were a way of life - dating, intimacy, love, the things that straight people take for granted every day. I had to face the pain of my past and reject the lies I had believed about myself. I had to start making healthy and Godly relationships. This is an arduous process which continues to this day.
I have failed miserably many times since and everyone wants to know "Are you straight now?" and my answer is "I'll get there when I'm supposed to !" Many are not impressed to hear this. You are not supposed to be impressed with me but with Gods love, grace and power. Heterosexuality is not the goal, HOLINESS is and IM GETTING THERE!
As I walk daily in deeper intimacy with Jesus I experience continuing victory over this struggle. The walk out of Egypt didnt happen overnight and it is not over yet but God is showing me His power to do the impossible in my life. He is healing a lonely little girl inside, rebuilding my shattered femininity and daily extending grace to an imperfect daughter.
TRUE LOVE CHANGES YOU. AMEN.
In secular world, they believe homosexuality is not curable. I wholeheartedly disagree. Because the Bible condemns homosexuality it has to be curable. All we need is willingness to be cured and God will help us to cure the disease.
AMEN TO THAT GINGE!
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