Saturday, October 9

A Voice of Faith

Thousands of people protested outside the Church Office Building Thursday evening. I wasn't there. But I understand the pain they feel and their desire to be loved. I understand because I've felt the same way. In response to their silent protest, I share my voice - a voice of faith.

God is my Father. He loves me. Before I was born on this Earth, I lived in His presence.

As my Father, God wanted me to be happy. He created a plan where I could come to Earth and learn to apply eternal principles that would bring me happiness and enable me to grow and return to His presence.

I was different from everyone else in Heaven. But, then again, everyone was different. Each of us had different needs, different talents, different areas that needed refinement in order to gain true happiness. And so God created unique experiences for each of us, and for me - the perfect blend of talents, trials, and temptations to motivate me to change and become the person He saw in me.

I came to Earth without the knowledge of my Father, but He promised me that He would be at my side. He gave His power to prophets, and through the power of the Priesthood I can receive eternal blessings, hear the will of the Lord, and make binding eternal covenants with God. But, perhaps even more important, I can have the Holy Spirit at my side wherever I go, guiding me and helping me to navigate my unique experience in life.

Life is hard. I've felt totally and completely alone, and sometimes wondered if maybe the Lord gave me something that was too hard to bear. There have been times when I've been in excruciating pain, alone, depressed, and betrayed. I curled up in a ball and wanted to die. And yet God was still there. Through my tears, I could see His hand and hear His voice. "I love you. I'm here. You're on the right path." When I prayed and followed His counsel, He taught me eternal principles. Principles that, when applied, enabled me to be stronger than the temptations and trials around me... and gave me the faith to move forward.

I know that, no matter what happens to me in life, I can be happy. I can live according to the gospel of Jesus Christ, and God will bless me. He will strengthen me, and He will change me into the man He saw before I ever came into this life. Will it be hard? Of course it will. Painful? Incredibly. But the promise that accompanies those whose diligent faith leads them to obey His commandments and turn to Him for guidance is clear. "For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end, they are received into Heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness."

I know this is true. More, I choose to believe it, and to apply it in my life. To the testimony of the prophets and all who testify of Christ, I add my voice of faith.

28 comments:

  1. I'm pretty sure I have never met you yet I have a strong love for you. You are and can continue to be an inspiration to us ALL (not just those who struggle w/SSA). We have all felt that our burdens are too heavy at times. I KNOW (& no I don't have SSA but I have watched people VERY close to me struggle with certain addictions that are CRUSHING) that your struggle is ...well, I can't even think of a word to best describe it. I truly feel that you have INCREDIBLE things in store for you and you will have them WHEN you pass the test. You are in my prayers. Much love to you!

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  2. I just found out about your blog today. Of all the places to here about it I read your ad on craigslist. Thank you for writing and for reaching out in places where the struggling gather. Please keep writing. I plan on sharing this blog with many of my friends. Your insights are desperately needed.

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  3. GMG,

    Just found your blog. Amazing. Thank you so much. I've skimmed it all, but want to carefully read each post.

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  4. GMG,

    I envy your faith and courage in the face of incredible adversity. Keep fighting the good fight. You are an inspiration to so many through this blog. Thank you, and God bless you!

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  5. Great comments!! Been married for 29 years now. Still struggle with SSA but temple worthy! Keep the faith!

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  6. I really enjoy reading your blog. You not only have a lot of wisdom and faith to offer on the topic of SSA, but I see a lot we all can learn from you. You have clearly spent a lot of time pondering and praying. I only hope you don't exhaust yourself replying to every comment. Remember what President Uchtdorf said about simplicity.

    Reading one of your posts made me feel bad about not going to stake conference last night! :)

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  7. GMG,

    Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! You are a great example of faith, and honestly, if I ever have a child with homosexual tendencies, I hope they will be like you.

    I do have a question though. What is the best way to support people struggling with same-sex attraction?

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  8. This last week I have been hearing things that have made my heart sad: protests, members leaving the church, etc.. All of which seem to come from a lack of understanding or misinterpretation. I am so glad to read that you are a faithful member, and I support you in your efforts to live righteously. I think sometimes we all forget that everyone has temptations they have to overcome daily, some are just more easily seen. It's easy to see how some people assume that because the gospel principles teach us to stay away from all sin that we don't love everyone inspite of their temptations or sins. I do not believe the church (as a united people) hates the "gay community." I do believe that we love everyone and hope for all the good possible in this world.

    I'm sorry this is long, but in the end I just want to say thanks for writing and showing your strong support for the leaders, even when it might not be easy.

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  9. Thank you so much for your comments. I've been frustrated by the response of both members of the church and those outside of it since last week. I've been hoping to see someone approach President Packer's talk like this for days. It's wonderful to see the solid grounding of faith in your life and the Christ-like view you have. Thank you for being willing to share your opinions and your faith!

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  10. I recently found your blog and love it! Keep up the good work! Stay strong!
    My husband struggles with a pornography addiction and alot of your words are applicable to what he is going through. Plus, I am going through my own struggles because of his addiction and I really appreciate your testimony and faith-promoting insights!

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  11. My sister texted me the link to your blog, and although I was hesitant at first, I'm really, really glad I read it. Thanks so much for your faithfulness! You're awesome, and an inspiring example! Can't wait to read more from you

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  12. (Gay) Mormon Guy--thank you so much for your blog. I am a heterosexual LDS woman, who has done a lot of soul searching on the Church's stance towards those with SSA. I don't like thinking an institution that is so important in my life is causing so much pain to others. While I still struggle with how heavy-handed some in the Church are to our SSA brothers and sisters (regardless of LDS membership or not), I appreciate your views and your ability to see the positive. Thank you--if only I had found your blog this summer. Nevertheless--you've found a faithful reader in me.

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  13. I wanted to say thank you so much for what you're doing here. It's already strengthened me and given me a deeper desire to be all that Heavenly Father wants me to be. I want to gain the fulfilling relationship with my Savior that you have. Thank you for your example.

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  14. Thank you! For your testimony has been an answer to my prayers!! :) May the Lord bless you with the strength needed to continue on the straight and narrow!! :)

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  15. Marc:
    Thousands of people read this blog. But the reason why I write is with the hope that I can reach someone who feels like me... to pass on the light that the gospel has brought into my life. I'm glad that you came, and I hope that you find something here that will help you in life... and perhaps the courage and faith to reach out and help others along the way.

    Welcome.

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  16. Lauralee:
    We all have incredible things in store when we pass our tests in life. But the most incredible thing… is passing. Knowing that you passed. And knowing that you grew to overcome and live through the things that faced you in life. Thanks for your comment.


    Bravone:
    I’m glad you found the blog, and you’re welcome. Hopefully you find something here that can change your life for the better. Thanks for your comment, and welcome.


    Carrie:
    With the faith and courage come all the things in my life… because that’s where they came from. Look inside your own life, and you’ll find the same ingredients that lead to faith. Thanks for your comment, and welcome.


    Todd:
    I’m glad you’re here… and I’m glad that you are doing what is right. Thanks for sharing the good news, and may the Lord help you in your life.


    JenB:
    Replying to comments is something I look forward to every single day. Yes, there are tons, and I won’t have time to respond to everyone at this rate. But the gospel is personal… and I hope that I can preserve at least part of that atmosphere here at (Gay) Mormon Guy. Thanks. And next time, go to Stake Conference. ☺


    Lady Jennavieve:
    I think that I’ll write a post to answer your question, Lady Jennavieve. I know that I won’t be able to respond for everyone, but I can share my own thoughts… and how others support me. You can expect it in the next few days. Thanks for the question, and welcome to the conversation.


    Me:
    You’re welcome. What other reason would the Lord give me faith, than to share it? Thanks for your comment, and welcome.


    Anonymous:
    I’m glad that, somehow, this message can help you and your husband come closer to each other and to Christ. The Lord will help you… I know that He will heal you as you turn to Him. Thanks for commenting. Welcome.


    kh:
    Your comment made me laugh. I can imagine your face when you got the text, wondering if your sister had gone crazy or apostate or worse. Thanks for commenting and sharing the story. You (and anyone else you happen to text) are always welcome here.


    Anonymous:
    …thank you.


    KP:
    You can develop a stronger relationship with God. It’ll probably be crazy hard and consume the rest of your life, but it’s possible. And it’s worth it.


    Tino Nonu:
    You’re welcome. And may the Lord give you that same strength and faith in your own life.

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  17. I came on here to say thank you for being so open and honest, and so faithful, but all the previous comments beat me to it. :) I do not struggle with the same things as you, but your blog has given me hope and faith of overcoming my own struggles.

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  18. Thanks for your thoughts! I appreciate your faithfulness.

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  19. I just found your blog today, and i can feel how strong your faith is. Thank you for your strength.

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  20. As for so many, a friend pointed me to your blog. I'm glad to know you. Or at least know that you're out there. I'm a single LDS woman, been a member all my life. I will probably never marry in this life either. Similar, but not the same. I don't struggle with SSA, but sometimes I wonder about that path. Thanks, and I'm definitely adding your site to my blog.

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  21. Thank yo so much for this blog. I am married with 2 daughters and I don't struggle with SSA, but I have been struggling with this controversy. Thank you so much. This has helped me so much

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  22. Tearful. Thank you for your testimony of a God who loves you, and is mindful of you. And One who you choose to follow.

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  23. GMG,

    I just found your blog...I I was so touched as I read your posts. You are truly amazing!!!! Thanks for your testimony.

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  24. "I was different from everyone else in Heaven. But, then again, everyone was different." This entire paragraph really struck a chord with me. Of course our mortal experiences are perfectly tailored to our individual strengths and needs. I have often struggled to understand why some people are given trials that seem SO much tougher than others'. I think I have a better grasp of that now.

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  25. I would like to think that people are not exactly "judgmental" in the church, but that they really don't know how to handle it! Have you ever been in a situation you don't know how to handle and so you do nothing or say nothing or say the complete wrong thing? I have, but I am learning! You are fighting a good fight! I pray you stay strong, steadfast and immovable. You are in a place/position to help and change lives. Best to you!!

    I have posted on Facebook for more readers to see YOUR view!!

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  26. You are inspiring. Who knows why we have the challenges that we do. And SHAME on those who judge too quickly! That is only the Lord's, He has all the knowledge that we may someday hope to have. When we choose not to associate with Or judge others too quickly, we may be cutting our noses off to spite our face. We miss out on so much by those actions.

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