Note to new readers (from CJane & elsewhere): My blog is a little haphazard. Check out the Post Index for a shortened, but comprehensive, introduction. And thanks for coming.
A few months ago I got an influx of readers from a popular "Mormon mommy blog" named CJane. Somewhere in the comments section was a reference to my blog that got clicked by a bunch of people - some of whom became regular readers and commenters here.
I don't often read Mormon mommy blogs. But I know people who think Courtney (the author of CJane) is really inspirational, so I thanked her for sending readers and helping people to live better lives. In the email dialogue that followed I wrote a guest post that should be posted on CJane today. The blog address is blog.cjanerun.com
The title of the piece is "In Our Own Way" and focuses on finding ways to help others along the pathway to happiness and returning to God. Once I have entered into the path, though, am I done? No. Getting on the path is only the beginning.
There's a beautiful Christian battle hymn called "Let Us All Press On" that I'd like to share. The lyrics are more compelling than anything I could write.
Let us all press on in the work of the Lord
That when life is over we may gain a reward
In the fight for right let us wield a sword
The mighty sword of truth!
Fear not, though the enemy deride.
We will be victorious, for the Lord is on our side.
We'll not fear the wicked, nor give heed to what they say
For the Lord alone we will obey!
We will not retreat, though our numbers may be few
When compared with the opposite host in view
But an unseen power will aid me and you
In the glorious cause of truth!
If we do what's right we have no need to fear
For the Lord, our helper, will ever be near
In the days of trial His saints He will cheer
And prosper the cause of truth!
I may not know exactly what my future holds, but I know that as I put my trust and faith in God, He will ever be near. In my days of trial, even as a gay Mormon guy, He lifts my heart and gives me strength to press on and do my part in the cause of truth.
I'm autistic, ex-bipolar, and attracted to other guys (gay/SSA/whatever). More importantly, I'm a son of God and faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). My life is usually amazing. This is my story of hope, happiness, and faith.
Sunday, March 6
14 comments:
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I came to your blog from CJane and it didn't take me very long to form the opinion that you are an extremely strong and faithful person and I could learn a lot from you.
ReplyDeleteI have a question that you may or may not have already answered in previous posts, but since I don't have time at the moment to look through everything I'm asking it anyway :)
Why do you feel that being gay is wrong? I am LDS and have been my entire life, I got married in the temple and I love the church. But I have always struggled with the thought that there is something wrong with being gay. I honestly don't think there is. I think you love who you love and if you are lucky enough to find someone you want to share your life with then you should hold on to that person, no matter what sex/race/etc they are. I have faith that the Lord knows more than I do and someday I might understand why the church doesn't believe in being gay, but as of today I don't. There are plenty of gay couples out there that raise wonderful children and contribute to society in amazing ways. I just don't understand why that isn't an accepted life choice within the church. I think you've got a very unique perspective and I'm just curious what your thoughts are.
I won't feel bad if you don't have time to or choose not to answer, one day I will have more time to read through the rest of your posts :)
I just stumbled upon your blog today from your post on CJane's blog. I just have to tell you how much I respect you for your courage and commitment to chastity against all odds. YOU ROCK!
ReplyDeleteAnd as far as that miracle goes... YOU'LL GET IT! Keep doing what you're doing, and remember the amazing power of God; miracles are simply things that can only happen with the help of deity... and they happen every day. Miracles are common. There are angels just waiting for the invitation to perform miracles... FOR YOU - make sure you ASK for the little miracles that you need in various situations, and believe you will get them, because the heavens are bursting at the seems to perform miracles for you - but you have to ask for them to get them! ;D
... in my prayers :)
Andrea:
ReplyDeleteBeing gay has given me a greater ability to empathize and love others. It pushes me to reach out to people around me and makes me more aware of their unspoken needs. And it allows me to more easily love people - men and women - unconditionally. Who I am, and my love for others, is not wrong.
And I believe that, as holds true for anyone, as I give my life to God, He will make more of me than I could ever do alone. Part of that is being willing to give Him everything - even my deepest desires and hopes.
Are there some things that are wrong with being gay? The prophets teach that any sexual relations outside of marriage between husband and wife are wrong. Why? Because God has shown us there is a better option.
That's what the gospel is about - not settling for something that gives us what we want instead of what we truly need. Commandments are not just a list of the most awful things we must avoid; they lift our eyes to see the will of God in our lives. Gay men and women make valuable contributions to society. Some of them raise productive children and have great intimate relationships. But there is a better way - a way that, while difficult, promises greater blessings and happiness than any other alternative. We sacrifice our possessions, our talents, our passions, our hopes, our dreams, and our lives to God, and He changes us forever.
Yes, sexual sin is wrong. The bigger issue for me is this: the Plan of Salvation wasn't designed just for mortality. Being gay may bring some happiness, but living the gospel brings so much more.
I love C Jane's blog, but I was a fan of your blog before I even clapped eyes on hers.
ReplyDeleteMe and my husband were talking about same gender attraction last night (and I came across Elder Oak's interview with LDS Public Affairs concerning same sex attraction yesterday) and I was saying how I think it's just that bit harder for members who deal with being attracted to the same sex. I don't think my understanding would be what it is now if I didn't have your perspective on things. I knew it was hard, but I didn't really understand the hardship that can be involved until I found your blog.
For the interview: http://newsroom.lds.org/official-statement/same-gender-attraction
Wow. I'm so impressed by your strength and dedication to Jesus Christ. Your testimony leaps off the page! The ability to say those tough things in a simple and straightforward way is such a gift, and I admire that about you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for being willing to be voice for a perspective that isn't often heard of. I wish there were more I could say, but know that I admire your thoughts and am happy to have been directed to your blog.
You are amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI ALSO KNEW ABOUT YOU BEFORE CJANE!!! THANK YOU FOR GORGEOUS WORDS OF HOPE. I wanted to cheer when I read your post.
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you.
You are an amazing person and do a great job expressing yourself in a way that completely aligns with Church teachings--that is very refreshing! I've just skimmed a few of your posts and was very impressed. I am a married mother of five with another baby soon on the way--obviously not your target audience. However, the things you write can inspire ANYONE (including myself) to strive for a better relationship with my husband and children--and with God. And you are right--that is what it is all about!! Thanks for the reminder and I will definitely keep reading.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is the most interesting blog I have found, which really means you are so interesting. I haven't really heard this perspective before and wondered if it was possible. thank you for posting. I'll keep reading. much kudos to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this blog. You are a very brave blogger. You give me hope for my brother who is gay and has walked away from the church. You are such a strong person, I don't know if I would have as much faith as you if I had the same struggle. Your mansion in heaven will be ginormous!!!
ReplyDeleteCarolyn:
ReplyDeleteMy target audience begins with men and women who are facing the same things I face. But it extends to their parents, their friends, their family members, and members of their communities. But each of us needs help. Someday each of us will have to come to grips with hard things in life, and hopefully this helps. Thanks for your comment.
Jamie:
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliment. My mansion in heaven isn't directly related to the trials I face or the blessings I have here. Life is just designed to help me to return to God, and this is one of the things that I needed to help me learn the faith and traits to return to Him. If we are faithful, it doesn't matter what we overcame - it matters what we became.
I found you through CJane. I'm also Mormon, and although I'm not gay, I'm pretty sure you're my new hero. Thanks for your bravery :)
ReplyDeleteI just found this blog in 2015!! Who'd have thought you'd be making a difference four years later from a simple post! I am part of the choir singing this hymn in general conference this weekend and I was researching what it means to different people. Thank you for your testimony that has strengthened mine!
ReplyDelete