I told my bishop this week (for those who have followed long enough to remember last time, yes, this is a different bishop). I felt like he should know before I began telling people in the ward, personally or through social media.
He didn't give me any advice or ask any worthiness questions. He obliquely expressed gratitude for his opportunity to watch people come back into full fellowship, and mentioned that I wasn't the only one with SSA in the ward. Then he asked if I was too busy in the ward (which I think means that he wants to release me from a calling or two), and said, "I just want you to know that nothing has changed."
Something in that shocked me. Most people thus far have had some type of defensive or negative or advice-giving or something reaction. But something else was grateful for a leader who trusts me.
Then tonight I told some of my siblings. They didn't say much... or really anything at all... so I can't accurately interpret how they took the news. It may be the same for them as it was with my bishop - nothing has changed. They see a little more clearly into my life and the decisions I make, but I'm still the same Mormon Guy I was yesterday. It was a lot easier, and quieter, than I had imagined.
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.
Friday, October 26
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Thanks for writing this. I deal (or have dealt) with other serious and kind of taboo things that very little people in my life know about, and I've been considering being more open about that stuff. I think the words "nothing has changed" would be the most honest and comforting words I'd want to hear after telling someone, because I think that's always the big worry, that people will look at you differently or treat you differently when they really shouldn't because you are still the same person they've always known.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for you that "nothing has changed" with your bishop and hopefully your siblings. Please keep updating on this because it's something I'm working towards right now as well and it helps to read about someone else doing it. :)
Your bishop is a wise man.
ReplyDeleteI think that often times, things are bigger in our heads than they really are. Like, we worry about how people will react or what they will think when really we don't need to. I am so grateful that things have been "a lot easier, and quieter, than I had imagined." It's great you have such level-headed and understanding people in your life! <3
ReplyDeleteLove is love when it's a spiritual thing. It shouldn't change just because you have given someone a deeper insight into your life. I hope things continue to go and gently as they seemed to started off. Please be happy and keep your head up through this trial in your life.
ReplyDeleteHey David. David and. I just found your blog through facebook and ive been trying to figure out how and what to say as I read and am inspired by you. So I guess this is how I'd say it. The only thing that has changed is that I think you are more incredible then I did before. David and I love you, admire you, and wish we saw you all more often. Thank you for your testimony. I spent my BYU years living with theater people and have since watched many of them fall away from the church becase of its stance on SSA I'm so grateful to be uplifted by your thought and testimony when so often my heart is broken over this issue. Thank you for your example.
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