Voices of Hope is live.
http://www.ldsvoicesofhope.org/
Go there and watch my story, along with others, and let me know what you think.
My Thoughts:
When I got the invitation to be a part of Voices of Hope, it was only a few days after I had decided to go public here on (Gay) Mormon Guy. I pushed back on the invitation... mostly because I didn't feel that I had the ability to determine what my voice really was. I don't read a ton of other gay Mormon blogs. I didn't personally know many of the other gay Mormon people... and so knowing where my voice fit in seemed impossible.
But the producers wanted me to be real, visceral, honest... and so I relinquished my desire to strategically determine my message and, two days after coming out here, I went to a photography studio and shared my voice of hope.
My interview, from that perspective, isn't based on what I felt the community needed. It wasn't designed, like I wanted it to be, to match or fill a need. It's just my thoughts, my hopes, my desires... with the hope that it could somehow touch someone else's life.
It's true to me - deeply cognitive, analytical, thought-out... and that's who I am. I hope that you find it meaningful. Let me know.
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.
Wednesday, March 27
6 comments:
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David, when I saw your face pic at the site, emotion came over me realizing I was seeing for the first time the face of a soul who had given us such intimate access into his deepest struggles, vulnerabilities, loneliness, disappointments, fears, longings, hopes, thoughts, insights, and testimony. It was such an honor to finally see and hear you speak in person.
ReplyDeleteTo think I thought you were a made up person when I first read your blog!
The three pointers you mention toward the end of the video really shed light on what makes your beliefs tick, what grounds you and makes you consistent in your conviction, and will challenge others to ponder those same principles and the inner peace you say they give you.
Just want to say, too, you have a radiant smile that peaked through a few times in the interview. I know you struggle with your autism and the social complexities, awkwardness and anxiety surrounding autism (and that being bipolar and SGA certainly add to that complexity, which are not anything to smile about), but I hope you find the rewards of loyal and intimate friendship in your personal life that you deserve.
God bless.
Your video was amazing David. My wife and I watched it together last night. And I've shared it with friends and associates.
ReplyDelete"Let me know what I need to do. And save me."
It doesn't get more real, or sincere, or trusting than that.
Your literal knowledge that God loves you... and all his children. Your humble faith. And your complete willlingness to surrender your life to him, is an inspiration. I love you man.
bj
Awesome interview! I'm so proud of you for having the courage to put a face to your name. May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.
ReplyDeleteDavid, I love you. Thank you for being the amazing person you are and for following the Spirit. I'm grateful that (G)MG and North Star brought you into my life :)
ReplyDelete*too many emotions* Thank you for your willingness to share/build/lift your brothers and sisters. We're trying to do the same for you.
ReplyDeleteDavid - I've been away from your blog for a while and just watched your "voice of hope". I am really really touched by the things you've shared, and only 2 days after revealing yourself here and to the world. You are amazingly genuine and sincere in your desires to become as Christ is and I want you to know that I completely get what you mean when you say that the peace of the Spirit reminding you of God's love for you is THE ONLY thing that can get you out of your depressions. I really get that. You go deep David. Just like the foundation of the Mexico City Temple (yep, my all-time favorite blog post of yours). Thank you so much for sharing your life and testimony with us all. This just made my life :). (p.s. I used to comment under another name so don't think you lost SuztheFooz. She's just been Googlefied into my boring first name.). Big hug - whether you want it or not.
ReplyDelete