tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post280097916718779762..comments2023-08-04T21:37:16.987-07:00Comments on (Gay) Mormon Guy: President Packer's Talk... From a (Gay) Mormon PerspectiveDavidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03552740645279057549noreply@blogger.comBlogger325125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-74329559260147742262012-12-12T16:16:22.873-08:002012-12-12T16:16:22.873-08:00Thank you for this blog; it is exactly what I need...Thank you for this blog; it is exactly what I need. I am 67 and have had a lifelong problem. At the age of six I knew I had attraction to males (I can remember the occasion as if it were yesterday), and through the years I have suffered divorce, Church inactivity, promiscuity, actually making a living writing gay-male pornography, and finally alcoholism—which was actually a blessing in that I finally sank so low I touched the bottom. With the spiritual helps in AA, I “came to myself” and crawled back to my Father’s house. The bishop welcomed me back to the Church after 22 years of inactivity, and I glowed in the love I thought I could never feel again.<br />I have been active in the Church for more than a year now, and during that time I felt a wonderful freedom from the gay temptations that plagued me before—almost to the point that I thought I had been “cured.” “Hey, I’m not gay anymore!” But recently I have felt “old urges,” and I suspect I might have been given a “bye” in gay tendencies in the early days of my return to church activity but now am required to face head-on the problem at the base of my personality.<br />I know, of course, the principles of replacing bad thoughts with good ones (this is a tenet of AA, too—if a temptation lands on your shoulder, just flick it away). Pornography is a danger to me, of course, but unfortunately I can conjure it within my own head—having written hundreds of stories. After scripture reading, prayer, and other mental exercises today, I came across your blog (while fretting to myself that even reading innocent information about homosexuality was still thinking about it). I was delighted to find information that “talked me down” and out of the current. I will read your blog with enthusiasm. It is exactly what I need to see. <br />Norikusnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-56753327661360251532012-06-08T16:33:25.680-07:002012-06-08T16:33:25.680-07:00Obviously, I'm coming a little "late"...Obviously, I'm coming a little "late" to this discussion, but I am so impressed by the attitude you have towards Pres Packer's talk. I remember watching it during General Conference and hearing it as a strong talk about pornography...I didn't really apply the main message to homosexuality. I was so surprised and confused when there was so much backlash because of it. Since the talk I had become aware of the statements and thoughts that people thought were attacking homosexuality, but I know that President Packer is a prophet of God and wouldn't say such things in the ways people were interpreting them. However, I did not have the right words to express that sentiment without sounding like I was blindly following a leader of the church. Here, you have expressed the words and thoughts I need. At this point in my life, I don't know of anyone in my life who struggles with same-gender attraction, but I love having resources like your blog so I can learn how to better support and love others no matter their orientation. Thank you again!Aliciahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05222201758068069086noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-71004923937607974502012-03-23T17:16:55.640-07:002012-03-23T17:16:55.640-07:00(G)MG: I was surprised to see that the majority o...(G)MG: I was surprised to see that the majority of people who have commented on here are straight LDS members. It doesn't surprise me that they all agree with President Packer so readily, nor that they take this struggle, trial, or situation lightly. <br /><br />Over my lifetime, I have come to know dozens of gay LDS people. Almost all of them have worked hard to follow Heavenly Father, live the Gospel, serve missions, go to the temple, pray, read, attend church, etc. Some do this for 20, some 30, some 40 years of their life. None of them have been "changed". None have stopped being gay. Some (I can count on 1 hand) have chosen not to act on their feelings. Others have chosen to live gay. Even some of them attend church weekly and some are active in the church. But, there really are only a handful of us that seem to fit that category. Every year I hear of people late in life choosing a different path. <br /><br />I can definitely understand their pain and the reason they have made their decisions. For most, it is a near impossible fete to tackle. You are lucky that your path is easy for you. I really applaud your efforts and success. <br /><br />One such gay LDS guy is currently renting a room from me. After years of living the gospel, he has decided to come out to his family. While I don't agree with his full decision or his methods, it hasn't changed the respect I have for the love he still shows for his Savior and his family. I am not sure where his life will take him. But, I do know that his family continues to drive him away from them and 'their' church. They tell him he isn't gay. They exclude him from family events, talk about him behind his back (and in front of him), and call him an "unnatural thing". Comments like these, by members and other Christians, may fulfill a need to speak for God or 'hate the sin', but they take their toll on members. It isn't long before a person will become what people are calling them. <br /><br />Congrats to YOU! You seem to be dealing with them very well. Good luck in the fight, brother. I can't agree with some of the comments by your posters. But, I can say that I know that God lives. He is my Savior, brother, and biggest supporter. It is ONLY through his atonement that we can all repent and gain access to eternal life. May we all continue to grow closer to him. <br /><br />Your brother & friend, <br /> -- MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-2862098800484621032011-11-02T14:21:04.290-07:002011-11-02T14:21:04.290-07:00Thank you.
I do not struggle with SGA, but I did...Thank you. <br /><br />I do not struggle with SGA, but I did struggle, and continue to struggle at times, with sexual addiction for the majority of my life. I feel that every trial we face is truly for our greatest benefit. I would be a completely different person had I not been through this. My greatest strengths and qualities came from it. <br /><br />I feel that as you are guided by the spirit to speak out as you have been, you will be able to help many understand the strength and happiness that comes through the Atonement.<br /><br />My cousin is gay, we love him so much, but he has become very bitter toward the church. Your story gives me added hope that he will one day be able to understand the great love Heavenly Father has for him, and the happiness available through the gospel.emily.love146https://www.blogger.com/profile/00603913849110256635noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-5219475764843201352011-04-05T06:28:27.230-07:002011-04-05T06:28:27.230-07:00My dear Brother,
You are certainly a choice spiri...My dear Brother,<br /> You are certainly a choice spirit, your words are eloquant, inspired, and precise. I pray that with time you find your soul at peace. I know without a shadow of doubt that you chose to be here, you chose to come to earth, gain a body, struggle, overcome the world, and claim your birthright as a son of our Heavenly Father. I love you, sincerely. I love you without even knowing you, because you are my brother. My heart is saddened by the weight that rests on your shoulders, but I have faith in you! I am proud of you, for all that you have already accomplished. Your testimony is a beautiful Tree, cultivate it, and your tree will grow. Be "A city on a hill that cannot be hide." The gift with words that you have, your testimony, and your faith will lead you to being able to help others. I know this. <br />Thank you for your Strength. Thank you for your endurance. Thank you for your love. <br />I love you.<br />Our Brother, Lord, and Savior LOVES you.<br />Heavenly Father Loves you, unceasingly.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-53398933310782602072011-01-02T14:57:41.811-08:002011-01-02T14:57:41.811-08:00I really like this post as well as what others hav...I really like this post as well as what others have said. I commend you for being so faithful and true to the teachings of the Gospel. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you but I know you will be rewarded if not in this life, than in the next. I have a sister that's lesbian that gave up on trying, so I find a lot of happiness when I see people like you that continue the fight. Keep it up, you'll continue to succeed :]Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-1745751657143807702011-01-02T09:10:25.189-08:002011-01-02T09:10:25.189-08:00I teach the 4th Sunday lesson in Relief Society in...I teach the 4th Sunday lesson in Relief Society in my ward (Teachings for Our Times). They are based on the most recent General Conference talks. This month my lesson is on the talk given by President Packer that inspired this blog post. I didn't specifically remember what it was on but when I read it, I was reminded of you and how you inspired me to have the strength to overcome my own temptations. We each have something to overcome, don't we? The lessons and specific temptations are different for everyone but we all have them, and that is why we shouldn't judge each other. Only be a light to others. I believe you are a light to others and you have definately made an impact on me. I hope that you won't mind if I use you as an example of strength and hope in overcoming such temptations.The Roberts'https://www.blogger.com/profile/07746450601117051656noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-36701914108815034052010-11-22T12:47:35.001-08:002010-11-22T12:47:35.001-08:00man i admire you. my dad left the church and my fa...man i admire you. my dad left the church and my family for a man and ii know he stuggle with it for years. i admire you for trying to do what you know is right and true and i hope that you do find the peace and happiness in years to come.emilynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-83112560069500618362010-11-17T19:26:38.946-08:002010-11-17T19:26:38.946-08:00I've spent the last half hour reading through ...I've spent the last half hour reading through a lot of these comments. To someone who is gay, they are incredibly depressing. 95% of you have no idea what its like to walk a mile in our shoes. You think all trials are created equal. Forgive me if I seriously disagree. Homosexuality creates hopelessness among those who have it, and are trying to live the gospel. Loneliness becomes their rule. Their suicide rate is beyond any reasonable figure. You all have a great deal to learn.Kurt Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12610294728203577699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-49173937280024776542010-11-07T20:27:09.863-08:002010-11-07T20:27:09.863-08:00What an amazing experience reading this blog, very...What an amazing experience reading this blog, very touching! God bless you for your faith.<br />I have personally known two men who left the Church to follow their natural impulses for a number of years, then returned and were later married in the temple. One of them was a close friend with whom I stayed in contact during his 14 years away. He testified to me that he had changed his sexual orientation through self-denial and God’s help. Sadly, he contracted HIV during those 14 years and later died of AIDS while serving on the High Council. My heart goes out to anyone with this challenge. Yet, no one is exempt from challenges in this life.Charleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00126835571634262158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-12692907849109290032010-11-04T12:13:02.939-07:002010-11-04T12:13:02.939-07:00Thank you!
I'm having a struggle right now un...Thank you!<br /><br />I'm having a struggle right now understanding those who so vehemently hate me just because I'm a mormon, and they're gay. I've had professional backlash because of it, and it's not really hard to understand why they feel so angry. But I wonder why they hate me so much... I guess it feels very personal, though really they must be just angry towards the body of the church and what we stand for.<br /><br /> I was wondering what was felt by those who do struggle with the trial of having those feelings but also having a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. <br /><br />Thank you for answering that so perfectly.Breehttp://shelleys.smugmug.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-40623329242794320652010-10-28T17:41:34.358-07:002010-10-28T17:41:34.358-07:00I'm so glad I stumbled across this blog. I fou...I'm so glad I stumbled across this blog. I found a link to this posting on another blog. I am so inspired by your words. I havent been able to stop reading your other postings. They are so inspirational. You have such a lovely spirit. I wish I knew you because I want to be your friend. You have made me much more aware of how I treat others. I have no idea what is in other peoples hearts or what there struggles are, just as they do not know mine. I just need to be open, loving and have good intentions toward all of my brothers and sisters. <br />Thank you so much, I'm your new biggest fan. <br />By the way, I think it's really sweet that you respond to the comments :)nancynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-59528177318296585102010-10-25T21:22:51.115-07:002010-10-25T21:22:51.115-07:00Thank you for your eloquence and testimony.Thank you for your eloquence and testimony.the hatch batchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13649700721529566534noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-63129644127615712882010-10-23T03:24:49.142-07:002010-10-23T03:24:49.142-07:00This was a great post about an important talk by E...This was a great post about an important talk by Elder Packer. I think that you're analysis of the talk is perhaps the best I've read so far about the subject. I would add more, but most of what I wanted to say has already been added in the comments section. Thanks.JChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08989536275152150636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-30184270053997124072010-10-21T21:49:58.794-07:002010-10-21T21:49:58.794-07:00Inspired. Your words have helped many I am sure. ...Inspired. Your words have helped many I am sure. So refreshing to hear the voice of someone who isn't perfect, but is clearly close to the Savior and feels the Spirit. We all have the demons in our lives that we're battling, even us church attending, prayer saying, scripture reading, married in the temple people. Not all our temptations are the same, but we ALL have them. We can all argue where those temptations came from, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that the Lord gave us the tools to overcome, and until we can overcome he gave us the Spirit of comfort and love. Great, inspiring post. Caught it b/c of facebook and hope others see it too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-56573024898031426092010-10-20T15:03:08.005-07:002010-10-20T15:03:08.005-07:00Goodness, I am so gald I came across this.
Thank y...Goodness, I am so gald I came across this.<br />Thank you for taking the time to go through it again, and not let any unkind feelings or offense overshadow your thoughts.<br />You are a inspiration, and an example. <br /><br />I have no idea the struggles that you face, but I find your strength remarkable.Amelia Katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06625569683022900326noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-533421704452935652010-10-19T19:42:06.751-07:002010-10-19T19:42:06.751-07:00You are amazing. If only more people could stop an...You are amazing. If only more people could stop and self evaluate and try to decide why these things might be saving us and healing us, even if they hurt a little, this world would be closer to Heaven than it's ever been. Thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-49353702131056497872010-10-19T09:56:15.598-07:002010-10-19T09:56:15.598-07:00Thank you for your post, for this blog. You'r...Thank you for your post, for this blog. You're posts are very faithful & inspirational. I feel unable to speak on the subject as I have never experienced the trial of same-gender attraction. But I do believe that it is a choice. Not having the attraction, but acting on it. And that is what so many people just can't seem to understand. They think that they should do or say anything and everything they feel and by moderating their actions they are denying their true self. It is a really prevalent attitude in society, and not isolated to same-gender attraction. Thank you again.Carina & Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02750727346960053138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-35781192214701186622010-10-19T06:18:37.767-07:002010-10-19T06:18:37.767-07:00Pornography is impure and unnatural. Perhaps he w...Pornography is impure and unnatural. Perhaps he was not alluding to same sex attraction when he said "impure and unnatural."<br /><br />I also felt the what I think was the spirit as I was reading your comments. Suddenly I felt warm inside for no apparent reason. I'm guessing that was the spirit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-57269584999485790832010-10-18T23:44:16.273-07:002010-10-18T23:44:16.273-07:00What an awesome post and blog! I am so happy to ha...What an awesome post and blog! I am so happy to have found you, I have a few friends who likewise face similar challenges and I often wonder on their perspective on such issues. Thanks for being a brave voice, it boosts our collective member consciousness.charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00293407195051972221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-56337429346599096682010-10-18T19:50:52.280-07:002010-10-18T19:50:52.280-07:00Well said. I mentioned your post in my podcast (H...Well said. I mentioned your post in my podcast (HoldFastPodcast.com) and posted a link to here as well.Paulhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12527300137969740658noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-67120604888103560142010-10-18T14:40:46.109-07:002010-10-18T14:40:46.109-07:00I know there are hundreds of posts here already. ...I know there are hundreds of posts here already. But I have a brother who struggles also with same-sex attraction. I am still trying to understand why the Lord has let this be one of Satan's bruises on the heels of mankind, I might never know. However I do really have a testimony of Paul's words. I felt very uplifted by Elder Packer's talk and felt that his comments on overcoming our temptaions thru the priesthood was so comforting. I know that no one's road in life is easy, but this talk gave me hope and comfort for my brother and others in similar situations. Thank you for sharing your testimony about this, it also gives me hope that my brother in not alone and that he is also trying and doing the right things. I wish you all the best, you are a good man, don't ever doubt it. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-72286682028327816672010-10-18T12:53:04.985-07:002010-10-18T12:53:04.985-07:00It is really nice to see a voice of peace and secu...It is really nice to see a voice of peace and security in all the hatred and backlash that have been going around the internet because of this talk. It is also very inspiring for someone to talk openly about their trials and struggles. I really look up to you and think you are an amazing person.Erinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03832329323770965230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-40178564966015470512010-10-18T12:31:00.702-07:002010-10-18T12:31:00.702-07:00You are amazing! Those who feel that we, as Mormon...You are amazing! Those who feel that we, as Mormon's, "hate" those with homosexual feelings simply don't understand. My love and prayers go out to you. I honestly can't think of anything harder than what you face. Thank you for your goodness, your courage and especially your faith. You make me want to be better!Bobbinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2780506856626441160.post-43084829516413888312010-10-18T00:44:44.496-07:002010-10-18T00:44:44.496-07:00I know you've received hundreds of comments al...I know you've received hundreds of comments already, but I just want to tell you that after all the negative lashing out, slandering, and mockery of LDS beliefs in general, your post is beyond refreshing. Your attitude displays exactly what Elder Packer was intending. Everyone on this earth is faced with many forms of temptation. The exciting thing is we all have the gift of agency to choose how we personally handle our temptations and inclinations.<br /><br />I can't imagine the burden it must be to feel same gender attraction as a Latter Day Saint. However, I do know what it feels like to be faced with temptation so horribly intense that at times it seems impossible to resist or ignore. I also know that we will never be tempted beyond what we are able to withstand. <br /><br />Be strong and have faith. Continue your prayers. Take full advantage of Christ's atoning sacrifice for you and He will make your burdens light. You're probably already doing these things, as I don't think that you would care about resisting such strong temptations if you weren't. You will be rewarded for choosing to accept Heavenly Father's laws instead of the world's views.<br /><br />I'd like to leave you with a couple scriptures, which I'm sure aren't new to you, but clearly convey important messages just the same. I wish you all the best.<br /><br />1 Cor. 10: 13<br />There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.<br /><br />James 1: 12-14<br />Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04728609543604184392noreply@blogger.com