POST YOUR FEELINGS, FRUSTRAITONS, BELIEFS, INSIGHTS

This blog is a place where everyone can post their concerns about God, same-sex attraction / gay orientations, ex-gay ministry, or even ex-ex gay ministry. We are interested in what people genuinely think and feel on the inside, not necessarily what they are told to think or feel. Praying, Sharing and researching are all vital tools in bringing clarity to the topic of same-sex attraction. The blog is to look at same-sex attraction from every angle : scientific, biochemical, spiritually, morally, emotionally, politically, socially, denial issues, toxic reactions, appropriate responding, healthy living, pursuing sexual purity, acceptance of being created as a sexual being, abusive behaviors, etc. Feel free to post your ideas and internet links, so we can view them. Ideally we would like to collect the feedback to create a book about the reality of same-sex attraction. We are also interested in creating a framework that churches could use in their churches, so men and women with same-sex attraction can be real as well as embraced in their churches while walking through life with Christ. We are overwhelmed at the millions of men and women with same-sex attraction who have to sit quietly every Sunday at church, without being able to share with anyone how they really feel inside. Fake fellowship is the death to spiritual growth, and real fellowship (being genuine with what is really going on inside) is the path to emotional health and spiritual growth. God's got a better plan for the church and that involves creating a place where ALL people can share what is taking place on the inside. With that said, this blog is created to make a positive and lasting change in the both the church and the world. This blog is to focus primarily on same-sex attraction (something the Bible is silent about), not forbidden types of sexual activity (which the Bible addresses). All subjects are considered, but we would like to focus on living a healthy life in Christ as a person who is aware of the issue of same-sex attraction in their lives, and not as a person who pretends same-sex attraction is non-existent. MJH

Sunday, February 14, 2010

ONE GAY SUICIDE, IS WAY TOO MANY


Below is a post by Bill Henson, who responded to a Newsweek Article. I thought it was interesting:


By: Bill Henson http://fishontheotherside.org|

As host of a Christian radio program in the Northeast US that focuses on caring for GLBT persons and their families inside and outside the evangelical church, I encounter many teenagers and young adults who feel condemned by the voices that represent Christianity.

Adult conversations like this are being read by teens and young adults vulnerable to suicide. Conversations like this tend to leave them feeling condemned – and their needs overlooked.

I am convinced that what they need to hear from Christian leaders is an entirely different message than the one we often offer. I know this because they share with me what they need in their own words.

For such young people who may experience same-sex attraction for the remainder of their lives whether they ‘act’ upon such desires or not, they need our care and support.

They need our care and support because our message requests that they deny their relational and sexual needs in order to maintain celibacy. That, my friends, is not an easy path for the vast majority of humanity: but it is possible.

For such a path to be possible, the core message from Christianity should be one of gentleness, patience, kindness, and long-suffering.

For such a path to be possible, our message – the Gospel of Jesus Christ – should be lived out by laying down our lives to care for GLBT persons and their families.

For such a path to be possible, we need to become “fathers” and “pastors” who love, hug, listen to, care for, serve, invite, and invest in GLBT persons’ gifts and talents.

For such a path to be possible, we must become Christian parents who unconditionally love our GLBT children – “just as they are.”

For such a path to be possible, we – the wider Christian community – must vulnerably admit to our own broken identities.

FACT: Many of us in the evangelical church have broken sexual and gender identities expressed through our high divorce and internet porn rates. Not to mention our materialism and consumerism.

We too have a “choice” and yet we seem to struggle to make the right choice to avoid online porn and keep our marriages alive – even though we have Jesus!

In light of this, we do not so much need to win a debate over gay marriage as much as we need to convey humility in recognizing that we ALL struggle with sexual purity issues and other sin struggles. In the words of Paul, we ALL do these “same” things. (Romans 2:1-4)

I am not criticizing Christians defending traditional marriage in this forum. Neither am I here to lob a theological bomb at the authors of this article. Rather, I am simply saying to those who feel condemned by Christianity: Jesus loves you and I love you.

Debate forums like this are often perceived as the church’s entire response to GLBT persons. In truth, much work is being done inside the evangelical church to make sure you feel welcomed and invited to work out your salvation along with the rest of us – broken sinners in need of grace.

For those interested, learn more at:

http://fishontheotherside.org

Sincerely,

Bill Henson
Host, Lead Them Home
President, FOTOS Ministries
Boston, Ma
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