Hi all, I'm 31, I am starting to come to terms with my "issues"

I spent 15 years convincing myself that I was at least bisexual, not gay, so that I could maybe lead a normal life one day.

What bugs me is I go to my pastor, and I talk to him about it. He seems to believe it is something that I shall be healed of. Now maybe you guys can offer your side to that? Because I've prayed for a miracle for many years and nothing has happened

I'd like to welcome you to gaychurch Cooper and suggest that you wander around some of the threads to get acquainted with the people and the "issues" as you call them. I did just that back in early spring 2005 and I've found some discussions that were helpful to me, made some discoveries about myself, and made a couple of very close friends who are loving and supportive. More importantly I have allowed them to become Jesus with skin on and to minister to my needs the love of God that I so desperately hunger for.

I have NOT gone to my pastor to discuss things that I am thinking about because I am not certain he would be very receptive. I HAVE however gotten much closer to God and am convinced that He really does love me and truly He understands everything about me. He loved me enough to send His Son to die for me.

Circumstances over the past year have been unusual and some downright oppressive and horrible but the one constant is God and His love for me. Jesus is my healer and I'm not seeking Him to "heal" me from issues but rather to touch my emotions and help me come to a place of acceptance about things that are good and right and true. I think the Bible is clear about many things I struggle with but it is crystal clear that whatever my orientation, God loves me and I need Him to keep me from stumbling.

Again, welcome to gaychurch.org and do come enjoy the fellowship here but not to the exclusion of getting close to God while you are walking the journey. Read here but hear what He says through His word to you. I am praying that you will come to a place of deep peace in Him.


Philip. 4:8
"And now, dear brothers and sisters, let me say one more thing as I close this letter. Fix your thoughts on what is true and honorable and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise."

Katie42

Welcome,
You will find a lot of different stories and struggles on this board. Go to the home page www.gaychurch.org and read the articles there. You might want to order "Calling the Rainbow Nation Home" by E.T. Sundby. I too struggled with hearing I could be healed, being gay is not right, etc. You don't say where you live, but you should check out gay affirming churches in your area. There is an extensive list on the home page.

In the mean time, pull up a chair, grab a snack, and get to know us!

Cooper glad to have you with us. I agree with what the others have said. Check out the discussion threads on the board and you will find you are not alone. You will find most of us have walked the same path as you and we can testify that there is hope, love and assurance 'on the other side'. God does not hate you and made you exactly as He/She saw fit. You are not a mistake.

Ditto also what Groucho had to say about the articles on the parent web site. Check out the section of the web site titled "Gay and Christian?" as it covers many of the scritural issues you are probably going through. My book "Calling the Rainbow Nation Home" goes through most of the major issues surrounding the issue of 'us' as well as giving stories of support and affirmation. I'd also like to plug Jeff Miner's book "The Children are Free" as he does a good job as well covering some of the major scriptural issues. Both books can be found on the right hand side of the "Gay and Christian?" section or by simply following the links I have provided. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. Read the articles, the books and learn what Scripture really has to say. Read and discuss these issues with others on the board and 'hear' a voice of assurance and comfort from others. Keep posting!

Hey Coop!

Glad to have you here. We love to have newbies!

A couple of years ago, I came here looking for help. I found a LOT of help and decided to stick around for a while. We're here for you too!

Blessings.

Welcome, Cooper! You have come to the right place. There are so many here who have been just where you are now, so know that you are not alone. God loves you just as you are!
Ingrid