Re: "just in case"

Dear "D":

Thank you for sharing about your pain and struggle. I also share a similar experience. I was involved in an "ex-gay" ministry for about three years and "reparative therapy" for another three years after that.

I reached the point in my life almost two years ago that it was not necessary to change my orientation and I finally realized that God accepted me just the way I was. His loving affirmation and grace became more real for me, even after being a Christian for over twenty years.

Soon thereafter, I started seeking gay-affirming Christian resources and groups. In addition to reading Stuart's book, I read "Stranger at the Gate" by Reverend Mel White, "A Place at the Table" by Bruce Bower, and "But Lord, They're Gay" by Sylvia Pennington. I also became a member of Evangelicals Concerned(http://www.ecwr.org), which is a nationwide Christian ministry, which seeks to aid GLBT people reconcile their orientation with their faith in Christ.

Therefore, there is indeed hope and joy out there. I would also highly recommend the website "Steps to Recovery from Bible Abuse" located at http://www.truluck.com. It has been a great help for people who have been harmed by the mistruths and practices of fundamentalist religion.

May you find true rest in God's grace and peace.

God bless,