Determined

[Laurielw]

Hi everyone. I'm so glad to have found like-minded people! My partner and I were leaders in the church for years, but felt like hypocrites. Then one day God called her home. She was just too sweet for this world. Anyway, I decided that in a relationship there should be no feeling of guilt for loving one another. Now I'm in a new relationship and she was recently baptized. She's having those feelings of guilt, and that is just sad. I found this site because I was trying to find some books she could read to make her realize that God loves us just the way we are.

[BruceChris]

Well, for starters, encourage her to read OUR threads, posts, and other resources. Have her talk/write to some of us. Others here will certainly suggest books by Mel White and others, while I would suggest certain books by Bishop Spong. Just a sec. I'll go look them up.

The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love

Rescuing the Bible From Fundamentalism

Living in Sin? A Bishop Rethinks Human Sexuality

Always remember, We love you, God Loves you, we will never turn you away, and God still Loves you!

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[Laurielw]

Bruce,

Thank you for your book suggestions. I have already sent her the links of the videos, which sparked her interest in the books!:pray:

Laurie

[tdogg]

Welcome Laurie,

Sorry to hear of your loss, but happy you have found a new love. To accept oneself fully takes a lifetime - your love is on her journey, just not quite as far along as you are. I agree, there is so much to offer here on Soulforce website, books, videos, the forums. There are some other threads of books that are great to read. One that I recommend, Straight Parents, Gay Children (forget the author and have loaned the book out so not here) - it was meant for the parents of gay children who are having a hard time dealing with it, but I found it excellent reading and totally appropriate for any loved one. As a lesbian, I would have found it very helpful in my early journey so your love may get something out of it.

Anyway, glad to see you here! :love: :D :rainbow:

Tdogg

[Laurielw]

Thank you so much Tdogg. That sounds like a great book for several people I know. I'll have to check it out. You are right about how difficult it is to learn to accept yourself. But I found that once you have, you don't have very much patience for the idiots that made you feel that way in the first place. Its all so clear to me now, and I just wish others could open their eyes. BTW...my partner watched the videos and read the pamplet I downloaded from this site. It has made a huge difference!! :D I'm very happy.

[Vanessa White]

So glad that you both are having the benefits of my fellow family members here at soulforce. We are definitely like family, and our own on line church community as well. Peace be with both of you on your journey- Vanessa :love: