Heya folks...

[tcnsd]

Hey all, I'm Trina, and I'm from good ole' South Dakota. I came across this website while surfing the other night, and thought it was really interesting. I'm in the process right now of attempting to discover who I am, and also trying to decipher between all kinds of things I've been told in my life. I guess I'm struggling right now, and thought this may be a good place for some support?

Anywho, I have to get going, I have class in a little bit. Thanks all! :)

[Zerbie]

Hi Trina,

Welcome! Yes, this is a pretty safe place for support, especially considering that it's on the internet - everyone does a great job here of keeping a really friendly, caring environment.

So, tell us more, if ya want - you're free to ask questions or just read, whatever. ;) If you're struggling with lesbian/gay issues, have you checked out the rest of the site? There are some interesting videos, brochures, you can order books from the store, etc.

Best to ya.
:)
Zerbie

[tcnsd]

Heh, I've been doing a lot of reading, especially on this site. I watched the video "How do I know God still loves me?" last night, and really liked it...

[keltic63]

welcome Trina, I think you'll find that this is a great place to hang out and have your questions answered.

[BruceChris]

I was in your state on a volunteer gig a few weeks ago. I was with a get out the vote group with the A.C.L.U., helping to defeat Ballot measure 6, that illegal anti-abortion law. Met some neat folks, from all over the country.

http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?t=1492

C'mon in, meet the folks, tell us about yerself, make some posts.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[tcnsd]

Hey all, I was wondering if there was someone I could dialogue with about some things? Thanks :)

[Zerbie]

Sure! Who ya talk to kinda depends on what the "things" are.
Would you mind disclosing that here on the thread? If it's too personal for public view you could PM a moderator, or me, I guess, and maybe one of us can point you to someone who has experience with whatever it is you're asking about.
I'm sure everyone here wants to be supportive and lead you to whatever resources you're looking for right now.

[tcnsd]

Well, I'm struggling with the infamous being a lesbian and continuing my faith. I know that everyone struggles with this at some point, and I figure that someone here could help walk me through this? I've had a lot of things thrown in my face (from both sides), and it's hard living where I'm at (a very conservative, closed-minded state). Thanks!

[Zerbie]

That's big stuff. If I came from a religious background maybe I would have something helpful to say to ya - but I sorta bypassed religion growing up.

I've been trying to find an old forum thread, for you and Trendspotter, - a poll about reconciling religion and sexuality, and I totally CAN'T find it. :(

Maybe one of us could start a new discussion? There are a lot of newer members here who wouldn't remember that first poll anyway (and I'm not sure I remember what we all said anymore, either!)

[tcnsd]

That would be neat. I'm in the process of reading (and over-analyzing cuz that's what I do, lol) The Letter. I really like it so far, and am learning a lot.

[tdogg]

Hi Trina,

I'm Tdogg - read your messages and thought you could use a friend.

It's really difficult getting to where we can finally accept ourselves - come out to ourselves. Then it sometimes gets trickier when we come out to our loved ones. This is complicated when we are raised in an environment where fundamental faith exists. There are so many on the SF forums that have been through that in one way or another. Myself included.

I'll be happy to talk to you privately if you like. I'm still in my 'growth' process, actually I believe we all are during our lives, it's not something that ends. I have some family members who are having a very difficult time with my being a lesbian and especially with my relationship with my partner. That is a whole 'nuther' show!

For me, the most significant issue was the lack of a conviction that I was wrong, that who I am is wrong and that my relationship was wrong. it just all felt too right, like I finally figured out who I was (after many many many years of never really fitting in). I've had the Lord in my life since around age 10 or so, pretty much I know when he hits me with a 'wrong' and it just didn't happen. So, I started exploring to find out why it didn't feel wrong when everyone always told me it was a terrible thing. what I found was an entire world of gay christians, as well as gay friend in other faiths, and Soulforce, and these forums and all the wonderful people here. It's amazing.

So, hang around, get to know everyone, and I believe you will find great advice, comfort, support, encouragement and lots of shoulders to lean on!

Welcome Trina and looking forward to sharing with ya! :love: :rainbow:

T

[BruceChris]

But I seem to be seeing a lot of good things happening to Trina and Trendy. And an awful lot of people have reached out to Harmless, but she hasn't gotten back to us, yet. Hope that good things are happening to her, too. And Rainbowcat seems to be getting to a good place, too. I dearly wish that all of you can grow, and become out, healthy Christian women. And that your Christian friends and aquaintenances can learn to appreciate and respect all of you.

Edit: And a special ((Hug to Tdogg)), for reaching out to Trina.

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[andrewlittle]

Hi Trina,

I think you will find a wealth of faith, knowledge, conviction and passion on this site for where you are treading.

If I could make a suggestion it would be to start with just a basic question or issue that is gnawing at your soul, and toss it out there.

There will be a number of responses, many of them different, and none of them absolute. I haven't found people here (well, generally) who think they have the one right answer to anything. I have found a whole bunch of them that would like to walk with you as you find your's, however.

God bless you and keep you,
Andy

[Vanessa White]

Welcome to the forums, and so glad that you found us on your journey. It sounds like you could use some friends, some support, some validation. In a conservative environment, it can be easier to view ourselves in a negative or harsh light. You are struggling with a part of your identity that many, most of us probably, have been through. The religious component always puts a spin on it that further complicates things. As you sort out your questions, and come to fully realize God's love and compassion for you, you have many persons here that will guide you along the way. Come around as often as you need to, or want to. And, feel free to PM me at any time- I will be glad to help in any way that I can. Peace and love be with you, Vanessa :love: :love:

[marutidas]

Namaste, Trina

Welcome, you arrived just when you were supposed too, coinsidence is an illusion. We're a very friendly bunch, I hope to hear your adventures in 3D Land.We lend an ear, a shoulder to cry, and hopefully most importanly, people to share in the good times and laugh with.

I bow the divinity within you,

~~~Maruti Das

[tcnsd]

I am surprised at the amount of support I've received since joining SF. Thank you all so much! Something that I've heard a couple different times is that I don't need to have everything figured out *right now*; which is what I would really like. I guess I just need to take my time in all this...:o

[Vanessa White]

Well said, Trina. When God believes you are ready for the answers, you will be provided with them. That is what I believe anyway. Just always remember how loved and cherished you are by him. He made you who you are, after all. Peace and love, Vanessa :love: