Hello, my name is Garrick.

[garrick_hanley]

Hey everyone! What's up? My name is Garrick. I live in Blytheville Arkansas. It's a really small toen, not much to do. I'm actually looking to leave here sometime soon, but I don't think I'll ever get that chance, LOL. I like to read, write, hang out with friends, and kick it with my family. There are two problems with that. One, I work too much to beable to do most of that. And two, I have came out to my entire family yet. I don't know how to and I'm scared they will disown me for being me.
Anything else you wanna know, just ask me and I'll tell you.
CHOW

[u-dog]

Hey everyone! What's up? My name is Garrick. I live in Blytheville Arkansas. It's a really small toen, not much to do. I'm actually looking to leave here sometime soon, but I don't think I'll ever get that chance, LOL. I like to read, write, hang out with friends, and kick it with my family. There are two problems with that. One, I work too much to beable to do most of that. And two, I have came out to my entire family yet. I don't know how to and I'm scared they will disown me for being me.
Anything else you wanna know, just ask me and I'll tell you.
CHOW

Hi Garrick!

Welcome to the Soul Force Forums! This is a friendly and supportive community that is inclusive of people of all ages and you are very welcome here! Could you let us know how old you are and whether you are living at home still? Remember that there is no law about when you come out. You needn't do it until you feel safe and able to take care of yourself and you don't need to come out to the whole world all at once. there are many people on this forum who have been through the process and some who are still in the midst of it. There are also people here who are pastors, therapists, and mental health workers who, while they can't "counsel" you via the internet, will have lots of good ideas about where you can get the resources you need and how to take care of yourself. We also do a lot of praying for each other so feel free to use the "Prayer Request" thread if you feel the need of that kind of support! Blessings on you!

Dave (U-dog)

[Zerbie]

Hi Garrick,

Welcome. :) I spent a summer in Arkansas once, just outside Eureka Springs (literally on the edge of the highway, I forget the highway number).
Near a Beaver Lake. :lol:

Take your time with your family. Udog's correct, there's no rule about telling the whole world at once or in a certain time-frame. Do what seems healthiest to you.

[d_pedr]

Hi Garrick,

God bless you as you are, and welcome to the forums.

It sounds like you may be in your late teens, and that can be a difficult time. The brain is transitioning (until about 25 years old I'm told - obviously varies between individuals) from being a dependent child to being an independent adult.

Unfortunately this happens at the same time as all the hormonal changes between a youth to a young man, and the very strong urges that can occur to shout out to anyone who'll listen, whom you are, even when you youself may not have the whole picture yet.

Reason and logic have had their influence almost completely muted.

So take your time, especially with your family. Build bridges, before letting them know everything your feeling, drop hints, discuss things (as if you are looking in from the outside, rather than because they are directly affecting you) as this will help prepare you for how they may react when you come out to them. You'll see from other threads that the family can be the hardest to tell.

Even now, (my daughter's probably about your age), I find it difficult to share all that I'm feeling, but this site has helped a lot.

Be true to yourself, share difficulties (ask for prayer, as u-dog suggested), and if possible find a close friend (male or female) with whom you can talk things through, and let them do the same (again take care in choosing).

love and hugs

[scott snedeker]

Always Remember that You are a man with the soul of a man. When you make love to another man, you please God with the affirmation of your true nature. It is a holy encounter. The more you love, The closer you are in connection with the spirit that knows your soul. This is why It feels good! God created you gay so that you can love another of his Gay children.

[Gennee]

Welcome to soulforce, Garrick. My parents were from Arkansas, also. Fordyce and Calion to be precise.

Tell your family when you feel it's comfortable for you. Good luck.

Gennee
:)

[Jennifer5]

Welcome! Glad to have you here!

I'm glad that you found Soulforce.... it's a great bunch of very caring and supportive people. I hope you find yourself at home, and feel free to jump-in, ask questions, or what-ever. :)