Another Christian singer out of the closet!

[Matt Algren]

Ray Boltz came out today! (http://www.washingtonblade.com/2008/9-12/arts/feature/13258.cfm)

Why am I so excited by this? Could it be because the walls seem to be tumbling down faster and faster? Maybe it's because Boltz is so absolutely respected by people who otherwise wouldn't hear us. You simply cannot divorce Ray Boltz's music from the Christian church in the Midwest.

Whatever it is, big ups to Ray Boltz and his ex-wife Carol, who apparently does some work with Soulforce!

FL112E3NjqU
(Forgive the mullet. It was the 90s.)

A few quotes from the article:

His 33-year marriage to ex-wife Carol was, he says, largely a happy one. It produced four children — three daughters and a son who are now between 22 and 32 — but family life and going through the motions of being straight had grown so wearying to Boltz, he was in a serious depression, had been in therapy for years, was on Prozac and other anti-depressants and had been, for a time, suicidal.

“I thought I hid it really well,” he says. “I didn’t know people could see what I was going through, the darkness and the struggle. After I came out to my family, one of my daughters said she was afraid to walk in my bedroom because she was afraid she’d find me — that I’d done something to myself. And I didn’t even know they’d picked it up.”

The Boltz family remembers Dec. 26, 2004 for two reasons: the tsunami in the Indian Ocean but also the tsunami that their husband and father unleashed when he told them what had been bothering him for so many years. He hadn’t planned a major announcement — but sitting around the kitchen table at his daughter’s house, Boltz’s son, Philip, asked him what was wrong.

“I thought, ‘Well, I can just do what I always do and hide the truth or I can take a risk and be honest,’” Boltz says. “That day, with the tsunami, has become very symbolic in our family.”

Nobody was sure, at the time, what the ramifications of the revelation would be, least of all Ray. “It’s hard to say I came out because I didn’t have all the answers. I just admitted what I was struggling with and what I was feeling. It’s hard to go, ‘This is the point where I accepted my sexuality and who I was,’ but I came out to them and shared with them what I’d been going through.”

Continuing to pretend, Boltz says, was no longer an option.

“I’d denied it ever since I was a kid. I became a Christian, I thought that was the way to deal with this and I prayed hard and tried for 30-some years and then at the end, I was just going, ‘I’m still gay. I know I am.’ And I just got to the place where I couldn’t take it anymore … when I was going through all this darkness, I thought, ‘Just end this.’”

His family’s reaction took time.

“I don’t want to downplay it like it was just, ‘Oh, well that’s OK.’ It was a very tough time for them too, but the bottom line was they loved me and they still love me … it’s been an amazing journey of acceptance on their part … I was offered support and love from each member of my family, including my wife.”

“You get to be 50-some years old and you go, ‘This isn’t changing.’ I still feel the same way. I am the same way. I just can’t do it anymore.’”

There was some exploration of “ex-gay” therapy though Boltz never attended an “ex-gay” camp or formal seminar.

“I basically lived an ‘ex-gay’ life — I read every book, I read all the scriptures they use, I did everything to try and change.”

Indirectly, this spilled out into his songwriting. Boltz says even though he never told his fans the specifics of his struggle, it added a dimension to his lyrics that resonated.

“It’s there on every single record,” he says. “That struggle of accepting myself and my feelings. There’s a lot of pain there and it connected with a lot of people. They weren’t struggling with the same thing necessarily but we all suffer with our humanity.”

“I really had no master plan here,” he says. “I’ve just been trying to go with the idea that you can either live your life out of love or out of fear. I could just stay here in Florida and be pretty anonymous. I could go work at Wal-Mart or something where nobody knows who I am, but to me, that’s kind of living in fear.”

Though he’s open to performing, Boltz says he doesn’t plan to let this issue take over his life.

“I don’t want to be a spokesperson, I don’t want to be a poster boy for gay Christians, I don’t want to be in a little box on TV with three other people in little boxes screaming about what the Bible says, I don’t want to be some kind of teacher or theologian — I’m just an artist and I’m just going to sing about what I feel and write about what I feel and see where it goes.”

“This is what it really comes down to,” he says. “If this is the way God made me, then this is the way I’m going to live. It’s not like God made me this way and he’ll send me to hell if I am who he created me to be … I really feel closer to God because I no longer hate myself.”

[Matt Algren]

We all know that Mr. Boltz is more than probably going to be facing attacks by James Dobson types in the very near future. Please click here and send him a word of encouragement. (http://rayboltz.com/contact_us.htm)

Boltz isn't touring right now, but will be making an exception by singing at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis this Sunday at 6:00 and at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on September 21st at 3:00. See his website (http://rayboltz.com/) for more details.

[sailaway58]

God Bless him

[Emproph]

I really don't know what else to say.

(I apologize to those of you who are nontheists, but this song meant/means a lot to me - even if just for memory and principle of the song's lyric's sake.)
~~~
"Thank You" By Ray Boltz

This guy's a superstar, he's the tipping point.

DzhFyNp3Ja8

Thank you Ray Boltz. There are kids who are safer tonight because of you.

[tdogg]

I sent a word of encourage. I've always admired Ray Boltz and his music. Now even more so. I told him every time a person comes out, it moves us closer to equality and farther away from hate. Many blessings to this brave and wonderful person!

[BrianB]

This news puts a whole new light on Boltz's songs. The song "What Was I Supposed to Be?" is usually seen as a pro-life song. It could be interpreted as an intense soul searching for the real Ray Boltz.

Mr. Boltz will have my prayers and respect for coming out. It must be tough to be so visible in certain circles and still come out. I'd been wondering why TBN wasn't playing his songs so much any more. I'm inclined to go buy another Boltz CD. BTW, I thought the mullet was cute.

[Emproph]

We all know that Mr. Boltz is more than probably going to be facing attacks by James Dobson types in the very near future. Please click here and send him a word of encouragement. (http://rayboltz.com/contact_us.htm)

Boltz isn't touring right now, but will be making an exception by singing at Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis this Sunday at 6:00 and at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. on September 21st at 3:00. See his website (http://rayboltz.com/) for more details.

I sent some words of encouragement as well, but it's that last part that I wanted to repeat for anyone in those areas. (I wish I could go) From his website:

http://rayboltz.com/images/msg_photo.jpg

A MESSAGE FROM RAY
A few years ago I made the decision to retire from contemporary Christian music. I had won awards, performed in front of thousands of people, and sold millions of records. Still, I believed that if people knew who I really was, I would never be accepted. During the last few years I've learned that there are many people who feel the same way I did. One church in particular has helped me in many ways. The Metropolitan Community Church (www.mccchurch.org) (http://mccchurch.org/) was started forty years ago by Rev. Troy Perry in the Los Angeles area and has an outreach to the LGTB (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. I am happy to announce that I have accepted an invitation to perform at two of their churches. On September 14th, I will be singing at the Jesus Metropolitan Community Church (www.jesusmcc.org) (http://jesusmcc.org/) in Indianapolis at 6:00p.m. On September 21st, I'll be singing at the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C. (www.mccdc.com) (http://mccdc.com/) at 3:00p.m.

Like Matt suggested, they're (FOF, et al) going to be foaming to rip him to shreds. He and his family need our prayers and encouragement right now.

[Rick336]

I had never heard of this guy before. I didn't know who Ray Boltz was. I googled his name and found this on Wikipedia today:

Ray Boltz (born 1953 in Muncie, Indiana) is a contemporary Christian music singer-songwriter, whose songs often tell stories of faith and inspiration. He was raised by his parents William and Ruth Boltz. He is currently retired from the music industry and is neither scheduling dates nor recording. On September 12, 2008, he came out to the Washington Blade as a homosexual who struggled for years with accepting his sexuality.

Rick

[u-dog]

Ray's wife, Carol, has participated on this forum from time to time though she didn't identify herself as Ray's wife, she did share some about their experience with his coming out.

[Jamie McDaniel]

Wow... those videos really takes me back to the previous decade. I remember going to an initial BSU (baptist student union) meeting at the University of Kentucky and someone singing The Anchor Holds and being really moved by it. And this is bizarre, but I was singing to myself the chorus of "Thank youuuuuuuuu, for giving to da' Lawd" in a silly way just the other day. And I rarely listen to any contemporary Christian music these days.

I'm happy for Ray for such a weight being cast off (the lie, of course, not the family he loves, continues to love, and who love him... just wanted to spell it out for any visitors who google this news and join in the conversation here. There are both anchors that hold and weights that need to be cast off.)

Certainly for well-known folks in the evangelical world who happen to be gay, coming out is very difficult. The fact that they do come out is a testament that, while not defined by our sexuality, our sexual orientation is a core part of who we are as part of God's creation.

There are more closeted LGBT people in the contemporary Christian music world to be sure. Ray is shining a light here that will make it easier for them.

Really, Carol Boltz has participated in our forums? That's exciting! I had no idea.

I remember someone at the ex-gay survivor conference asking Peterson Toscano, after he performed his Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House play, about his ex-wife. He started to answer, and then stopped. He said that the stories of the spouses are their stories, their journeys, and they should be the ones to share that, because it sometimes involves just as much pain, struggle, and grace as the coming out stories of the LGBT people they love.

Added: I finished reading the Blade article.

He'd met Bill McCartney, the founder of Promise Keepers, a controversial religious group that advocates men being the head of Christian households, at a meeting and ended up singing in front of 1.3 million Christian men at a Promise Keepers rally (“Stand in the Gap”) at the Mall in Washington in October, 1997.

I remember... I was there for that. And it got me thinking, anyone else on the forums have that event in their past? Let's see... 10% of 1.3 million.... ummm... probably the largest assembly of gay Christian men in history.

[matthewspeed]

I definitely remember his "Thank you" song. That song always brought tears to my eyes. There are those main anchor songs in the contemporary christian music industry, and that song was definitely an anchor for many christians.

May God bless him and protect his heart as he begins his new journey. I pray that he is not affected negatively by other christian's homophobic comments.

[Daniel]

When I was in school at Evangel College, I remember Ray as up and coming- along with Sandi Patti and Cynthia Clawson etc. Christian music really took off and became a big industry, keeping pace with the rise of evangelicalism, Pat Robertson and Jim Bakker: it was the 1980's. And since I left the AoG church, I didn't keep up with news about him.

It's such a time warp for me to learn that he has come out as a gay man.

The blade article- inadvertently perhaps- pointed out an issue that still faces us. And that is, Ray didn't come out until he ended his career, had invested his earnings, and could live comfortably. What does that say? That we still live in an atmosphere were there is a great deal of fear - especially in Christian music- about being gay. Hey! I don't blame him for not coming out earlier. After all, he was taking care of business, as he needed to. And it's a lot to ask someone to come out and - in the process- ruin their livelihood, isn't it? It does point out, however, how far we need to go.

This reminds me of David Kopay, who came out in 1975 after leaving professional sports.

I simply hope that Ray's coming out will encourage others to do the same. But again- there is that point of tension, isn't there? For those still in the business, what price will they pay?

[Emproph]

Let's see... 10% of 1.3 million.... ummm... probably the largest assembly of gay Christian men in history.
Depends on who’s counting. According to the anti-gay industry, we gay folk only make up about .0000000001% of the population. We’re practically invisible… But who’s percentiling counting? ;)
--
Anyway, I just got done fully reading the article myself. It’s actually quite thorough, and I encourage anyone who’s interested to take the time to read it through and absorb it.

This is a big deal. His coming out represents a major threat TO THE VERY IDEA that homosexuality is sinful.

Popular songs are eternal edifices, like the Pyramids, they NEVER go away. This is permanent anti-gay damage.

We may not see it, or hear about it, or know about it, but they are going to skin that man, and his family, alive.

Time to pray.

(Hey there's one for ya, u and t; "Pray Away the Anti-Gay.")

---
I left another supportive comment on the Blade-article web site. There was a brief sign up process (real name, code name, etc.), but when I was typing my message, it showed my real name, Patrick, but when I pressed “submit,” it came up as Emproph -- so just to let you know, don’t let that spook you if you want to leave some words of encouragement “incognito.” (or spar with somebody for that matter. Where‘s Andy?).

[Emproph]

And it's a lot to ask someone to come out and - in the process- ruin their livelihood, isn't it? It does point out, however, how far we need to go.

This reminds me of David Kopay, who came out in 1975 after leaving professional sports.

I simply hope that Ray's coming out will encourage others to do the same. But again- there is that point of tension, isn't there? For those still in the business, what price will they pay?

Not just that though, I keep thinking that it's the "business" and the whole notion of keeping their "business" and/or family going that distracts them from even having or taking... or feeling the imperative to take the time to REALLY think about it.

I think I'm trying to say that for some of them, it makes the situation even messier when you're just trying to find time for yourself -- ENOUGH time for one's self to work everything through, especially for some of these high profile people who have a thousand people clamoring for their decision on something at any given moment.

Like you alluded to, the fear - they never have enough time to work through all the implications of it to feel confident in making a formal decision.

Ironically, it's like the "ex-gay" industry says; it's not easy, it's hard, and can take a long time, but there is healing.

(FYI: I DO NOT ENDORSE THE EX-GAY INDUSTRY) ;)

[Gennee]

:love::love::love:Matt, I sent a word of encouragement to Ray. I love him and will pray for him. My love for gay people has shot off the charts after reading the post.

Gennee

:love::love::love:

[Daniel]

A fellow member contacted me about my post, saying that the reason Ray didn't come out wasn't because of economic concerns.

I don't have an issue with that. I did not, and do not mean to imply that Ray didn't come out because he cynically calculated to stay in the closet because it would destroy his career if he did. I don't, and can't know his thinking process.

What I simply meant to convey was the following observation, which is apparent to everyone here: coming out in conservative circles still has consequences. As it is, there is concern that Ray and his family will face the wrath of the same people he sang to. And if so, what is that about?

I would like to note that, whatever Ray did or did not believe (and he has gone on record in the article as saying that his beliefs have changed), he undoubtedly had- because of the worldview in which his career took place- every reason to not challenge that belief. Catch 22?

It's very hard to change one's life in a dramatic way- that is- come out- when everything in one's life is telling one not to.

I recognize that self-knowledge can come slowly, especially in the context of conservative christianity. And I can only be glad that Ray is able to have personal happiness at this time in his life- that is- accept himself for who he is. That's great.

[keltic63]

self-preservation is an interesting phenomena. We all experience it to one degree or another. in my situation, I got to the point where I no longer cared what happened to me, I was emotionally dead, so why not go ahead and be physically dead? and with that as a likely event, I no longer cared what people knew about me, so in one last act of self-preservation (choosing to live over everything else) I came out. of course, I've gained much now that i'm back, healthy, and living an open and honest life.

if only we could know then, what we know now. I'm sure Ray has similar feelings.

there is a cost to coming out....maybe Ray didn't get to that point when he was enjoying his performing career, but he got there, and I'm sure there will be costs associated with this event as well.

[pnggrad79]

Ray Boltz, REALLY? Are you kidding me? The "Thank You" song guy? OMG!!! I am almost tempted to laugh hysterically, but won't. It is amazing and in a way it is totally believable, but on the other, not so much.

Kinda like Kirk Talley and Mark Lowry or is it Lawry? Wow, we are really all over the place.

Come out, come out, wherever you are! The wicked witch is dead! (amidst hushed giggles and squeals of laughter)

[Matt Algren]

This is a big deal. His coming out represents a major threat TO THE VERY IDEA that homosexuality is sinful.

Popular songs are eternal edifices, like the Pyramids, they NEVER go away. This is permanent anti-gay damage.

We may not see it, or hear about it, or know about it, but they are going to skin that man, and his family, alive.I think you're absolutely right. Like I said above, you simply CANNOT divorce Ray Boltz's music from the down-home country churches in middle America. I tend to find his stuff a bit maudlin, but that's not the point. His music has become embedded in the church. The Last To Be Chosen, Watch The Lamb, The Anchor Holds, What If I Give All, Thank You, The Hammer, The Stones, Still Her Little Child...

This has the potential of forcing people to either write Ray Boltz off with violent words or reconsider some of what they think they know and allow for the possibility that they're wrong.

Huge deal.

self-preservation is an interesting phenomena. We all experience it to one degree or another. in my situation, I got to the point where I no longer cared what happened to me, I was emotionally dead, so why not go ahead and be physically dead? and with that as a likely event, I no longer cared what people knew about me, so in one last act of self-preservation (choosing to live over everything else) I came out. of course, I've gained much now that i'm back, healthy, and living an open and honest life.

if only we could know then, what we know now. I'm sure Ray has similar feelings.

there is a cost to coming out....maybe Ray didn't get to that point when he was enjoying his performing career, but he got there, and I'm sure there will be costs associated with this event as well.It's already started. I've seen several blog posts dedicated to either shaming him for having a "homosexual lifestyle" and "destroying his family" or praying for him because obviously the devil got ahold of him.

And that's just the amateurs. I hate to think what Dobson will be saying tomorrow morning.

Ray Boltz, REALLY? Are you kidding me? The "Thank You" song guy? OMG!!! I am almost tempted to laugh hysterically, but won't. It is amazing and in a way it is totally believable, but on the other, not so much.

Kinda like Kirk Talley and Mark Lowry or is it Lawry? Wow, we are really all over the place.

Come out, come out, wherever you are! The wicked witch is dead! (amidst hushed giggles and squeals of laughter)Last I heard, Lowry denies it and Talley is ex-gay.

Slowly but surely.

[Rick336]

It's already started. I've seen several blog posts dedicated to either shaming him for having a "homosexual lifestyle" and "destroying his family" or praying for him because obviously the devil got ahold of him.

That's ridiculous. This is Satan's busy time of year. First, he's got the McCain Campaign. And then he's got to get ready for Halloween. He can't take time out just to change a singer into a homo.

Rick

[sailaway58]

http://photos-d.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v337/67/83/1053984105/n1053984105_147955_7710.jpg
A great concert
http://photos-c.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v337/67/83/1053984105/n1053984105_147954_6775.jpg

[BrianB]

Jamie said: Added: I finished reading the Blade article.


Quote:
He'd met Bill McCartney, the founder of Promise Keepers, a controversial religious group that advocates men being the head of Christian households, at a meeting and ended up singing in front of 1.3 million Christian men at a Promise Keepers rally (“Stand in the Gap”) at the Mall in Washington in October, 1997.

I remember... I was there for that. And it got me thinking, anyone else on the forums have that event in their past? Let's see... 10% of 1.3 million.... ummm... probably the largest assembly of gay Christian men in history.

I was there for the Promise Keepers rally in Washington. We loaded up a van for an overnight road trip from Ohio to Washington. The same question was in my mind at the rally. How many of these men are gay? I was deeply closeted at the time.

[Matt Algren]

Ray's wife, Carol, has participated on this forum from time to time though she didn't identify herself as Ray's wife, she did share some about their experience with his coming out.
Now I feel weird. Mrs. Boltz is on the site and I had a brush with one of the younger Boltz's the other night when we both responded to a hateful blog post at the same time.

Hoping they're doing okay while Ray gets eviscerated by some really hateful, willfully ignorant people.

[Emproph]

Oh thank God, you guys made it out.

I feel envious but relieved at the same time.

Thanks for sharing those pictures.

-Patrick

[Gennee]

self-preservation is an interesting phenomena. We all experience it to one degree or another. in my situation, I got to the point where I no longer cared what happened to me, I was emotionally dead, so why not go ahead and be physically dead? and with that as a likely event, I no longer cared what people knew about me, so in one last act of self-preservation (choosing to live over everything else) I came out. of course, I've gained much now that i'm back, healthy, and living an open and honest life.

if only we could know then, what we know now. I'm sure Ray has similar feelings.

there is a cost to coming out....maybe Ray didn't get to that point when he was enjoying his performing career, but he got there, and I'm sure there will be costs associated with this event as well.

You make a great point, Keltic. I had to come out to my wife sooner than I wanted to (she found my stuff). It was a shock at first but now she has come to accept me being transgender. It was easier with my son. I haven't come out to everybody ut there may be a day that I may have to. I'm aware of the cost because I have decided to be visible and vocal.

Tomorrow, I'm attending the sevenstraightdays event. I will be dressed and a lot of people will be straight, I believe. It will be an opportunity to share what it is to be transgender. The way I see it, if one mind is changed, the cost will be worth it.

Gennee

[Daniel]

Tomorrow, I'm attending the sevenstraightdays event. I will be dressed and a lot of people will be straight, I believe. It will be an opportunity to share what it is to be transgender. The way I see it, if one mind is changed, the cost will be worth it.

Let us know how it went!

[Emproph]

Tomorrow, I'm attending the sevenstraightdays event. I will be dressed and a lot of people will be straight, I believe. It will be an opportunity to share what it is to be transgender. The way I see it, if one mind is changed, the cost will be worth it.

I didn't want to OT this thread so I posted it in the transgender thread. It's written by a transgender woman, so fortunately I had a place to put it. :p

But it's something inspiring that I read a little while ago, so based on what you just said, I thought I'd share it.

http://www.soulforce.org/forums/showthread.php?p=60721#post60721

Actually, anyone who needs an emotional boost from the barrage of oppression may want to read it.

-Patrick :)

[Unmasked]

The fact that Mrs. Boltz and some of the younger Boltz's are floating about is a little crazy, I am so glad they are, because to have such friends is wonderful, and they're going to need a lot of support as soon as Focus on the Family is done focusing on the political scene. I'm very amused at Dobson considering re-canting his statements about how immoral and anti-family John McCain is in light of him latching on to that Sarah Palin woman that he used to insult because of her "pork barrel projects", and is totally checking her out in that video (look for it on YouTube, the commentary is priceless). He has no respect for her, but I have to say that as a political manuever, sheer brilliance. John McCain needs every fundie he can get, which is why he switched poles on every one of those key conservative issues. It's sad when men would sacrifice their souls for power, and sadder still when they spill the blood of the innocent to appeal to the "Christians".

[sailaway58]

Getting back to the point at hand: ;)

Check this out:

RAY BOLTZ IN CONCERT (http://vimeo.com/1755093)

And you can see my wife, daughter and me as you watch! How exciting! :lol:

[nmwolfboy]

Admittedly, i usually run screaming from the room whenever CCM is played or performed. Renaissance or Baroque church music is more my style. But i found this man's story very touching. His sincere nature just comes through the Blade article. And dipping into the comments appended to that article, it's only too clear what a shit-storm some Christians are drooling to throw his way. That they claim to do so in the name of love seems to me to only demonstrate how much they must misunderstand the Way of Christ.

scott :dove:

[nervezapper]

I read this post a few days ago.

When I was in high school I took his song Watch the Lamb and made it into a spoken dramatic interpretation. I changed a few words around to make it like I was one of the children. It was one of my favorite speaches I ever did.

Looking back on his music this current news is not much of a supprise. He always had that bit of angst in his songs like he was working through some major issues. Well, now we know he was.

I know people who refuse to listen to music written or sung by gay people. It will be interesting to find out if these people will stop listening to Ray Boltz.

P.S. Its really weird to see him bald when he used to have that big thick mullet.

[nervezapper]

I just read some posts on other websites and I am filled with so much grief over the comments that "Christians" made about Ray. They still think that with proper prayer and guidance that he will be cured. I submitted a response to the Christianity Today article. It has to be approved before it is posted. For some reason I think it will never get posted.

[Emproph]

http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t273/musicchick34/chesirecat.gifGetting back to the point at hand: ;)

Check this out:

RAY BOLTZ IN CONCERT (http://vimeo.com/1755093)

And you can see my wife, daughter and me as you watch! How exciting! :lol:

Why, I could just book a flight, rent a room, fly right up there and kiss you...and I'm agoraphobic.

BTW, You guys got a GOOD shot @ about the 9:00 mark. Tell your daughter she’s famous, LOL. I don’t know about anything else after that, I’m about half way through.

While I was listening to the first half, I was putting it up on my site (http://genocideforjesus.blogspot.com/2008/09/he-didnt-just-come-out-he-came-out-to.html), I wanted to share it as soon as possible - that’s a PG13 site btw, not for queasy or puritanical. Yet not because of sex or language, but the post before Boltz’ has some ugly Holocaust pictures, JFYI. So, don’t go ‘perusing’ around unless you’re prepared to (not to mention, I can be a nasty little SOB when it comes to the anti-gay / “ex-gay” industries - and those that run them…).

So the link I gave, goes to that particular post alone.
--
Also, for anyone else who has a site, you can embed the video, they give the html code for it. It’s only coming through my left speaker though, so if anyone else has that problem, please let me know.

Anyway, as I titled my post, he didn’t just “come out,” he came out TO HELP.
__________
Thanks for the link Sailaway

-Patrick

[wmanion]

Ever since reading this post I have been caught up in a lot of emotions. I just finished listening to the concert and his songs tugged at my heart, just like they did long ago when I was buried in the closet. I use to sing in the choir at our AoG church and was a soloist. I sang "Watch the Lamb," and it was always an emotional song for me to do. Listening to him sing brought back a lot of feelings for me and the song he sang, "I choose Love," brought it home. Without even realizing it that is exactly what I have done in my life. I have chosen to love. Especially when it comes to my self. I no longer hate myself or who I am. I have chosen to love myself and in doing so have chose to love others with a genuine love and not just a "I love you cause the Bible says I have to love you kind of love." I am now on a search to find a church or a gathering of like minded people that I can worship with. So far, I have not had much luck. Oh...if Andy only felt called to come to Central Illinois or anyone else for that matter what a joy that would be. I sent the link to this concert to all my straight Christian brothers and sisters who still love me and have not condemned me in my coming out. I hope they are just as blessed by his music as I was.

Bill

[Unmasked]

Watch the Lamb is a big one from me, even though there's a guy back in my church who plays The Anchor Holds and Thank You all the time. I've heard the song twice in my life, the last time I heard it was at a UMC affiliated community event called Chrysalis (a youth off-shoot of Emmaus, there's information around the interweb, and I can talk about my experience with it in another place) but anyhow, two of the ministers that were placed there to guide and counsel us dressed as mimes and performed an elaborate interpretive pantomime-dance to the song, the most memorable moment being the crucifiction of the loaf. The song had struck me in a way I still can't explain. I don't think I shall ever forget that night.

Simply beautiful.

[Emproph]

Here's the concert (http://www.jesusmcc.org/news/archives/83), from the church site (http://www.jesusmcc.org/), with the set list. And I just transcribed the intro from Jeff Miner:

(P.S. I didn't put this is quote mode, just incase anyone wants to quote from it.)

~~~
Introduction by Reverend Jeff Miner, Senior Pastor: Ray Boltz has written and sung some of Christian Music’s greatest hits; Thank You, Watch The Lamb, I Pledge Allegiance To The Lamb. He’s sold more than 4 million albums and songs. His songs have repeatedly reached the top of the Christian music charts, including 12 number 1 hits. He’s won 3 Dove awards, Christian Music’s highest honor. He’s been an icon in the Christian Music Movement, although if you’ve read the blade article, you know that I was not aware of that until recently [audience laughs]. But then 4 weeks ago in Sunday evening church I--someone asked us to pray for Payton Manning, and I said “Is he injured?” [more laughter]. So, all things are relative.

What an honor it is for this church, and for our congregation to have Ray here to sing tonight. The timing is a special honor. Many of us who sit in this room have gone through a process of coming out. Where we have reached that time and place in life where we just had to say completely, and authentically who we are, and that is not easy. And there is a price to pay. Not just financially, but in many realms of life. So it takes a lot of courage.

I think all of you know that on Friday of this week, there was an article in the Washington Blade, where Ray shared that information, his coming out story, with the Washington Blade, and therefore with the world. And he’s been getting a lot of…interesting mail. But the world will never again be the same, and for those who have gone through the process, although it comes with a cost, I don’t think any of us would ever say we’d ever go back. [audience: “Amen!” / applause] There is a freedom that comes with that, that nothing can match.

But, as most of us who’ve come out experienced, when you come out, you don’t just want to be known as “that gay person.” You’re still the same full and wonderful person as always. And I’ve talked to Ray enough to know that, that’s not his primary identity, just like it’s not ours. And so he is here tonight, not to sing to us as a gay man, but as a brother in Christ, who happens to be a gay man. And we are honored that his first concert after sharing that information with the world, would be here with us.

There’ll be many detractors as Ray moves ahead, and so tonight, our goal, is to surround you with love, to celebrate your courage [rousing applause], to say thank you…didn’t somebody write a song about that…[laughter]. Seriously, we want to say thank you tonight, so, sisters and brothers, let’s give a rousing welcome, and our loving best to Mr. Ray Boltz. [applause, standing ovation, concert begins].

~~~And, another/follow up article from the Blade, here:

Ray Boltz unveils new music during weekend D.C. mini concert (http://www.washingtonblade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=21166)

[sailaway58]

Truth Wins Out (http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/exodus-vp-defends-the-lies-that-closeted-a-christian-singer/) has an interesting article surrounding the Boltz controversy.
Also This one is good:
Ex-Gay Criticizes Christian Singer’s Sexual Honesty, Misquotes Human Genome Project (http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/ex-gay-criticizes-christian-singers-sexual-honesty-misquotes-human-genome-project/)

[prairielesbian]

GET OUT OF HERE..........

What will my brother-in-law think of this? Ray Boltz is "his" favorite Christian singer - and my brother-in-law comes from that "tight" church way of thinking!

WOW!

I feel a dance coming on.....

BTW - I love Ray Boltz - have his music.

[nervezapper]

GET OUT OF HERE..........

What will my brother-in-law think of this? Ray Boltz is "his" favorite Christian singer - and my brother-in-law comes from that "tight" church way of thinking!

WOW!

I feel a dance coming on.....

BTW - I love Ray Boltz - have his music.

Have you found out how your BIL thinks about Ray now?

My grandpa liked a particular musician so my mom and dad bought him the newest record (this was the 70's) for Christmas one year. After my grandpa saw the cover he never listened to that person ever again because they were black.

I wonder how many people are refusing to listen to Ray?

[prairielesbian]

[quote=nervezapper;61134]Have you found out how your BIL thinks about Ray now?

/quote]

I have no idea what my BIL thinks - I've been cut from this family. ??? My niece did leave an article on myspace stating that Ray needs to pray and repent and be saved from his gay urges. The only thing I got from the article was the word - URGE????

Please define urge!

If interested, I can pull up that article up or invite you to my myspace page. Just let me know.

[prairielesbian]

Have you found out how your BIL thinks about Ray now?

My grandpa liked a particular musician so my mom and dad bought him the newest record (this was the 70's) for Christmas one year. After my grandpa saw the cover he never listened to that person ever again because they were black.

I wonder how many people are refusing to listen to Ray?

By the way how is Minnesota? I love Minnesota and got there often since I was born and raised in North Dakota. Miss my home area....

[nervezapper]

If interested, I can pull up that article up or invite you to my myspace page. Just let me know.

I'm doing a paper on Ray, trust me I've seen the articles and all the comments about how if he just prayed or got the right counsel or just repented that he would be straight. This is hitting me kind of hard. I grew up in the homophobic church listening to Ray and now I am coming out too. When I read those comments people are posting to Ray I know they are posting them to me too. I keep thinking that maybe I'm wrong, maybe I am not gay. If I could just have a relationship with a man I wouldn't have the feelings I have. But the thing is I can't ever imagine having anything more than a hug or a quick peck on the cheek with a man.

By the way how is Minnesota? I love Minnesota and got there often since I was born and raised in North Dakota. Miss my home area....

Right now Minnesota is beautiful! Nice and cool in the evening and 70ish during the day with some beautiful fall colors starting.

[u-dog]

NerveZapper,

Take it from someone who played that "whatifI'mnotwhatifIammaybetomorrowI'll bestraight" game for WAY too long. It goes nowhere and one day you wake up and realize that you've squandered a hell of a lot of opportunities to be happy. Spend a lot of time with other people gay and straight, male and female, and follow your heart. If you meet a woman and want to go on a date ... do it. and if you want to kiss her (and she wants to be kissed) then do it. Follow your heart. All those Conservative Christians who are snarling at Ray don't know what they are talking about and are simply saying the things they wish were true. Don't waste your time or energy reading what they have to say.

Be the person God created you to be the best way you know how and rejoice in the gifts he brings your way.

[prairielesbian]

NerveZapper,

Take it from someone who played that "whatifI'mnotwhatifIammaybetomorrowI'll bestraight" game for WAY too long. It goes nowhere and one day you wake up and realize that you've squandered a hell of a lot of opportunities to be happy. Spend a lot of time with other people gay and straight, male and female, and follow your heart. If you meet a woman and want to go on a date ... do it. and if you want to kiss her (and she wants to be kissed) then do it. Follow your heart. All those Conservative Christians who are snarling at Ray don't know what they are talking about and are simply saying the things they wish were true. Don't waste your time or energy reading what they have to say.

Be the person God created you to be the best way you know how and rejoice in the gifts he brings your way.

I'm standing behind U-dog and saying my AMENS and SO BE ITS!!!! :D

[Jamie McDaniel]

I watched the video from the MCC concert. That was great!

The lyric from Who Would Jesus Love that went "...leave the others waiting, like a stranger at the gate..." made me suddenly realize I had heard that before. Turns out Carol had emailed Soulforce that song to give to Mel back in May. I had listened to it and really liked it but didn't realize who it was (even though the email was signed Carol Boltz and stated her husband's name was Ray).

I wonder what other amazing news is passing through my inbox that doesn't register with me.

:inspector: <-- slacking!

[Emproph]

I finally watched it, and I have to say, I was quite taken with it.

Don't Tell Me Who To Love

gBQyJTXiOYs

___
http://rayboltzblog.wordpress.com/