I did it and they are going to throw me a PARTY!!!

[nervezapper]

I was going to just add on to my previous thread but this was so amazing it needed it's own thread.

One of the assignments we had last night was to list each others strengths and weaknesses. After we wrote our answers we handed them to our teacher and she compiled them and gave us a copy (in her handwritting so we didn't know who said what) this morning. One of the comments I got was "needs to be honest with herself." Well, I took care of that one.

Reading our spiritual leader papers was the last thing we did for the class. I was a nervous mess. I thought about bringing out my Ben and Jerry's paper more than once. But I knew if I did that I would be kicking myself for a very long time. So after quite a bit of internal freaking out I read my paper about Ray Boltz.

Everyone, including myself, had tears in their eyes and I got lots and lots of hugs. My teacher looked at me with her trademark look and said "thank you". It's a long story, but she knew I was struggling with this. It was the assignments she gave me during a private session with her that helped me become more comfortable and able to come out.

At the next class they are throwing me a coming out party complete with balloons and Ben & Jerry's ice cream. I couldn't have asked for a better response.

[ctozrn]

That is really great! I am sure you never expected a response like that. Maybe this will help you on your journey in coming out in all areas of your life. I am sure not everyone will throw you a party but this will empower you to be true to yourself. It sounds as if you have come a long way. Congrats!

Christine

[Daniel]

Must have been a great paper! That's great!

Sometimes like is sweet. Like B & J. Enjoy the moment!

[Rick336]

Way to go nervezapper!!!:tup: on this great personal achievement. That's wonderful news! Enjoy your coming out party. :aparty:

Rick

[Gennee]

Congratulations, Nervezapper. I'm sure you were surprised by the positive response. Perhaps you won some converts. I pray that this will help you with your coming out process.

Gennee

:love::)

[scott snedeker]

Thank you for sharing!!! The Evolution of kindness and appreciation continues to manifest! Hoping becomes believing!









http://www.comicsbulletin.com/rage/images/041010/drawntogether.jpg

[tdogg]

Awesome Sophia! Really great. If only everyone could be so happy for those of us coming out. But truly events like this in our lives are not only meaningful personally, but go a long way towards progress, acceptance and equality. I'm really happy for you!

[nervezapper]

Thank you everyone for your support!

Wednesday I came home from work to a letter on the table from the associate minister, who also co-teaches the leadership class every other month. This months class was not her month to be with us so I was going to e-mail her my paper. I procrastinated as usual and was on my way down to my room (where my laptop is) to e-mail it to her when I saw I had a letter on the table. My teacher filled her in on the happenings of the weekend, including me coming out. Of course she is VERY supportive also!

I sent her an e-mail to thank her for the letter. We exchanged several e-mails. At one point I told her "Now, I don't need to send you my paper" and she replied with "I heard your paper was great. I'd still like to read it, if that's an option." I will always hold the following words from her near and dear to my heart "i am sooooooo proud of you, Sophia... just sooooooooooo proud!!!!! always i will support your truth seeking, your digging deep, your rejoicing at Reality, your welcoming of your Depth!!!! you are amazing, but i always knew that;) love, love, love, me" I'm not one to get choked up much, but those words really choked me up and continue to do so every time I read them.

Coming out so far has been so amazing! I know I can't expect this kind of response from everyone, but a person can wish can't they?

I still have my moments of being totally freaked out and playing the "what if I'm really not" game in my head. A common phrase running through my head is "OMG, what have I got myself into." Being gay goes against everything I grew up believing. I don't know if I'll ever be prepared for the times when coming out does not go so well. My mom is very much steeped in the fundie ideology and even participated at the vigil at the Minnesota state capital the day the marriage amendment was voted on.

But, I have a great group of people I can lean on for support!!!