Soulforce Community Forums

I was searching the web for places to promote my first recording and this sight kept coming up for some reason (I think it's because I used the word "inspirational" in my search "inspirational music forums"). Anyways, it looked interesting so I thought I'd join. A little about myself - I live in Bellingham, WA but spent a lot of time in the conservative midwest. My parents are extremely religious and I must admit I always struggled with the "exclusive" nature of christianity considering the inclusive messages of its founder. My little brother came out about four years ago to my mom and siblings. At first I was accepting and congradulated him for having the courage to share who he was with those he cared about. But my family and friends said I couldn't support this "lifestyle" and couldn't tell him it was "ok" if I was going to put "God first". So I started to get angry at Joey. The ramifications of him coming out were ripping my family apart and making me have to choose between him and my faith (or so I was being told). I never told him I was angry, but I did openly discuss the discord and my attempts to make sense of everything. Looking back, I wish I hadn't shared my personal struggle. Why? Because he was facing something more difficult and could have used unabashed support. Anyways, in the end I realized he wasn't the one making me choose. He never said "Katie, it's me or your faith." it was my friends and half my family. This is getting too long! I also recently shaved my head and the reactions of people were shocking! Which has made me more concerned for gay and lesbian rights. I'll have to share more sometime. btw, the song I mentioned earlier is here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4P0ik1IsJ44 lol...