[Rick336]

Jennifer,

Thanks for that quote. I love it.

To me it means that life is so much better when we live our lives as God intended instead of pretending to be something we're not.

I believe a healthy self-esteem requires that we approve of ourselves simply because we believe we have values that are worthy of happiness.

And I think an unhealthy self-esteem is when our self-acceptance relies completely on the approval of others.

The way I see it, sometimes closeted gay people are afraid to be open for no other reason than fear of disapproval from others.

And I believe many ex-gays seek to change their natural sexual and affectional orientation as an attempt to get the approval of their family, peers, society and God. Organizations like Focus on the Family and Exodus give them the approval they're looking for. They get married, have a family, and try to be straight only because it gives them the approval they desperately need.

But if a person has a healthy self-esteem they're happy with themselves no matter what others think. They know that their values and goals make them a good, moral person worthy of a good life.

"I'd much rather be hated for who I am, than loved for who I am not" That's the attitude of somebody who has high self-esteem.

Rick