Hello, my name is Ty

[Tylur]

My name is Ty (nickname, not biological name). I do not even know how to word my thanks to this website, specifically to Rev. Mel White. I was raised as a very conservative Christian, and like many Christians, part of that involved being ingrained with the message that homosexuality is a choice, and a sin against God. Imagine my suprise, then, when around the age of 17, I started questioning my sexuality, questioning why I was so attracted to other girls, instead of the guys I was dating at the time. When I was 18, I began coming out as a Lesbian, much to the dismay to my Christian family members. (But apparently to the relief of several coworkers, who later told me they had known I was gay long before I did) For the past few years, I have struggled with the guilt of being a lesbian, feeling like I was letting God down - by something I had no control over. Last night, the night of my 21st birthday, I found the link "what the Bible says, and doesn't say, about homosexuality" on someone's Facebook page. Curious, I read Rev. White's arguements, and was nearly in tears by the end. Not once, in the past 4 years of knowing I am a lesbian, had I ever even considered the thought that I had been taught those verses in the Bible out of context. I had never considered that God doesn't even care whether I'm gay or straight, I had only made excuses, like God will forgive me, or I can't help being a lesbian. While I admit that after 21 years of being taught differently, I am still skeptical, Rev. White's words have brought me to a new level of thinking regarding my homosexuality. I have passed on the link to my half-brother, who is a pastor, and my sister, who like me, was raised reading and studying the Bible. I have requested that they read it, and think about it, and give me their opinion. So thank you, Rev. White, for planting a new seed of thought, your words have brought me more hope than I have had in a long time.
Ty

[Gennee]

Hello Ty and welcome . I read your lovely introduction and have to say that God loves you as a lesbian. He created you this way for His glory. I'm so happy that you are here with us.

Gennee

[celestial_rain]

Hi there Ty I had many of the same struggles you are facing. And I finally have come to the realization that God loves all of us how we are, its how he made us. But that is a realization that I had to come to on my own through much prayer and thinking...yes, other people having the same belief helps, but God is truly the only one who can give us those answers. I wish you the best of luck to finding your own truth about God's Truth.

[SolApollo]

Hello Ty & welcome to Soulforce,

You are not alone & many of us GLBT have been through difficult struggles. Like the story of Joseph, we've been thrown in the pit, prison (metaphorically speaking, of course), but it prepared us to be in the palace or promised land of love & acceptance. We may face battles ahead and behind us, but God will help us win every time.

Peace & Blessings