Renee is a well-educated physician who had everything she wanted in life. She had a long-term monogamous relationship with her lesbian partner, a son, a house, an accepting family and a great church. But, something was missing. Despite having all these things she had no peace. And, she didn’t know why. She found herself sitting [...]
Entries Tagged as ‘Narratives’
March 22, 2009
Beauty from Ashes of Shame
This morning I shared my testimony yet again with a church congregation. Like most people, I feel naked standing before a crowd of eyes staring back expectantly. Its not easy to publicly address something as intimate and controversial as sexuality. But aside from nervousness there is another, weightier emotion that surfaces when I am asked [...]
February 15, 2009
Kissing Boys
My first kiss was under the vast African sky while on a summer mission trip to Zimbabwe. I was 15. He was 17. It went like most adolescent first kisses do— awkward and slobbery. I thought, “This is what I have been waiting for?” And Sung, equally puzzled, commented, “You’re a good kisser . . [...]
February 7, 2009
Dennis Jernigan’s Story
I mentioned in a previous post that Dennis Jernigan’s music has been a source of much encouragement to me over the years. In the videos below he recounts his own painful struggle with same-gender attraction, and how God met him in that place of despair. God redeemed his pain; today his worship songs are sung [...]
January 21, 2009
My Coming Out Process, Part II
My last post recounted the years of turmoil I experienced in coming to grips with my same-sex attractions. I was often full of despair. I hated myself and believed God hated me too. Then in the fall of 1999, I had a profound spiritual awakening that marked a turning point for me. I became enlightened [...]
January 18, 2009
My Coming Out Process, Part I
In a recent discussion, it was pointed out that those who are further along in coming out of homosexuality sometimes forget what it is like for those still “in the thick of things.” Thus, I thought it might be meaningful to recount my own journey using quotes from my journals. I have written hundreds of [...]
December 29, 2008
Melissa Fryrear Interview
Update: The video is now available again on vimeo. See Part I and Part II.
Update: The video is not available at this time. However, the audio can be heard here. The mp3 file is on the Skyline Church website under sermons, October 19, 2008.
I recently stumbled upon this video interview with Melissa Fryrear. Pastor Jim [...]
December 5, 2008
Hope: Sharing My Story at FCC
Last weekend I was invited by pastor and friend, Andy Lewis, of Faith Community Church to share part of my story with the congregation. Another friend, Dana Orlando, also shared. The topic was how to find hope in the midst of painful life circumstances. Andy interviewed Dana and me about difficulties we have gone through and how [...]
May 12, 2007
How Far Will We Go?
The defining moments of life lie in our response to God when the unexpected comes. Sooner than later we face a rude awakening: Christians are not exempt from pain. Life will treat us unfairly—and God will allow it. How we grapple with our faith at these pivotal turns sets the direction of our lives. Do [...]
