October 11th is the landmark in the making of 33 years ago to celebrate National Coming Out Day. This day, created in 1988, is celebrated all over the world. I remember the day clearly when I first came out. How I was so petrified and confused by my feelings that I no longer wanted to live. I did finally come out and fell deeply in love. But God took a hold of me after identifying as a gay woman for 22 years and radically changed me from the inside out. God not only changed my heart, but everything in my life, including relationships and work. He healed me and set me free from addictions, deep trauma wounds, sexual abuse, suicide attempts, and homosexuality. He is still continuing to work in me with more healing. Today I live for Christ and share His story in hopes others will find their true freedom in Him that I so desperately needed.
The world celebrates this day and encourages others to “come out of the closet.“ No matter what God loves everyone and His love with the added love of others is what drew me in to Him. In today's society it is much less risky to come out as gay. Although it can be just as scary, even more so with no longer being gay or identifying as any member of the LGBT community. Coming out of homosexuality is not something celebrated within this world. It is the opposite of what it once was. Will you please help me celebrate with those who been delivered through God’s amazing grace and the power of His love.
Yep, I’m not gay. There is no place for hurtful words and rejection towards anyone. I have felt the stabbing in my heart and shunned on both sides. God’s love heals, redeems, and transforms. It is so important to have a safe environment where people can express their feelings unencumbered and be their true authentic selves. To be honest and vulnerable. It can be a serious matter of life and death. What is hidden cannot be dealt with. The body of Christ can bring healing to others through love in the heart of Jesus with a gentle and quiet spirit. All are made in the image of God and everyone desperately needs Jesus. First listen to others and build a relationship on trust, and love without an agenda, and always show grace before truth. It is such a delicate sensitive topic.
You have found a safe place here to have the hard conversations. God sees you and His love is unfailing. His love never runs dry and endures forever. His divine love empties us out of ourselves to be filled up with Him and overflowing to others.
The words Jesus spoke to His disciples just before His walk to the cross. "Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, as I have kept My Father's commandments and remain in His love." John 15:9-10 NASB
Wow! Can you imagine the deep love the Father has for His Son is the same love Jesus has for us? Let us rest in His unending love with our hearts set in His presence. Receive the invitation of His love. This is like a safe house where all can be secure. The blessedness of Christ's love to me brings me to honest submission of His commandments and to continue in His love. Everyone's life and story matters to Him.
May God bless you with being closer to His heart, shedding tears for those who are lost or suffering with pain and heartache, hardship, rejection, or persecution so that you will reach out your hand to help, comfort, and pray for them.