First things first: I have a new video up! Yall sent in some really POWERFUL questions — especially about dealing with triggering people in recovery! It’s definitely worth a watch! (If I do say so myself!)
OK ONTO TONIGHT’S POST!
Well, in case you’re locked in a bunker somewhere and don’t know…it’s Pride Month.
I’m sitting here writing this from my Greenwich Village apartment in Manhattan, and I’m looking out my window at – I kid you not – probably 25 different rainbow flags flying from the various brownstone buildings and businesses.
The entire country is gearing up for the Pride Parade. Companies like Coca Cola, Chipotle, Nike, Disney, Dr. Martens, Bud Light and just about every other media/consumer conglomerate have adopted rainbow logos, LGBTQ+ positive slogans and campaigns. It’s as though there’s a competition to see who is the most “woke.”
And as someone who lives a hop, skip and a jump from the Stonewall Inn in NYC, believe me when I say I fully respect and understand the importance of June 28, 1969.
I’m going to be really honest: every Pride Month, I’m faced with this internal battle of: do I dare address the topic on my blog? Or do I just let it go? And every year, I cower back, afraid to touch this topic with a 12-foot pole.
But not this year.
Because this year, more than ever, it is so apparent:
We are worshipping at the altar of our own sexuality.
And believe me – this, coming from a heterosexual virgin…the irony is not lost on me.
This year, more than ever, it seems that there’s been this explosion of identity: people are, not so nonchalantly, making known their individual sexuality. “LGBTQ” is no longer adequate nomenclature. In 2019, it has expanded to: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Transsexual, 2/Two-Spirit, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Ally, Pansexual, Agender, Gender Queer, Graysexual, Demisexual, Polysexual, Cisgender, Bigender, Gender Variant, Gender Non Conforming, Demiboy, Demigirl, Genderfluid, Onmigender, Non-binary, Nonmonosexual, and Pangender. Among others.
We have made idols out of our labels. We’re so hungry for identity, and to set ourselves apart, that we have literally created a new language and social ideology to do just that.
And before I get into why I believe that is, I think it’s important to just pause for a moment here to address something vitally important.
I think it’s really easy to look at that list of identities and, since most are – let’s be honest – probably a foreign concept to a lot of people – it’s easy to think in terms of “us” and “them.” But it’s important, as we continue this conversation, to remember that there are people — someone’s son, daughter, friend, cousin — who identify as such. And even though we, ourselves, may not fall into that camp, or have any personal experience whatsoever with that – it’s important to have this conversation with compassion and with love — recognizing the personhood, dignity and value of each individual. And to remember that there is no “us” and “them” in this conversation — there is only a “we.” A human race, children of God, who are all together on this journey towards Heaven.
But back to the why.
Why are we so hungry for that identity? Why are we so desperately trying to distinguish ourselves that we’ve created a culture that worships our sexuality?
It’s because we have strayed so far from our true identity in Christ.
We, as a society, have wandered so far into the desert of godless culture, that we’re believing the mirages we see pop up in the sand.
Now, I’m not saying that these unique sexual attractions that people feel aren’t real to that individual. Not at all.
Having same sex attraction is a very real thing. And people — no matter who they are attracted to — are all children of God. They are all worthy of love, and acceptance, and compassion.
That’s not what’s coming into question here:
It’s the sharp left turn from, “I am a person with same sex attraction,” to elevating our sexuality to deity-status. And glorifying and worshipping the labels that we’ve created to express that attraction.
And that’s where the danger lies.
Our culture has chosen to drift far, far, away from the truths spoken into us by the Father. Truths that we are unique creations of God, and loved beyond our wildest dreams. Truths that we are made for more than this world, with a plan set before us by Him. Truths that we are heirs to the Kingdom of God. Truths that we have intrinsic value, and that our lives were purchased through Jesus’ incredible mercy and grace on the Cross.
We’ve abandoned those truths that *truly* identify who we are at our innermost core.
And so as a result, we’re turning to our own carnal nature, and trying to write our own biography. And surprise, surprise — it’s distorted. Why? Because we are products of The Fall.
And because we have a distorted sense of love.
Love is no longer a self-giving expression of marriage, that mirrors Christ giving His body to the Church on The Cross.
It’s distorted. It’s a self-serving act of pleasure. Look at the multi-billion dollar porn industry. Look at the sex-robots that are now a reality. Look at the dating app, “swipe right” hookup culture that is now the norm.
We don’t love people, we use people. Use them for pleasure, for security, for fulfillment of a physical/emotional/relational/social/financial need, to alleviate loneliness. Hell, for rent money! It’s become a commodity exchange. And our grasping for some sense of sexual identity is a reflection of that.
So where does that leave us? Where do we go from here?
Because spoiler alert: the answer is not locking the shutters and throwing a poo-poo party on the parade goers, celebrating sexual identity.
It’s to be beacons of truth. Take every opportunity to remind people of their true identity in Christ — through the love, dignity, compassion, and respect you show them.
Real truth is hard to find these days anymore. But when you do discover it…it changes you.
Be that truth. Be that person that reflects one’s true identity back to themselves.
Because that is the definition of true love: pointing the other back to God.
It’s wanting the best for your partner, and ultimately, that means journeying together, towards the Father.
Be that to everyone you meet. Today, tomorrow, and for every Pride Month to come.
“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5
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I think the beauty of your writing is that you can always feel the “heart” and it takes such skill to deal with issues in such a balanced way.
But I think we all search for identity and meaning…but I think you for starting the thought process because only open dialogue will help things move forward.
Excellent post!
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oh gosh, thank you so much Tyrone, I really appreciate you sharing that. This is such an emotionally charged issue, and I really was trying to communicate from a place of love, respect and compassion. So I really appreciate your support. Amen — we are all on that journey of finding our Identity and meaning in life. How beautiful when we can journey together and support one another along the way. So glad you stopped by. big hugs xo
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Dear Caralyn
That must have been a very difficult post to write, and your conclusion that we are all, regardless of sexuality, children of God, is very welcome.
Unfortunately Pride celebrations are still very necessary. You should remember that the impetus towards Pride came because society labelled homosexuals, and condemned them. Much of this came from the churches. Much of the current stigmatisation comes from the churches. Homosexuals refer to themselves as ‘Gay’ – but the words that society used were much nastier – queer, and faggot, and worse.
Thankfully, God is a great deal more merciful than His church, and accepts all of us with love. I shall continue to march in Pride parades to bear witness to that love.
With best wishes
Penny
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Hi Penny, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emotional topic. You’re right – I was very nervous to publish this piece, because I wanted to make sure my words communicated the love and respect I have in my heart. That is a really great point. The prejudice and discrimination faced by homosexuals is not right, and yes – we should celebrate the end of that. And the freedom to be who we are. Amen to that — God is great in mercy. I pray that we all can try to emulate His perfect example. So glad you stopped by! big hugs to you Penny xox
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Caralyn,
Does “Sex Rule” our lives making us false idol worshipers?
To a large extent absolutely! You’ve heard the expression SEX SELLS, and that is how many entities in corporate America have been alluring and selling product to consumers since before I was around and over the years I’ve seen that manipulation increase exponentially via printed, visual and pop culture mediums to an actual sickening level when you come right down to it! People are being bombarded and titillated with very powerful psychological messages that grab them where it counts in their basic instinctual motivating animal sensory behaviors that are part of our basic human drives to procreate and continue as a species of temporal physical beings; which leads them the mass manipulators to the ultimate prize “of reaching into our pockets,” and getting our money! But that is only a part of us and not the part that we should be allowing to dominate our outward or inward behavior toward one another.
Someone like the former Hugh Hefner built up a cottage industry over the years whipping into shape an “empire” worth billions all revolving on “exploitation of female sexuality and sensuality” that got many a man sucked in as a continuous paying customer to be mesmerized by the physical allures of a woman’s body. This rapidly expanded the pornographic industry to a shocking and really unbelievable level as the modes of delivery went from primarily the printed page in magazines decades ago, which then rapidly grew to the present digital age technology where anything one might imagine is at the fingertips on demand making it far too easy for anyone to be tempted and actually become poisoned by the powerful intoxication of desire and pleasure effects that are coaxed within the minds pleasure center by a myriad of lust adventures played out in the current available imagery. In a sense it’s getting nearly impossible to escape this tool of exploitation being deployed upon a “sheeple” public which has grown even way more permissive and secular over the last several decades! What I’m saying here is the “cat is out of the bag” or the modern “Pandora’s Box” has been opened; making for a huge problem or even mess in our culture and civilization as a whole, feeding right into all manner of depravity and actual criminal intent or behavior of the very twisted and sick minded that will even be more encouraged to be violent. Priorities have been allowed to disintegrate making this a multifaceted problem of great consequence in our modern era! Because of this selling tool human sexuality is now being used and abused daily! Those without discipline or who are too weak to resist become slaves to this monster or machine of manipulation!
All of this that I speak of has led to this explosion of twisted thinking and even radical departure from what was always considered to be proper appropriate behavior with regard to human sexuality; not just based on religious or philosophical thinking but even purely from a common sense standpoint! Now the time of anything goes has arrived and is it any wonder while people have been turned into slaves being led by their noses to do this or that with the narrative being as long as you feel good that is all that matters type of mantra being deployed these days! A very sick world is what we see! People thinking they are fine doing what they do now with even gender bending and they most certainly are not fine at all. The decline of humanity and civilization looks like THIS!
So then, YES Sex Sells, and many people will even sell their own souls!
Lawrence Morra
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Hi Lawrence, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this emotional issue. I think you hit the nail on the head — no matter which way you slice it, all sexuality has become exploited and distorted. The porn industry is a perfect example. We use people, not love them. Love has been equated with sex. Sex is a part of love, but in society, it has all but replaced it. And commoditized it. Lots of powerful food for thought here. thank you. hugs xo
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Hi Caralyn, oh don’t thank me I thank you for bringing up such a hot button issue and having such a clear perspective of it. You got me thinking and this subject has been on my mind many a time but I think like most people we all throw up our hands and say “whatever “or “what can I do about all of this mass confusion!” But the longest journey does begin with the first step and the American Revolution started with the first shot that was heard around the world as the saying goes. These hard left movements or agendas all started small and took root on the fringe until eventually with such a secular society brewing all the components were in place to allow what was once abnormal and outlandish behavior to be assimilated into the mainstream media and pop culture to the point where now public schools are teaching young impressionable children to accept all these radical ideas and or behaviors as good everyday living and encourage these young people to not have a negative reaction to them but embrace them and who knows you may find yourself wanting to be gay too!
I always end up back to the Scriptures, and in this case how it speaks to the time when people will witness “what was right will be wrong and what was wrong will be right!” Timothy 2 3 states, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.
2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,
3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
4 Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
Let me tell you, if I’m wrong and that isn’t our current state of affairs then I’m ready to eat crow for breakfast, lunch and dinner! God help us we are in big trouble, we who live in the digital age! The information highway has facilitated a direct link with hell and Satan! All manner of evil is upon us and I can attest to that by my own personal experience that I never expected would get this bad in my lifetime but it has! I see and I’m sure you do too how fast the world has gotten and how exponentially radical change or destructive forces are infiltrating all areas of civilization!
The pieces of the puzzle are coming into alignment very rapidly and the terrible Iran deal tipped me off to this even more so, now I see how the most evil of nations and peoples are usurping the forces of hell to bring calamity upon the earth and humans!
Thank you again for triggering this thinking and call to action as well; we all need to be mindful but also proactive in prayer and duty to the Lord our God!
In His Holy Name Jesus Christ! Amen
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thank you again. Amen — proactive in prayer!
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You’re very welcome and I’m with you on the prayers for sure! Amen
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✨💛✨
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Caralyn, the biggest stumbling block before the human race and there are many as I see it; and just confining this discussion to the good old USA for now, is that too many people in all walks of life think they can go it alone; leaving God completely out of the equation or trying to fake it with the Almighty in some half heartened faith in Him alone to lead us to any resolve and ultimately to Heaven; because after all these lives of ours are very short as I’ve had to learn to appreciate this fact for myself regardless of how many times I had been warned of that by loved ones and of course the Holy Scriptures! It became far too easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment or, just thinking as long as I’m maintaining the status-quo I was doing a good enough job according to any Divine plan for my life! I was sadly mistaken and know even now after some horrible trials in life over the last dozen years that I’m a hopeless mess without putting my best effort into loving and worshiping the Lord! I’m still not right and most likely will never be as long as I’m an imperfect flesh being here on earth, because after all how could I ever think to rise above my own shortcomings when indeed God Himself showed us His unfathomable endless love for us that, “He had to come here Himself,” to salvage our flawed and totally inept, corrupted souls burdened with weakness and sin that left to our own devices would surely sink to the lowest pits of hell. I did many good things and kind deeds throughout my life as I know I was and still am a good natured big heart of a person; but even with that I have failed miserably and dropped the ball so many times not doing better or even close to my best; which even if I did still falls short! The Scriptures point it out so clearly, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23; “there is no one righteous, not even one.” Romans 3:10.
Jesus Christ took upon Himself the judgment that “we” deserve. God in His grace offers us the gift of eternal life. But like any gift, it becomes ours only when we take it. I’ve read and witnessed how we must repent from sin but repentance is not so simple because it carries with it first genuine confession and sorrow for our transgressions or doing what we know to be wrong but nonetheless often still do! To make the commitment and real pronouncement of our truly turning away from sinful acts or behavior; this will then allow our changing or transformation to occur being made anew. We shouldn’t be asking forgiveness over and over again but yet returning to those sins and still expecting God to forgive us. We humans or children of God made in His image must turn from our practice of sin, making our best effort possible, and by faith in Christ as our Lord and Savior we can and will be redeemed or found worthy. “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9
God has promised, “To all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12,
I see now as I look back that I may have at times thought I was on the proper path and doing a pretty good job of following God’s will for me; but, in spite of all the many good acts and gestures I still fell short badly because in order to attain discipleship there is the cost of renouncing self; self-will, self-plans, self-motivations which I never really did in spades and I’m now painfully aware of this fact while at the same time happy I still have this opportunity to awaken more fully to His plan for me and pick my cross back up and follow Him to my salvation that He so lovingly is holding in His shed blood and body on His cross which He gave to all freely who will believe in Him as their only hope of salvation from all iniquity; He is our Lord, Savior and Redeemer Jesus Christ!
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” Luke 9:23,
Jesus doesn’t say to us seek a life of selfish comfort and ease but He instead calls us to a battle, to face all adversities of this life and material world that is so heavily influenced by the Devil.
He says clearly to us to give up our own plans and to follow Him without reserve or any discount; even to death.
Apostle Paul reminded us, “whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.” Philippians 3:7-8
Salvation by faith means commitment and trust and saying I commit my life to Jesus Christ and trust Him alone as my Savior and Lord.
I’m bringing all of this up now because your comment triggered a flood of thoughts and feelings I’ve been pondering and praying on for some time; so I decided right here and right now I would bring this out to you and whoever else will heed these words for their own good! This all adds poignantly to this Blog as I see it in a most compelling way, as I asked the Lord to inspire my words for His sake and Glory!
God Bless You and Yours! Amen
Lawrence Morra
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Renouncing self is definitely something that I have to work on. I think it is the root of all things that lead us astray. thanks for sharing Lawrence. hugs xo
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Caralyn, now you said it there in spades! I too had to take many years of being a good guy but still not seeing the forest for the trees like I should have! But, God through my real faith in Jesus Christ was merciful to me and gave me many chances to wake up and face the music! I wasn’t an arrogant self-centered egotist but I was still serving self, and my image even; actually very sinful and most of us do it or have because it is far too easy to be concerned with the here and now and what we are feeling in the moment as a person and even an actor! Shakespeare said quite keenly,
“All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts,
His acts being seven ages.”
One must pay attention not to serve one’s own ego, which can be so easy to do. I say much vanity is induced by our seeking too much favor of mankind, as we know from the lives and work of the saints that they were too “selfless and humble in our eyes,” we who take pride in our full measure of self-worth according to the man-made world!
Simply we can see by the example of Jesus Christ what we should strive for in being true to our purpose; and I love this Scripture which applies here! “So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work” (Philippians 2:12-13).
“This statement stands in stark contrast to a popular misunderstanding of salvation as a single complete act—a sort of bolt of divine lightning that changes us instantly and forever. It also militates against a widespread contemporary tendency to view the issue of salvation in completely rosy terms, minus all those things that are inconsistent with a modern therapeutic mentality—things like hell and fear.”
“In an important way, Paul’s words also affirm a vital plank of traditional Christian doctrine on salvation—that good works belong to the economy of salvation, that some effort, some element of cooperation on our part is necessary. Listen closely to his words. Paul is surprisingly explicit: “work out your salvation.” The translation here is an accurate one of the Greek katergazomai, whose root ergon means work and is the source of our words energy and ergonomic.”
“Of course, the next verse makes an extremely important clarification: “For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work.”
“We work, but it is really God who works through us. Here we have an extraordinary affirmation of the traditional teaching on the relationship between God’s grace and our free will. Here is St. Thomas Aquinas’ brief synopsis in the Summa Theologica: Free-will is the cause of its own movement, because by his free-will man moves himself to act. But it does not of necessity belong to liberty that what is free should be the first cause of itself, as neither for one thing to be cause of another need it be the first cause. God, therefore, is the first cause, Who moves causes both natural and voluntary. And just as by moving natural causes He does not prevent their acts being natural, so by moving voluntary causes He does not deprive their actions of being voluntary: but rather is He the cause of this very thing in them; for He operates in each thing according to its own nature (Question 83, Article 1, Reply to Objection 3).”
“The last line is the key to the whole. “He operates in each thing according to its own nature.” In other words, God moves inanimate things lacking free will according to their nature. The rock falls due to the immutable laws of gravity: it has no choice in the matter. His operation on the rock does not change its nature. Likewise, He operates within us without changing our nature, which includes free will.”
“This is exactly what Paul seems to be saying (as Aquinas himself points out). He states not just that God works through us, but that he works through us in a way that we too work. And not only that but also his working through us causes us to desire His goodness. That word, desire, is also sometimes translated as will, which is a valid translation of the Greek thelein. (This word may be familiar to some readers in the term Monothelitism, a seventh-century heresy which held that Christ had only one will, thereby denying the fullness of His humanity in what was essentially a throwback to the older Monophysite controversy.)”
(catholicexchange.com)
I see that true humility is what I had lacked at times perhaps not being strong enough in a given moment or too deluded and mesmerized by the trappings and allures of the world and flesh! I was wrong to not try harder, and I only hope and pray that my Lord Jesus Christ will forgive me and allow me enough time to get my act together, as I even cry now in sadness, thinking of His unfathomable love for me but yet I didn’t try hard enough for Him my Savior and only Salvation from the world and myself; but I’m still a work in progress begging as I rightly should for his mercy once again!
God bless you and all who read these words to be in God’s good graces and that you will always seek His Divine Truth!
Lawrence Morra
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We are all works in progress
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Indeed we are but to me we are more like the flickering flame of a candle that surrounded by a massive world of conflicting energies that flame has no chance of overwhelming anything as it could be flickering away and in a millisecond be no more; making it obvious that as any of us move into the future toward our individual journey’s end, one should be concerned with one paramount question of will the work be completed in time. I’ve seen many an individual racing toward something but before it appeared they completed anything or had a chance to adjust course it was over.
That is why to me it becomes more imperative to address worthiness daily because as I said; I thought I was doing fair to midland in how I lived my life looking back, and now see how I was so lucky and blessed to have not been taken back then or have my flame extinguished, because I had no clue about what I see wrong in myself now; and how much better or more I could have done. I guess what I’m saying is that staying in the good graces of God is not as simple and as clear as one might think. When is my good, good enough; or is my best really my best! Being here, in the here and now I can definitely do much better than before, which is a great blessing and opportunity!
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👍🏼
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Beautifully said. It is sad that a Catholic must go to an eating disorder blog to get what should be coming from our Bishops.
Sexuality really is the new religion, isn’t it. One who does not at least pay lip service to it is ostracized at least as much as the athiest was in the old days.
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Hi JP, thank you so much for your heartfelt response. Gosh, I am humbled by your generous words. And wow — what a true and powerful statement — sexuality is the new religion. isn’t that the truth. Wow, I will be thinking about that for the rest of the day. Thank you so much for stopping by and for your support. big hugs to you xo
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Caralyn,
I noticed just now one of your commenters said God is very merciful and accepts us all with love, which is bending the truth of what He has taught humanity and is very misleading in that; God has stated clearly in His word to us that in the end time there will be all manner of perversion and that is what this Pride nonsense is, all a selfish twisting of the gifts God gave humanity, using them to please one’s self and do his or her own thing! Abusing what God intended only for loving couples to share in procreation and making a family or more “children of God” has now become I can love who or what I want and get all the pleasure doing it that I want! Me, me, me is all this is, and these people have lost their way but by intentionally choosing these twisted worshiping behaviors over truly loving God and His plan for Humanity! They in essence say we know better than God!
Deception abounds and in no way will God accept that type of thinking or behavior nor the manner of perversion that is being propagated; as it is clearly what Satan did in his challenge of God’s absolute authority in all things! This is all work of the Devil. Yes God loves us but demands that if we Love Him back it will be reflected in our abiding in His teachings and not the worlds or Satan’s! Nowhere in Scripture or even in sensible logic does it say that two men or two women can do as they please using their sexuality to pleasure one another and that will be just beautiful to God and fit right into His plans for we His children!
Rebellious children are in trouble and homosexuality or gender bending are learned behaviors; and there is nothing natural or befitting in them when it comes down to how humans should behave and live!
Remember End Times, the signs will be quite evident! “The Blind Leading the Blind!”
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on that day, when we have to face our Maker, I just pray for every single one of us. I don’t want to have to account for the things I’ve done in this life. And I just pray, Lord, have mercy on my soul!
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Caralyn,
I noticed just now one of your commenters said God is very merciful and accepts us all with love, which is bending the truth of what He has taught humanity and is very misleading in that; God has stated clearly in His word to us that in the end time there will be all manner of perversion and that is what this Pride nonsense is, all a selfish twisting of the gifts God gave humanity, using them to please one’s self and do his or her own thing! Abusing what God intended only for loving couples to share in procreation and making a family or more “children of God” has now become I can love who or what I want and get all the pleasure doing it that I want! Me, me, me is all this is, and these people have lost their way but by intentionally choosing these twisted worshiping behaviors over truly loving God and His plan for Humanity! They in essence say we know better than God!
Deception abounds and in no way will God accept that type of thinking or behavior nor the manner of perversion that is being propagated; as it is clearly what Satan did in his challenge of God’s absolute authority in all things! This is all work of the Devil. Yes God loves us but demands that if we Love Him back it will be reflected in our abiding in His teachings and not the worlds or Satan’s! Nowhere in Scripture or even in sensible logic does it say that two men or two women can do as they please using their sexuality to pleasure one another and that will be just beautiful to God and fit right into His plans for we His children! Sin and corrupting of what God intended is not part of the plan.
Rebellious children are in trouble and homosexuality or gender bending are learned behaviors; and there is nothing natural or befitting in them when it comes down to how humans should behave and live!
Remember End Times, the signs will be quite evident! “The Blind Leading the Blind!”
Lawrence Morra
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Right on, we are all one in God! God is love! Sex is NOT love nor is it sin; original sin was not sex, it was disobedience to God. Why do you think Christ taught us to pray “Thy will be done”? I wish the LGBTQ would just stop shoving their sexuality in my face.
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Amen to that – all one in God! That is something to celebrate each and every day! Thanks so much for sharing your heart on this emotional issue! big hugs xox
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Amen sister! Thank you for lovingly and courageously addressing this. Such good reminders!
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Thank you so much Kimmy! I really appreciate your support. Yeah, I was terrified to push publish on this post, and I really appreciate your warm reception. Big hugs xox
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This post was a really great read.
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Thank you so much Tori 🙂 I’m so glad it resonated with you. big hugs xox
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Beautifully put! It’s very popular to worship ourselves and our own sexuality, but as we’ve seen from history, is a deceptive choice. That path is wide and smooth, but ultimately leads to misery and destruction. Is that what we really want?
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Thank you so much Natashya! You’re right about that — I always try to remember that God gave us the commandments not to “squelch our fun” or oppress us, but because He loves us and wants us to live in Freedom. He was protecting us from ourselves. And when we put other idols before Him and make ourselves a god in our minds, it’s a recipe for disaster. Thanks so much for taking the time to read! big hugs xox
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Such a thought provoking blog from an angle most shy away from. Thank you for this x
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Thank you so much! Yeah, I was pretty nervous to publish this post. I appreciate your warm reception. big hugs xo
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Wonderful post and perfectly put. Yes, sexuality has become an idol.
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Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support. You’re right about that. A dangerous thing indeed. Big hugs to you xox
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Your post is well-balanced and objective. No matter where any of us might be in life’s incredible journey, God still loves us. He expects us to love one another as Jesus taught us.
It causes me to pause and wonder . . . why can’t more people identify with Christ and His salvation.
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Thank you so much for your support. You’re right — God still loves us. His mercy is great, and THANK GOODNESS for that!! So true — we are called to love one another. Period. Makes me wonder too. Thanks for stopping by. big hugs xox
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Life is really simple, Caralyn. As you know, there are two basic paths in life. One leads to God; the other leads away from God. We either walk the path to God, and worship Him along the way, or we walk the path away from God, and worship ourselves along the way. Been there, done that with the Israelites wandering the desert for 40 years. We are those modern-day Israelites. Have a GREAT day/weekend and stay on the right path! Ted
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THank you so much for sharing your heart on this. You’re so so right about that — there are 2 choices. And I’ve never thought about it that way but it’s so true – we are the modern day Israelites! What a profound thought, Ted! thank you!! hugs xox
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What a kind and open way to speak about such a huge challenge in society. Great job!
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Thank you so much Cheryllee, I really appreciate your support. Yeah, a tough issue for sure, but there’s an opportunity for healing conversation, I pray! 🙂 so glad you stopped by. big hugs xo
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I have to admit I was hesitant to read this one. I always assumed pride activities were a celebration of “hey we are here, too. We are also part of the human race. We belong” I never thought of it as a declaration of “other” but more just “accept me as I am.” It was so beautiful to see your point of view here about being a “we” all belonging to god.
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Thank you so much for your honest and heartfelt response. Amen – we are a WE, — a family made by God — and that is what I want to celebrate 🙂 so glad you stopped by 🙂 big hugs xo
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I’ve gotta say, that was a very, brave Post. I was just looking at my Trump t-shirt yesterday and thinking how sad it is that I am unable to wear it in public.
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thank you so much, yeah i was super nervous to publish this. i feel you there, friend. hugs xox
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This. Yes.
On a related topic, I think that some of the arguments I’ve heard in favor of abortion also show that we (as a culture) are worshiping sexuality. Abortion is essential health care. I did not consent to be a parent or do gestational work. Being pregnant harms my mental health. All of those are based on an assumption that having sex with no consequences is an essential and necessary part of life, and that the right to do that is more important than anything else, which it is not.
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That is such a powerful point. Thank you for sharing that perspective. I agree. hugs xo
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I feel that there is nothing unique about being Gay. I do really feel bad that being an old Straight guy is about as unique as it gets. And they do not have parades for every year. I do not know why they have parades because the LGBTQWTF community parades around all year long. Just my opinion. Love you.
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thanks for sharing your thoughts xo
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You are welcome.
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✨💛✨
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Sister, I wanted to make an important distinction here to something you said. You wrote ” And to remember that there is no “us” and “them” in this conversation — there is only a “we.” A human race, children of God, who are all together on this journey towards Heaven.” I agree we are all the human race, but the Bible is clear we are not all children of God.
We are all made in His image, but remember in the garden, we lost that image because of sin? Something died. Adam and Eve did not curl over and die, but the image of God and image of LOVE they bore did. So we are not all born children of God. We are born children of Adam. And we must be “born again.” (John 3).
John 1:12 ESV-“But to ALL who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.”
1 Peter 1:23 NIV- “For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.”
I value your message but wanted to share this because it is truth that sets us free. And Jesus made it very clear that unless we know Him, the Truth, and come to believe in Him, we are not children of God on our way to Heaven.
Bless you and all you do sincerely
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Jesus and Nicodemus
John 3:1-8
1. Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews;
2. this man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.”
3. Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4. Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?”
5. Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
6. “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.
7. “Do not be amazed that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’
8. “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit.
So to be born again, it means this, but what your talking bout as good a way to think about it as the following :
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26
FAITH
So if you have faith it is good to believe you are a child of god if you follow Jesus words. If you aren’t believing this your gonna struggle to be born again as your faith is lacking, so do everything to uplift yourself in Jesus name so that you do believe it, have faith dear
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sry misunderstood what you meant exactly your not talking about believers
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thank you so much for this information. amen – He is the Way, Truth and LIfe. hugs xo
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Absolutely xoxo!
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✨💛✨
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And to what you said about sexuality, and identity as becoming idolatry increasingly, couldn’t agree more!!!
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thanks again 🙂 i appreciate you taking the time to read and respond!
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You’re more than welcome!
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🤗
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I just cannot love this enough. Once again, my thoughts exactly. We’ll never be complete or experience joy unless we identify with Him. Peace!
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Hi Adrienne, thank you so much. I’m so glad this resonated with you. amen – identity in Christ! hugs xox
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Well said, Caralyn. I’m not against the LBGTQ people either, what I don’t like is identity politics. Being dismissed with a label (“…phobe”), being shouted down and not being able to have an meaningful conversation with people who have different perspectives or just wanting clarification. It’s relationally dysfunctional.
IMO, we are an overly-sexed culture in general. A lot of this is marketing but all forms of sexuality are being pushed in our face constantly. In that regard, our culture has created the idolatry.
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Sorry, I meant LGBTQ. Don’t mean to offend. A little dyslexic there. 🙂
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not to worry!
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Thank you so much Mel! I agree — labels do nothing but divide and alienate. And very true – there’s a lot that we as a society has idolized – and sex definitely tops the list. hugs xo
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Wow! Really well-put. I love your take on this
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thank you so much, i appreciate your support. i was super nervous to publish this so I’m grateful for your warm reception. hugs xo
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I really enjoy reading your posts. Keep up the hard work. 🙂
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Thank you so much Amanda! I’m so glad this resonated with you 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by! Big hugs xox
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How do you write so theologically sound and yet express it in an elegant and relatable way? I am a 35 year old cradle Catholic but am nowhere near your level of understanding and writing! Yours is hands down my favorite Catholic blog and in all sincerity, you have a gift, a grace, a calling, a vocation as a Catholic writer and please always use your platform to preach the Word! 🙂
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Oh my gosh, Teresalee, what a kind thing to say. Thank you friend. I am truly humbled by your generous words. Gosh. thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sending you so much love and hugs xox
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so in other words this problem actually goes deeper than Christianity, every human being has ‘concepts’ in their mind, and people should stop simply considering Christianity as someone else’s religion same for any system created by our wise ancestors from Islam to Hinduism etc, we are all one people and beyond these religious systems is the truth of the universal law of love, these religious systems are created so that the human being can maintain a clear/ pure level of mind and intellect that isn’t distorted by delusion by creating right concepts becuz many simply aren’t/weren’t capable of it by themselves. So everyone universally has a habit of gathering concepts in their mind that now your mind is locked into a certain way of thinking by their concepts, and or beliefs. So we should not be having celebrations of labels or idolize concepts that lead to identification and separation based on sexuality, sexuality is constantly in delusion that is the nature of sexuality, the mind creates whatever fantasy it can to slip you into the delusion, so actually now people are idolizing their fantasy, this is the cold hard truth, we are not these things its just the mind has become conditioned to believe it, becuz maby in 5-10 years they will have some new idea of how they identify with sex in their mind or maby next week. The problem is impermanence, all ancient wise religious systems direct us to worshiping the ‘absolute’ or connecting with that diviner power at a deeper level. Now… we are celebrating surface level conditioning that it is being embedded(as identification) and celebrated? Is this good? Mby some won’t like this but what we want is a pure mind so that we can create pure things in a harmonious world, where people aren’t in opposition but co-creating this. Now forget sex, because the problem is delusion – without clarity we cannot all come to the realization that we need to stop worshiping at the altar of consumption food/sex/(gaming) anyway lets just say hedonism, becuz if everyone just keeps consuming this planet will not support us in 100 years. the only reason our resources are being wasted on feeding this consumerist attitude is because peoples minds are being fulled with wrong concepts that lead to hedonism.
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Hey Caralyn!
Excellent post. Very well said. As a pastor, I love your willingness to address this…and your loving delivery makes all the difference.
Appreciate your unwavering compassionate voice.
Keep up the great work!
~Chuck
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thank you so much Chuck for your support! it really means a lot — i was really nervous about posting this, so i am incredibly grateful for your warm reception. big hugs xo
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what an article to post!
(i read some of the comments above…)
i appreciated your closing reflections, be that person that reflects… and journeying together…
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Thanks David, I appreciate that
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I love your posts. Thank you so much for finally speaking on this topic. 💛
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Thank you so much Laura, I appreciate your support! Yeah nervous to post this, it it was put on my heart so i had to do it! Big hugs to you xox
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Yes, I always support you girl. Love your blog so much. Sending hugs and love back to you.
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✨💛✨
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I would like to read this post again in ten or twenty years. My feeling is that it won’t age well. I disagree with the statement that “we don’t love people, we use people.” Has that been your experience? I’m sorry if has been, and hope that you see the world differently one day. Heed the words of the platitude just below the Patreon ad on your page: “Be an encourager, the world has plenty critics already.”
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Thanks a Megan for sharing your thoughts. That statement comes from experience both personal and witnessing the world around me. And I do try to heed those words – I think my words in this post – and in my catalogue of posts – have been written with the sole intent to encourage and offer hope. Because you’re right – the world needs bright spots. I’m sorry if you don’t feel they live up to that intention. I appreciate you stopping by. Hugs and love xox
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The title of your post was SPOT ON 🙂
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Thank you so much Jeanne!! I’m so glad this resonated with you. Hugs and love xox
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We LOVE reading your posts!! This is so good. Thank you!!
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Hi Michael and Joys! Oh thank you so much! I’m so glad this resonated with you guys! I really appreciate your support. Hugs and love xox
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Truth and brilliance! From one Catholic writer to another, thank you.
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Thank you so much John, I really appreciate your support! This was a scary post to publish so i am grateful for your kind reception. Big hugs to you xox
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You said this all very eloquently and I completely agree. Identity is so much more and ‘clearer’ when we seek God. That is why there is so much offense wrapped up in this matter, because any difference in opinion is taken as a personal attack against what they hold as the core of their identity. And as followers of Christ we know they are more than that, so much more, that He died for them, for all of us. Each broken people, searching and discovering who they really are and hungry for love. God bless!
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Thank you so much Riley, I’m so glad this resonated with you. Amen – I think we’re all hungry for love! Hugs and love xox
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Well said Karalyn, you are truly a voice of Providence for your generation
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Thank you so much Dan – wow I am humbled by such generous words. Hugs and love xox
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I appreciate you taking the chance to not put down those in the LGBTQ* community through your words and instead focus toward inclusivity and love which, through my heterosexual eyes, has always been the goal of not only Pride Month, but also Christ’s ministry. I have always held strong to the belief that we have so much more in common than we do that separates us.
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Thank you so much Jordan. Yes! Common ground is a much better bridge to build than divisive thinking!! We’re on this earth to love our neighbors!! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
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Is what you write about in this post not mirrored in Biblical times when other nations setup idols, temples and altars and as stated in the Bible, had all kinds of sexual immorality take place? I will never separate those identities listed in your article from those with porn addiction, or those that commit adultery. Sexual sin is sexual sin. I do not say any of this with a thread of hate in my thoughts or words, but I do say them as you said them, we live in a fallen world. I never thought I would say that I agreed with Madonna about anything, but I read this week how she hates social media and the addiction it causes because she is now dealing with that very thing with her daughter. It distorts our vision and makes us blind to “truth”.
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Oh wow – Madonna is onto something! So true – social media is supposed to be a social thing and yet it actual can isolate a person. And lead to unhealthy comparisons and distortion of truth. Hugs and love xox
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As always, very thoughtful and lots of wisdom.
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thank you so much Barbara, I’m so glad it resonated with you 🙂 big hugs xox
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Oops! Once again I got caught in my cave dwelling not knowing it is pride month. I really depend on you to tell me what is going on in the world. You are the only one to capture my attention with your wonderful, enlightening, and so very interesting, and entertaining posts. You are a treasure. Ha ha ha the “This coming from a heterosexual virgin” part is hilarious. I absolutely adore your openness and self-belittling which is the cool and endearing opposite to PRIDE excuse my pun. Since I am a many year practicing celibate male, I can relate. Thank you for your boldness for taking on this subject. You continue to be my champion, my knight in shining armor, taking on the tough issues we are faced with today. It brings back memories when I was working as a security guard in Santa Fe New Mexico when our company got the city contracts for security including the Gay Pride celebration, putting me right in the middle of it all. A truly wonderful article. Thank you again.
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thank you for sharing your heart on this, and for your incredibly generous words. I am humbled by your kindness. Wow that sounds like quite the experience in New Mexico! hugs xo
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When my gay brother died. I was, a part of the autopsy. He had, everything. Lots of money. A house. Friends. I had nothing, just a wannabe cop. He was jealous, that I could be myself. That, his dad loved me. I was given up early by my mother. It’s, complicated. I think, that’s why I have few attachments in life. Myself. Anyways, I always kind of thought my daughter might be gay. I certainly didn’t force school dances and dresses on her. She wanted to be Spiderman. Learn Capoeira. Boxing. Volunteer. She never liked me much but she wanted to be like me. 😂🤔 She was baptized at a mega church and later she tried to take her life. Coming out was hard for her. A lot had to do with social rules overtaking her own autonomy. She. Like, my brother thought that they had no choice against the safety net of suburban life. Of, the framework of their separate churches. If, I had to give up church forever to save either one. I would have to because it’s what dad’s do. Go to hell for their children. My daughter has found a way to live and has worked to heal that part of her soul. She even goes to church. Her church, did everything right. It was, a hard thing. We interpret, a division that might separate kids we’ve known forever. Not, just the church but our collective consciousness.
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Hi Kenzie, thank you so much for sharing your experience. You are an incredible father, you know it? I’m so glad your daughter is doing well. Praise God for that. So much powerful food for thought here. hugs xo
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I’m okay. I’m sure, your dad. Would have done the same.
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fathers are such gems
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You’re gonna be a good mom, someday.
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Thank you 🙂 God willing x
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Maybe meet a man bun, bearded, vegan, Bikram, firefighter, fashion designer, stock broker overachievers? 😂
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Haha
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I used to think, someday, someone. I feel, like I’ve tried that enough. Looking for someone, is like a part time job. Maybe that’s, gems. Waiting in the dust and rocks and passed over until someone says, “This one.”
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Hang in there. They’re out there!! All in His time!
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He built the world in a day. I’ve been single a decade. 😂 He, has not much to do with how we judge each other. Sorry, I said anything.
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It’s okay!
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Just, I’ve been waiting my whole life to be, loved. I don’t think God, would do that. We, chose that path to compartmentalize and put people down. The virtuous, “the do as I dos” teaching that love is, things. People, with the most things are loved the most when Jesus, had nothing.
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Hang in there Kenzie 🙂
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Nope. 🤷♂️ I was mad at God. God wants me to be single. To feel, alone is still feeling.
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Props for your bravery!
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Thank you so much! hugs xo
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Very well written.
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Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time to read it! hugs xo
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Never figured it out except that science no longer counts: If you are born a certain way, by a juggling of genes, how do you take pride in what you had nothing to do with? Weird. This doesn’t count if you are gay, cis, whatever, by reasoned choice…don’t know. I’m glad I have eyes but have never taken any pride in the fact that they are green. I have skin, too. And hair.
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Hi Dennis, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Yes — the times we live in!!! hugs xox
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Great post. Someday maybe we will all be able to be ourselves without fear of what others think.
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Thank you so much for sharing your heart. Amen to that – that will be a beautiful day indeed. hugs xo
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Beauty, you’ve nailed it! I expect a lot of blow-back, but I am so proud of how your are growing in your Christlikeness!
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Hi friend! oh gosh thank you so much for your support! I was really nervous to post this one, so thank you for the kind reception! hugs xo
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Kid you know I think you are amazing, and one of the reasons is that you truly love everyone regardless of who they are and what they identify as.
BUT, they have been been driven away from Christ by those who claim to follow him. Why, because the book of the lord calls these people abominations. “good christians” try to fix them, or spit on them, or in social media degrade them to no end…
Before someone can ever accept any god dude or dudette, they first need to accept themselves. Sometimes it take a label and being part of a group of like minded people to do this.
Thank you lady for loving all regardless. I understand what you are saying, but I stand with the rainbow flag flyers against most Christians on this one.
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Hi Tony, thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. What beautiful words — there’s a lot of truth in the power of community and acceptance for sure. Something to think about for sure!! big hugs to you xo
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Dear beloved BBB,
Are you ready for the irony? Because I am about to lay it on you. So you are a without question an inspiration, you encourage many through your personal fight and struggle against addiction, yet the irony is WE YOUR READERS HAVE NOW BECOME ADDICTED TO YOU. hmmmmmmm.. something fishy is going on… lol. jk.
I had to stop by for a quick moment to get my BBB fix. Will you please give a little thought to making yourself accessible by live chat complete with a live video feed for like 5mins out of the week ? You know like amazon customer service or something like that? Au revoir for now.
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Hi Ben! hahaha oh my gosh you’re too funny! That’s a great idea with the live chat! I will have to figure out how to set that up! 🙂 thanks for the idea! big hugs xo
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Gutsy but so thought provoking. Well done.
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Thank you Leah, I appreciate that 💛 Hugs and love xox
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These are powerful quotes:
“We are worshipping at the altar of our own sexuality.”
“We have made idols out of our labels. We’re so hungry for identity, and to set ourselves apart, that we have literally created a new language and social ideology to do just that.”
There were other powerful quotes, but those really stood out to me. Thanks.
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Thank you so much Don, I’m glad this resonated with you 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by and for your support. Means a lot! hugs xo
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