tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post2072270149857515827..comments2023-05-21T03:53:49.288-05:00Comments on Icarus Always: Eventful Ponderingdaemonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09153553633523797522noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-79276326310489085932011-02-14T10:53:44.138-06:002011-02-14T10:53:44.138-06:00Daemon:
I was actually relieved to read your line...Daemon:<br /><br />I was actually relieved to read your lines, "The ties and bonds we build, even during recreational sex and sharing, still tangle up the feelings I have inside. I know more time will be needed to straighten out that mess in my head and chest."<br /><br />I've always thought and experienced that sexual sharing tends to build a certain kind of connection. I don't know what kinds of guys you were with, but they were fortunate to connect with you, and I hope (in spite of some confusion) that the connection with them was worthwhile. Why not pray for them?<br /><br />As to the conservative school you will attend, a high-energy guy like you will still have *some* personal time of some kind. Don't be surprised when you run into the closeted gay guys who also attend that school: just sayin. Conservative Christian schools *always* have closeted gay guys. If that happens, I hope God will use it in some good way.<br /><br />I'm so happy for you that you continue to work on integrating spirituality and sexuality. It will happen, and Christ is with you. :)<br /><br />Jeff: I also know two guys who used to be celibate gay Christians, got burned badly by their home churches, found boyfriends, and have ended up agnostic.<br /><br />Sometimes it makes me so angry. If the churches were welcoming of gay relationships, such "scorched earth" burning out of faith would not happen nearly as much. The other guys I know from the Gay Christian Network are a testimony to me that God is with his gay children, including same-sex couples.<br /><br />Kind regards,<br />michael eAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-63508997137554201142011-02-12T06:46:13.252-06:002011-02-12T06:46:13.252-06:00Daemon, thanks for your reply. And after posting ...Daemon, thanks for your reply. And after posting my message I remembered that blogs are supposed to be our own personal journals to just share what is on our mind. And for that I continue to applaud you. If we hide what we are really dealing with, then what good are we? <br /><br />I would treasure knowing you in person. People like you challenge the church to be real, to show real love and to be authentic. We all struggle with sin, each in our own way. When a pastor says from the pulpit that he deals with sin every day and that there is none righteous, no not one, would he reveal his real sins to anyone, even if he is working hard to overcome them, and how forgiving would a congregation be if our pastors were completely open with us. Jus look at the stats on pastors who have looked at porn in the last 30 days. Half the pulpits in the country would be empty tomorrow if congregations made that a criteria for preaching.<br /><br />I am an amazingly different person than I was four years ago when I started blogging and connecting with more and more Christian guys who deal with homosexuality and their faith, and I feel like I will be on a continuing journey for the rest of my life. I recently connected with a Christian friend from 25 years ago with whom I had shared in a small group my early story of seeking to overcome homosexuality. A few months later he opened up to me about his own struggle, but he moved away a while later and we never reconnected until recently. He didn't come out until his mid-30's since his church and family had greatly repressed him, and he is now openly gay, datnig towards partnership or marriage, and considers himself atheist or agnostic. We are having some fantastic conversations, which I would not have been able to do with him four years ago. It feels good.<br /><br />Thanks for your continued understanding and ongoing dialogue. I appreciate your response.<br /><br />Much love to you, brother.<br /><br />JeffAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-54522351565265981042011-02-11T08:32:11.664-06:002011-02-11T08:32:11.664-06:00Jeff,
I thank you for your comment and understand...Jeff,<br /><br />I thank you for your comment and understand the space it is coming from based on your beliefs and world view. The key word is "struggling". We have very different definitions as to what this means in the context of our beliefs.<br /><br />You see the "struggle" as a person fighting against their orientation and practice of homosexuality. I, on the other hand, see the "struggle" as learning to bring my sexual orientation, relationships and practice into line with my spiritual life as a Christian. I do not believe they are mutually exclusive.<br /><br />I do not condone promiscuity and hope that my post did not reflect as such. I know I have made some poor choices lately with my body that do not accurately reflect my beliefs but I think those were pointed out as symptoms of the larger problem I am having wrestling with the emotional and spiritual issues in my life.<br /><br />We come from very different places and define terms and lifestyle in vastly different ways. I will always be condemned by those on the evangelical fundamental side, and I am okay with that. They are left with no other choice or space in their belief system. It is all or nothing for them on the issue of sexuality. <br /><br />My life is what it is. I am new to being a Christian, but I do not use that as an excuse. Finding a space where my self exists with my new self is not easy. The transformation and conformation to Christ's image will take time and diligence.<br /><br />I can assure you that I have been challenged and convicted by others view points in my life and am always open to honest and frank discussion about our differences. Unfortunately, while I can accept others beliefs and ideas rather easily, they do not seem to realize that their jurisdiction stops where my skin begins.<br /><br />Daemondaemonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09153553633523797522noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-59660461708574732982011-02-11T06:29:38.791-06:002011-02-11T06:29:38.791-06:00It's hard sometimes to know how to respond to ...It's hard sometimes to know how to respond to your posts when you find out that you've been sleeping around with an assortment of guys. Guys that struggle with homosexuality who read your blog can be left with a feeling of how come he gets to do that and I don't. I want to empathize with you many times, but even if one supports same-sex committed relationships as a Christian, it's hard to figure out what is appropriate in leading up to that committed relationship. What role does Christ and the Bible have in determining that for you? I know that sounds condemning, but it's hard to share love as a brother in Christ when you're out just having a good time and giving in to the temptations that many of us face. Still I will pray for you, brother. And I wish you well in your upcoming schooling.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-1268812037198309132011-02-10T10:30:14.412-06:002011-02-10T10:30:14.412-06:00I've been watching you daemon, ever since we&#...I've been watching you daemon, ever since we've been friends, it seems like you've been working backwards. Idk, if this is good or bad (I'm gonna go on the bad side. lol), but this also has made you grow as well. With some of the questions that you've asked me about the bible, history, etc., I'm glad you did. Some of those questions do need to be asked, even if your very skeptical about it. Dude, discipline your mind and body, if you are serious about going to this school, that's all I'm gonna say about that. God is moving you, and is trying to get your attention. Are you willing to listen to Him again?<br /><br />Let The Anthem Rise<br />MattAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-191814566134809079.post-33159969441829068512011-02-09T23:35:19.477-06:002011-02-09T23:35:19.477-06:00"Almighty God, You are the consolation and gu..."Almighty God, You are the consolation and guide to all who call to You for help: Guide Daemon through his time of grief and great loneliness. Let him know that it is ok to cry and show pain and may he have one or even more people in his life to share that pain with. Father, may he not be lonely in his time of solitude but find grace and comfort as I have in love himself and his neighbor. In the Name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen."<br /><br />Hey Daemon. I am well aware of these kinds of moments. Know that I am only an e mail away if you wanna talk...or message me on GCN (ABrooks2007) ok?<br /><br />Peace,<br /><br />AndrewABrookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11933295480047868840noreply@blogger.com