Sometimes courage skips a generation. However, that may not be said of the many men and women around the world that have privately, publicly and courageously said “No!” to both same-sex practice(s) and the LGBT identity. Not being ashamed of the Gospel, you have boldly proclaimed its precepts while standing up to an increasingly hostile culture that demands your silence. Thank you and bless you for bringing courage back to the Body of Christ.
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A few friends and ministry colleagues find it fascinating, if not intriguing, I remain in dialog with members of the gay community, including gay activists.
While not entirely, our conversation(s) and our exchange largely began because I became concerned and alarmed with all the media attention given to the bullying of members of the gay community, and, not much, to my knowledge, was or is being offered, mentioned, or discussed regarding the hate that is often spewed and perpetrated against men and women that have said, “No” to homosexual practice and have rejected the LGBT-identity.
I am confident many today are not aware there continues to be men and women with unwanted same-sex attraction that have and are making the personal decision to leave homosexuality. As a result, formerly LGBT-identified men and women are often reviled simply because they dare to exist.
Should not “diversity” and “tolerance” be a two-way street by recognizing and including the once LGBT-identified man or woman? We are real, and we are here.
Thirty-nine years ago, I said goodbye to homosexuality and the gay identity. Like all faithful followers of Christ Jesus, I had to face the decision of accepting or rejecting Christ’s Lordship. Coming out of homosexuality required deep emotional healing and a restructuring of my whole identity, as our Creator, God, is the only One who knows exactly how to restore our personality.
I remember so vividly when coming to know Christ at the age of 35, what it meant for the first time in my life to be a man. But more importantly, what it meant to be a godly man. For me to deny or not share what Christ has done in my life would be the equivalent of denying Him.
Thankfully and gratefully, I am far from the only individual that has experienced change. God has not been silent to the cries of men and women wanting freedom from homosexual feelings and behavior. Many have experienced the power of Christ to address the deep needs of both men and women trapped in same-gender struggles.
One gay activist challenged me by stating, “Phillip, while I commend you regarding your concern about ‘intolerance,’ I just can’t get my head around (ex-gay). Why don’t you just be true to yourself?”
“Be true to myself? That is exactly what I am doing.”
What makes one individual happy and content may not make someone else happy, because we are all individuals. I, like any man or woman, deserve the right to self-determination and happiness. To give sexual orientation protection to one group while excluding another is outright discrimination.
Without testimony from all sectors of society, including the once LGBT-identified community, public policy on the topic of homosexuality is seriously flawed.
Ex-LGBT-identified men and women are routinely denied equal access to participate in public school events and present on diversity day.
Ex-LGBT-identified conferences, workshops and seminars are frequently picketed by pro-gay protesters.
Transgender individuals are affirmed for changing their gender, but former LGBT-identified men and women are ridiculed for making the decision to address and change their sexual orientation.
Ex-LGBT-identified men and women are subject to an increasingly hostile environment where they are labeled as perpetrators of (hate) simply because they advocate for or live out a different belief and view of homosexuality.
Ex-LGBT-identified men and women are criticized and face lifelong intolerance for simply existing as living proof that homosexuality is not innate.
Frankly, the welfare of individuals, society, and the Church as a whole depends on our facing the subject of homosexuality honestly, compassionately, and courageously.
Yes, homosexuals have the right, as do others, to believe that homosexual behavior should be accepted as normal. However, they do not have the right to demand everyone else agree with them.
True love is loving in spite of our differences and treating each other with kindness and respect. This is what it means to live in a society in which freedom of speech, religion (and belief) is guaranteed.
Pastor Phillip Lee
Executive Director
His Way Out Ministries
His Way Out has been faithfully ministering to men and women seeking a way out of sexually broken lifestyles since 1994. We could not do it without the support of Christians like you. Every dollar that you give to His Way Out Ministries helps to further this vital ministry. Won’t you take a minute to prayerfully consider a monthly donation to His Way Out? Please consider making a one-time donation or set up a secure monthly PayPal contribution on our donation page at https://www.hiswayout.com/donate/. Thank you, Pastor Phillip Lee
