Homosexual Help For Students Struggling
Posted by Melody on March 3rd, 2007
In light of the problems with homosexuality that several Azusa Pacific students have had to deal with over the last year, and the conflicting messages the school administration has given them, I thought this article could be very helpful. Venus Magazine (aimed at lesbian black women) has the sweetest, most authentic article on gaining victory over homosexuality I have seen. Titled: Redeemed! 10 Ways to Get Out of the Gay Life, If You Want Out by Charlene E. Cothran, Venus Magazine Publisher
Here are a few exerpts:
“Over the past 29 years of my life I have been an aggressive, creative and strategic supporter of gay and lesbian issues. I’ve organized and participated in countless marches and various lobbying efforts in the fight for equal treatment of gay men and lesbians. I have kept current on the issues and made financial contributions to those organizations doing work about which I was most passionate.
As the publisher of a 13 year old periodical which targets Black gays and lesbians, I have had the opportunity to publicly address thousands, influencing closeted people to ‘come out’ and stand up for them selves, which is particularly difficult in the African-American community.
But now, I must come out of the closet again. I have recently experienced the power of change that came over me once I completely surrendered to the teachings of Jesus Christ. As a believer of the word of God, I fully accept and have always known that same-sex relationships are not what God intended for us.
I don’t expect that this message will be widely received, quite the contrary. But, I do know that there is someone, possibly reading this very article, who is tired and unhappy living this way. Someone, in your heart of hearts, is searching for a way out, but you just can’t seem to break free on your own. I am speaking to my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters who want real peace; the kind you’ve heard about, sung about, read about. It is simpler than you think to acquire it and there is no condemnation once you’ve entered it.
Although I have lived as a lesbian for my entire adult life, it is without a doubt my soul’s purpose to use my gifts to LOVINGLY share the truth about how we got here: how we came to be gay or lesbian, how we came to enjoy our ‘lifestyle’ and how we came to believe that this was OK with God. [Romans 1:21-28]
Many argue that each individual should determine for themselves what God intends for him or her. This would indicate that we each have a separate set of biblical rules to live by. This is untrue. If you are ready for change and willing to open yourself to the truth, God’s love can bring your current belief system in line with His Word. Jesus will cleanse and forgive all confessed sin from a willing heart. Homosexuality is only one of them. It is no greater sin than any of the others, but it is sin.
By now you’re asking, ‘Has she lost her mind? My answer is NO. I didn’t lose it, I gave it away! In fact, I traded it in for a new one! [Romans 12:1-2]”
Isn’t it interesting that we sometimes give our garments of clothing more care than we give our very souls. When we put on an outfit, we’re so careful not to lean against anything that might soil it. We protect it while we’re eating so as not to get a spot on it. We sit in such a way to prevent it from wrinkling. Treat your soul’s salvation with at least this much care. [Ephesians 5:15-16]“
“We know that the church has largely failed gays and lesbians by not being a welcoming place for those who have sought spiritual change. The invitation to ‘come as you are’ seems to be extended to everyone but us. However God has people everywhere who are open, real and willing to walk out with you. Ask the Lord to lead you to a loving, caring, bible-believing fellowship where you can be nurtured, be blessed, grow AND be a blessing. [Hebrews 10:25] ”
This statement really sums up what I think has happened in the church. As a Christian and a teacher in a public high school, I am confronted with struggling students every day; both with homosexuality as well as other sins that affect their lives. I guess they confide in me because they know I truly care about them and have a genuine affection for them so they feel safe in the conversation. I never back away from the truth with them.
I hope this is helpful to someone.
May 17th, 2009 at 9:07 am
You are deeply mistaken because Christ is okay with you being gay. I am saddened that you feel that you have to do what you did. APU is wrong discriminating against homosexuals on its campus. I recently heard of a APU former student Vincent Cervantes that had to withdraw from the university because he said he was homosexual. As a APU graduate I wll not contribute or support the University until APU becomes welcoming and affirming of gays. I am even thinking of protesting against the University. I will not encourage my students to go to APU.
November 15th, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Felix, I missed your comment here as I haven’t checked this site in 6 months. I am sorry that you seem to have hardened your heart to what God has actually said. When you say that you are “…saddened that you feel that you have to do what you did.” I have no clue what you mean. I didn’t do anything.