Something funny that happened this weekend. Missionary related.

[clackamascoug]

Thank you. Everyone, and I mean everyone that knows me says the same thing. I truly have never been happier. Take this however you want, but since coming out and accepting myself for who I am, I finally know, for the first time in my life, that God truly loves me.

This is an interesting thought. Do we fight against ourselves to move ahead, or do we move ahead by giving in and going down the path that is not the one you're on. I'll have to think about that.

[pellegrino]

Congrats, Swimmer. I'm very happy for you.

[Non Sequitur]

Congrats. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you to deal with your family. I can't even order coffee when I go to brunch with my parents, because I don't want to deal with the grief they'll give me. You're a brave man.

[Swimmer]

This is an interesting thought. Do we fight against ourselves to move ahead, or do we move ahead by giving in and going down the path that is not the one you're on. I'll have to think about that.

That is a very interesting way to think about it, and I would never pretend to know what would be best for anyone else. However, I do know that even though I fought against it for a very long time, the path I have chosen to follow is absolutely the right one for me.

[Swimmer]

Congrats. I can't imagine how difficult it must be for you to deal with your family. I can't even order coffee when I go to brunch with my parents, because I don't want to deal with the grief they'll give me. You're a brave man.

I don't know if I'm brave, or if I just got to the point where I honestly felt like I could not go on anymore. I cannot tell you how difficult dealing with something like that is, especially when you want nothing more than for those feelings to go away, but yet they won't, and knowing you absolutely hate yourself for something you cannot control.

I try to never speak in superlatives, but I honestly don't believe one day went by from the time I was 11 until I was 40 that I didn't beg God to "fix" me. He didn't and I eventually gave up and accepted myself and what I am. Was I too weak? I don't know, but I do know I did the very best I could, and Life is too short to go through it hating yourself. If that's not good enough for some people, then unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to convince them. Besides, I have zero desire to change anyone's opinion on this issue. The only thing I wish for others is that rather than judge me for the choices I've made, that they might find a way to be grateful that they don't have to deal with such an issue.

Loving the person you are attracted to in every way is a great blessing from God, and I can finally say that I am able to do that now. Hopefully one day my family will be able to see my happiness for what it is, but if they cannot, I will never judge them - it is a very difficult thing for all involved.

Thank you!

[Jeff Lebowski]

I don't know if I'm brave, or if I just got to the point where I honestly felt like I could not go on anymore. I cannot tell you how difficult dealing with something like that is, especially when you want nothing more than for those feelings to go away, but yet they won't, and knowing you absolutely hate yourself for something you cannot control.

I try to never speak in superlatives, but I honestly don't believe one day went by from the time I was 11 until I was 40 that I didn't beg God to "fix" me. He didn't and I eventually gave up and accepted myself and what I am. Was I too weak? I don't know, but I do know I did the very best I could, and Life is too short to go through it hating yourself. If that's not good enough for some people, then unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to convince them. Besides, I have zero desire to change anyone's opinion on this issue. The only thing I wish for others is that rather than judge me for the choices I made, that they might find a way to be grateful that they don't have to deal with such an issue.

Loving the person you are attracted to in every way is a great blessing from God, and I can finally say that I am able to do that now. Hopefully one day my family will be able to see my happiness for what it is, but if they cannot, I will never judge them - it is a very difficult thing for all involved.

Thank you!

[byu71]

I don't know if I'm brave, or if I just got to the point where I honestly felt like I could not go on anymore. I cannot tell you how difficult dealing with something like that is, especially when you want nothing more than for those feelings to go away, but yet they won't, and knowing you absolutely hate yourself for something you cannot control.

I try to never speak in superlatives, but I honestly don't believe one day went by from the time I was 11 until I was 40 that I didn't beg God to "fix" me. He didn't and I eventually gave up and accepted myself and what I am. Was I too weak? I don't know, but I do know I did the very best I could, and Life is too short to go through it hating yourself. If that's not good enough for some people, then unfortunately, there is nothing I can do to convince them. Besides, I have zero desire to change anyone's opinion on this issue. The only thing I wish for others is that rather than judge me for the choices I made, that they might find a way to be grateful that they don't have to deal with such an issue.

Loving the person you are attracted to in every way is a great blessing from God, and I can finally say that I am able to do that now. Hopefully one day my family will be able to see my happiness for what it is, but if they cannot, I will never judge them - it is a very difficult thing for all involved.

Thank you!

Hopefully they will.

I have had some difficulty with a son who has chosen to live with a companion and not marry. I am pretty sure she wants to get married, but he just doesn't want to commit. I have gotten to the point where I can accept their relationship, but still feel uncomfortable when the subject comes up when I am with siblings or friends who are quite active.

We should not pay any attention, but it is easier said than done. Hopefully if outside influences affect your families feelings they will learn to ignore them.

[Swimmer]

Hopefully they will.

I have had some difficulty with a son who has chosen to live with a companion and not marry. I am pretty sure she wants to get married, but he just doesn't want to commit. I have gotten to the point where I can accept their relationship, but still feel uncomfortable when the subject comes up when I am with siblings or friends who are quite active.

We should not pay any attention, but it is easier said than done. Hopefully if outside influences affect your families feelings they will learn to ignore them.

That is tough, and I have great respect for parents who deal with disappointment such as you described. Being a Dad is the most important, most gratifying, and yet most difficult role I play in life. I'm sure most men feel the same way.