when i first came to see LGBTQ people as a part of God's image, it was a process of years and months. it took multiple people intervening in my thought process, pastors hinting at other ideas of love, and friends giving me room to doubt.
when i realized i was a bisexual, it seemed to happen in a moment. there was the initial thought a few years ago that it might be something i would think about, but i didn't “get it” until recently. there i was sitting next to someone i had known and spent time with on multiple other occasions, and all i could think about is how beautiful she was to me in so many ways, and how lucky i was to be sitting with her. it hit me that night – how amazing it is to finally see something after so many years. as i went home, i cried tears of joy and surprise at what God was doing in my life.
i didn't make a conscious decision to change my orientation. all i did was sit in the moment, and that was all it took for me to finally see another part of who i am. since that night i've experienced a whirlwind of emotions. i don't know if my feelings will be returned, but what i do know is that i have supportive and loving friends. no matter what happens – even if she is the only one who makes me feel this way – i am so thankful that i am at a place where i know God loves me and has made me in God's image. i do not feel alone, and that is because of the movement of the holy spirit.
i don't know if i will ever be able to share this publicly in another way, but i want all of you to know that your work and witness matters.
Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
