I was raised strict Apostolic. (No pants for women, no movies, tv, make-up etc) So coming out was so hard for me. I spent 2 years crying myself to sleep at night asking God to take this away if it wasn't who I am. Through those years, it dawned on me that I was created by my Creator just as I was. I am totally at peace now with "who" I am and my relationship with The Creator. I live a moral and decent life, I have dedicated my life to helping others. I would put my life right along side any of the so-called Bible-Belt Christians who try and condemn me. Actually, I pray for them. My God/ess love me for who I am.

thank you, anyone else want to share?

I feel the same way I love god but being gay and loving women has made me turn away from the church than life fell apart I dont know what is right from wrong and Im trying to learn who I am(if god is love and he says he loves me and im a lesbian dos he now hate me?)

no, He doesn't hate you sis! God loves us all! It's His followers who think they're doing what He would have them do by casting us aside that hate us. But, in the end, we'll all be standing side by side in that line and when God calls my name and I step forth to hear Him name all my sins and determine my judgement, I will not be going to Hell because He loves me and He has forgiven my sins. Honey, as long as you've accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and know that He died on the cross for you and is the almighty savior, you have nothing to worry about! I love you and so does God and that's all that matters. Return His love, sis, and you'll be joining us in Heaven as well!
Mandi

Those who profess to believe in God, should stop to consider that the God they worship is not a discriminating one. After all, didn't He create each of you in His image? How can you or I be looked down upon if that is the case? Those who like to preach the teachings of the Bible, should realize that is interpreted differently by all. No two people, will get the same from It. Those who live in glass houses... shall not cast the first stone. Looking at a lesbian or a gay man... and considering them unworthy sinners... is to say that you are sin free. And we all know that's not the case. We are all sinners. Believe it or not.. I'm not a religious person... I believe in energy and karma. My higher power is whatever gives me strength. But, I respect all religions and I also know that no God hates anyone for being as He/She created them. That's my .02 cents.
Traci

Thank you sis, that is so true. Thank you for sharing!

OOOhhh.. finally a conversation that is not condemning... I have to say that as a lesbian who has basically been banished from family and church, I struggle alot with religion. Not so much spirituality, but with the concept of God. I have read alot and studied alot but have found that I need something that brings comfort to my soul and not shame into my life. I have had a really hard time finding a church that doesn't shame me for being gay.

When I first came out,I, of course, quit going to church. Then I found that there are alot of churches that open their arms to everyone. If you live in or close to a metropoliton area look for a Metropolitan Church (Here it is Nashville Metro Church)(and it it 80% gay.) The Unitarian churches have always embraced their gay members (and their Pagan members also...talk about walkin the walk.) Check with your closest GLBT resources for gay/friendly churches.
Peace

it's easier than that, even...do a yahoo or google search on "lesbian friendly churches (your city, state)"...I was surprised at the results I got...there're tons of churches out there for us!!! I hope you find your home. God bless sisters, Mandi

i'm more of an atheist than anything else, but i was at one point a firm believer in God....but from what i know and what i think, i don't think God would condemn any of us for being who we are. i don't think God would condemn us for loving and living our lives. we are who we are, and i think that God loves us for who we are.

Thank you. You know it's sad...The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and get on with their lifestyles. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable.

I've struggled with my relationship with God ever since I fell in love with a woman for the first time. I went to a counselor who specialized in religion and was also a lesbian herself. In my time with her, I came to realize that my God is inclusive, not exclusive. Given that I was raised in a very religious (Christian) home, it is very hard to find love from a hell-fire-and-brimstone God whom I grew up with. And just because I see God differently now doesn't mean that my struggle is over. But it does give me some hope that God/Jesus loves me.

I too am a Christian, but of course quit going to church. I've struggled w/this for a long time, and still am. But I know God loves me and I love Him. He's got my back & is down for me no matter what the case (except sin). Gos is inclusive; He wants all of us in His kingdom. Great topic MOwens!

http://wouldjesusdiscriminate.com/biblical_evidence/romans_1_21.html
Found this site very enlightening. Maybe you will too.
Peace
ren

I suggest we study our Bibles & ask God for guidance.

I believe the author misinterpreted the book of Ruth. In particular, the type of love they had for one another wasn't romantic.

What do y'all think after studying?