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This entry deals with some tough stuff, and might be triggering, read with caution
Well, my good mood has been shot to heck. I took the ex to church today, and left feeling like I had a one-way ticket to Hell, and the best I could hope for was a quick death. I was doing badly enough to be composing a suicide note in my head to write as soon as I could get away from everyone long enough to write it. Fortunately, with Kylie's help, I have recovered from that feeling.
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All I can say is
... If that's what happens at your church, you're doin' it wrong.
Don't go back there. You found the strength of will to dress as your true self and go out in public, surely you have it within you to stop putting yourself in situations that are harmful to you. Find a church that worships God. If there still are any.
Misty nailed it
I've had bad experiences with two different churches. The first was when I was a kid. The so-called youth was just another clique to shun me, so I stopped going there, but only after one of them made my cousin cry the one and only time I ever convinced her to go to church with me. That's also the one and only time I've ever been in a fight in my entire life too, but that's another story entirely.
The other church I left because, in addition to problems with the so-called youth group, the youth leaders were hypocritical asses who made another friend of mine feel very uncomfortable about being there.
I stopped going to church after that because I couldn't take it anymore. Honestly, any organization that makes you feel worse about yourself, let alone that makes you want to kill yourself, is NOT an organization you need to be a part of.
For what it's worth though, He doesn't turn a blind eye to people who mistreat others in His name. It's a terrible thing to see, and even worse when they don't realize why it's happening (another long story), but the best thing you can do for yourself, for Dorothy, is to avoid those situations.
Some would say it's running away, but personally I see it like sticking your hand on a hot stove. :-)
The important thing is to surround yourself with people who respect and love you for you, not for who they think you should be, or who they think God thinks you should be. They don't know God's will from a brick wall if they presume to speak for Him, especially judgmentally.
*hugs* Hang in there, dear, and remember that even the devil can bend scripture to suit his needs.
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Thanks again Zoe,
ALISON
'you have said it all.These sanctimonious morons spout religion but don't practice the same.To them,it is a sin
to be 'different',but who would want to be like them? Give them a big miss,Dorothy.
ALISON
I agree with the others
I agree with the others Dorothy. It is not logical to keep hurting yourself, and in fact a definition of insanity is, I believe, doing the same thing over and over and expecting the outcome to be different.
There are accepting churches, some of them not affilited with any main religion but in my mind may be more close to the attitude that many claim for Christianity. The Unitarian Church is known for it's acceptance of diversity, and the Methodists have a Reconciling ministry in some cities that welcome GLB and T and everyone else. Maybe if religion is important to you, you can find one of those churches or another that is accepting.
CaroL
CaroL
There is a difference between religion and faith
...and I've probably talked about it here before, I think.
There are lots of churches that are centered within the LGBT community. I have attended them in Phoenix, San Francisco, and San Jose. There are tons around. Many are independent, but some are affiliated with larger organizations. One group, TEN, is very active within the LGBT community. I personally know some of the leadership there and can personally attest to their sensitivity and concern for others. (See: http://www.t-e-n.org/)
There are 'main line' churches that welcome all who enter. I am a deacon at a small church in NorCal (Northern California) that is part of the United Church of Christ. Individual churches may elect to adopt an "Open and Affirming" Statement. (See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Open_and_affirming)
My point is that faith is important, especially to those who perceive themselves or are perceived as different.
My wife, Denise, is Chippewa Indian. Our tribe honors the 'Two-Spirit' and holds them in the highest regard as shamans and healers.
So, don't give others power over you by accepting their misguided judgments. God made you the way you are for a reason. Perhaps She just hasn't gotten around to letting you in on it, yet. That's still no reason to give up on Her.
I guess that somewhere I assumed that you were referring to a Christian church. Others will have to point out opportunities within other faith systems. I'm gonna stay with what I know.
Remember, too, that the difference between a blessing and a curse is your perspective.
Pax vobiscum,
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
Janet
Mistress of the Guild of Evil [Strawberry] Blonde Proofreaders
To be or not to be... ask Schrodinger's cat.
RELIGION
You don't need to go to church or any other place of worship BECAUSE religion is in your heart and sole and not in some fancy building with some guy up front thinking he or she knows more about how you feel than you yourself knows.So you know my background ,my grandfather's father was a teacher of the TORAH in 19th century Europe , my grandfather walkedout of a synagaue in 1904 or so because they wanted him to buy a ticket for the high holy days services (wich he did not have the money for) he never went back but prayed at home till the day he died.Now we have a southern Baptist minister in the family.---SO WHO NEEDS THE FANCY BUILDING --HUGS EVERYBODY RICHIE2