Friday night and Saturday I learnt more about God than the whole time I have been a Christian. I realised also I have a long walk ahead but I have so much hope now after hearing all Anthony Shared. Every word he spoke or anyone had spoken had God flowing right through it. And because of that I was very overwhelmed, I havent felt God close to me in such a long time and I felt his love through all of you. Last night I said to God I found my place, my home, My tribe!! Ive walked 30 years and not felt like I fitted in anywhere and once I stepped foot into the meeting I knew I was with “My people!”. God showed me the things he has in store for me and the hope an healing I can bring about through my friends and church pastor friends I know.

I feel alive and set free. All the pain from the words many pastors and christians have said are starting to fall away and Im seeing the real me come out. In turn its rubbing off on some other friends of mine who are battling understanding themselves too. I always knew one day God would bring me closer to the GLBT community but I was always scared. Now I am so overwhelmed with joy and hope. I cry writing this because Im finally ‘me’ and no-one can take that away again.

Thank you all that were there. Just being there has really touched me deeply.

Love ya guys!

Shane.

Great story Shane- Thanks for sharing it.

We can support each other- because there are common aspects to our journeys. But we each take responsibility for our own journey.

I’m encouraged by yours- I sometimes wish that my journey was more like yours (I posted my story a couple of months ago)- but we can only move on from the point we are at now. And it sounds like you’re going in a good direction!

Ian

Well update again.

For the first time since coming out and clean about my sexuality I recived my first abusive email and it did stop. Ive been bombarded with continual comments by past friends of family, church friends and ex pastors. All have not been happy with my choices to the pont of expressing in anger, abusive language and even hate filled statments. I must say I was making comments I am so blessed Ive never experianced it. Well I now can say it came in a big way but it doesnt make me step back but move more forward in my walk God is guiding me in. My wife has even written letters n emails back to these people being an advoacte for Gay community. I very proud of how good shes taken this, it hasnt been easy but she pushes through regardless. What I can say is I am blessed to have a wife who is right by my side on all this.

Some encouragment… If your feeling the hate of others, ignorance of people or even discrimination know that there is an advocate who stands in that gap for ya. God is always there on ya side and no one can take that away from us. We are a great tribe of beautiful people and God created us unquie and such beautiful hearted people. Keep strong it gets better.

Thanks man… You always have the right things to say. Its the years of coming to a place of peace that have made you the wonderful man you are today.

hi shane….how are things going my friend.