God Loveth His Children

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYwPUIfahwQ&feature=PlayList&p=9AB4C3B613844AE0&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=33

This a great video I was shown - It's a homosexual Mormon man speaking about his spiritual walk.  Though Mormonism has some different views from a Southern Baptist/possibly Quaker, the core views of salvation are very similar.  The Celestial Kingdom is the Highest degree of Heaven (for those who married in Mormon temple and achieved all that they could as a Mormon).  I do not know what exactly eternal life will be/look like, but it is possible some parts of Mormonism do have it right - I'm fine with thinking that I will be with my family in Heaven and with those whom I love that are Christ Followers.  Anyways, I typed out some of the highlights - the stuff that really made me like his message.  I strongly encourage everyone to watch it :)  

Clark Pingree

"For Whatever reasons God saw it fit that my soul be made homosexual, my creation can not be altered I believe it's a dangerous game to defy one's own creation, we see time and time again the danger of defying one's creation... I would much rather spend my energy devoting love to a same sex partner through a monogamous and responsible relationship..."

"I do not consider myself trapped in my orientation in immortality nor do I anticipate i will be rid of it in the next life - after all it is a part of the core make up of my soul.  I do not consider my homosexuality to be a personal retardation of which i will be released from some time in eternity.  I am happy to be just who I am - I have no desire to be free from myself."  

"I know that a life of solitude silence and false hope for change is not my plan of happiness.  To sit in a corner of silence about who I am, hoping for a change that will not occur, while looking forward to living and dying a lone, hoping to be transformed into a person that I am not is not what I would consider happiness... God wants me to be happy I also believe he created me as who I am for a reason - I no longer believe I will face damnation for finding and loving a soul mate in this life - and just like my heterosexual peers have the privilege to live with their eternal soul mate throughout the eternities I  also believe I will not be denied that same privilege... " 

"Some say that my beliefs on the eternal nature on my homosexuality indicates that I've been mislead - I recall one of my favorite Bible passages from Matthew, where Jesus states, 'beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep clothing but inwardly they are ravenous wolves, ye shall know them by their fruits.' The fruits that I've seen come to pass in my life by the acceptance of the eternal nature of my soul have been astoundingly positive.  I found new fulfillment and peace that i never knew were possible.  Amazing changes have occurred in my life as i have come to accept myself for who God has created me to be.  I am no longer fighting internal battles heavy burdens have been lifted of which i used to carry day and night - i feel free - I used to be hopeless and now i am hopeful.  i wake up with a smile on my face eager to face the changes of each day.  I enjoy a better quality of life.  I feel more resolute spiritually and emotionally.  my friendships are more abundant and have greater depth and understanding.  my work ethic and my focus on life's goals have intensified.  I treat people with more kindness than I used to.  I'm optimistic about my personal challenges.  My family relationships have become more honest... I live the Gospel more realistically than i have before - the saving power of Christ's grace has become an empowering force in my daily life.  I have a clearer understanding of what it means to be a Christian.  I found a new love of the 2 great commandments of loving God and loving ones neighbor exception...  Best of al I no longer ache...as explained my christ in the previous Bible passage 'These fruits are virtuous' and i am thereby led to believe that I am living a life that is right for me including the complete acceptance of my homosexuality. If I am mislead there is no way I would have such Godly changes happen in my life."

"If we truly remain consistant with the Old Testaments rejection of homosexuality  than we must also legalize polygamy, encourage concubinage, legalize prostitution, prohibit inter-tribal and inter-racial marriage, ban all forms of birth control, strip women of their civil rights and marry off our 13 year old daughters." 

"God created me this way and despite societal rejection of my claim I know that He is happy with who I am.  I don't have all the answers but I strongly believe that I have a place in the kingdom of God as a gay child of God."

PS- God affirms convictions I feel from the Holy Spirit through brave people such as Clark.