tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post6386210265950643936..comments2023-12-31T05:01:58.031-06:00Comments on Young Stranger: Choir PracticeJohn Gustav-Wrathallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-37995754136581982672007-07-02T16:35:00.000-05:002007-07-02T16:35:00.000-05:00My understanding is that, as an excommunicated mem...My understanding is that, as an excommunicated member, you can do anything a non-member can do. In my ward, we've had non members serve on committees. We had one who was an assistant scout master in our scout troop. We currently have an excommunicated member who is our bulletin coordinator.<BR/><BR/>And, you're right, there are a few bad apples. But, overall, Mormon's are good people.Abelard Enigmahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13166049686152203530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-12635889479700847812007-07-02T13:03:00.000-05:002007-07-02T13:03:00.000-05:00It's a bit unsettling to me how easy it can be in ...It's a bit unsettling to me how easy it can be in certain circumstances to slip back into the closet. Not that I'm trying to hide anything... Ultimately, if the brother had asked the question, I would have had to explain to him that I don't have a wife, I have a partner, and the ring signifies my commitment to <B>him</B>. But in these uneasy situations, it's amazing how strong your survival instinct kicks in, telling you to "Hide!"<BR/><BR/>I imagine the worst case scenario in a "coming out" situation would have been a moment of great awkwardness, followed by his possibly passing the information on to others to do with as they please. Would it result in me getting asked to not to sing with the special choir? I doubt it. Maybe if some folks knew, they might avoid me. But maybe some would actually be more sympathetic and supportive.<BR/><BR/>Rule no. 1 when trying to live in LDS Church community as an out gay man: expect friends in unexpected places. Mormons are generally good folks.<BR/><BR/>Rule no. 2: if you are honest and humble, the Spirit will step in and help when difficult situations present themselves. There is never any need to fear.John Gustav-Wrathallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-22837711748242607812007-07-01T16:28:00.000-05:002007-07-01T16:28:00.000-05:00"It left me with this queazy sort of what-if-they-..."It left me with this queazy sort of what-if-they-knew-about-me feeling in my gut"...<BR/><BR/>Don't we all feel that way? I mean, don't we all have secrets that we don't want others to know... and doesn't everyone have things that we have no idea are going on in their lives? <BR/><BR/>It's funny when we try to hide such "what if" scenarios from the Lord as well, as if He doesn't already know what is going on...<BR/><BR/>I often wonder what those in my ward would think of me if they knew that I was gay. Why am I so afraid of something that I just "am". Does that change who I am? Am I less of a person because of it? Of course not! And yet, I conceal it from everyone just the same.<BR/><BR/>I continue to find your story so inspiring. I marvel at the road you have taken. I am so happy for you that your ward is so accepting and loving and caring for you -not because you are or are not gay, not because you have or do not have a partner, not because you are a member in full fellowship or excommunicated for whatever reason - but JUST BECAUSE!<BR/><BR/>I find that simply breathtaking and inspirational.<BR/><BR/>I hunger to know more of your adventured down this "road less traveled".Beckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06159223254071653666noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-44914912521314405982007-06-30T10:22:00.000-05:002007-06-30T10:22:00.000-05:00JGW,I'm new to your blog world. I found your post ...JGW,<BR/>I'm new to your blog world. I found your post by skipping from Beck's blogs. I am touched by reading your "journey" of re-entry into our LDS world. Your reflections are real and heartfelt and totally inspiring to me. Your honesty with yourself and your ward is a shining example. Thank you for sharing.<BR/><BR/>I'm on a journey, too, brother. Surfing around the blogosphere this morning looking for something undefined consciously, your words and experience was just what I was looking for. I appreciate the understanding of men like yourself who acknowledge who they are and what they're feeling and still make room for faith and devotion. <BR/><BR/>We are at times in a tight spot, full of contradictions, but it is the love of God in our lives and the feelings of the Holy Ghost guiding and comforting us that make it all worthwhile nonetheless.<BR/><BR/>Like you, I find that singing is spiritual communion that confirms the reality of our faith in a loving Father in heaven. I hope you have continued joy in your ward choir, a connection to a greater whole that sings its heart out.<BR/><BR/>RonGeckoManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04846438788253129899noreply@blogger.com