Religious stupidity rears its ugly face again...
So recently I was contacted by one of my childhood friends over facebook. I figured "Hey, its about time we caught up on what each other has been doing" since its been years since we last spoke. To make a long story short, I was basically told that being gay was wrong and that I was wrong being such.
I'm now quite pissed off to the point where I just want to scream at the guy, but I've just resorted to blocking him.
If this keeps me from the kingdom of "God" so be it, I'd rather be happy and rot in hell.
Robert
Hey buddie! How ya been? What happened bro? I mean, when we lived back at Edwards we were best of buds. Then we moved apart and somehow stayed connected for a while. But then one day I tried callin ya and your number stopped working or something. Hey man, I'll tell ya one thing. I can not easily forget the one person in my life who helped turn my life around off the beaten path during the early teen years. Amongst all other influences, you were among the top 5...just so you know. I know I probably haven't been the best social bug around but I just don't think it's right to put something down like that. Yeah, you're a part of my past but I definitely want you a part of my future. and NO I'M NOT GAY OR BI. I'm happily married, in fact, for 7 wonderful years! Got 2 beatiful kids! AND I proudly serve in this nation's Army. (can't BELEIVE they're even debating the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy! sheesh) N'ywayz, I hope you get this, man. I can't wait to hear from you again! Gimme your number, too! I'll call ya some time! k? Take care man and God bless! ~Robert~
Me
Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. Glad to hear from you, and that your doing well. I've been doing ok, just slowly rebuilding things.
I kinda had a breakdown a few years back, ditched my cell and talked to practically no one for a few years. Spent that time trying to rebuild my life and get everything back into somewhat of an order. It wasn't anything against any of my friends, I just...I dunno had to dig my own hole for a little while.
And trust me, I of all people am not going to be scared off by someone's life choices. Since I myself am gay lol (mums the word, parents still don't know).
Glad to hear the marriage is going strong, and congratulations on the kids! I can't really say much to serving in the military as I have many friends getting screwed over by them right now, but thats my own opinion :P
Robert
Wow, gee man, I don't know what to say. For one, I won't be judgemental because I myself can be judged in one way or another just as equally. This has got to be a more recent development, though. I mean, shit, you're the only friend I've known so long that I'm still in contact with. Probe your memories and you'll agree that we've been through alot together. I don't know if you remember, but one specific act of compassion from you brought me off the beaten path during adolescence. Do you remember? I came home from school one afternoon to my mom handing me a note from you saying, "Don't forget about your friends..." and something along the lines of how much you said you, Jimmy, and everyone else we knew cared about me. Do you realize how much of an impact that had on my life? Don't you know that I probably wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for that? Think about that for a minute.
I've been thinking about what you told me all afternoon. I can't get it out of my head. The impact of that news is equal to being told that you had committed suicide. I am in utter turmoil here, Scotty! I hope that you atleast hear (see, more rather) me out in the next few words I'd like to share with you. For one, no matter what you may be thinking...NO ONE is born this way. I promise you that...as God as my witness. I mean, shit, it just makes sense: guys have one thing, gals have another and they're meant to be connected.
Secondly, this is a DECISION you've chosen for YOUR life. NOBODY made you this way. I know that thousands of miles have separated us over the last decade. It is very unfortunate that I could not be there for you during your most trying times. But I just can't imagine what must have happened to you during this time that would cause you to resort to homosexuality...I really can't. I can't change the past, Scott, but I do know that we ALL have the ability to change our decisions while we still have breath in our lungs and a heart beat in our chest.
Now don't go and haul off and block me out or tell me that you don't need any help regarding this matter at this point. I realize that you've probably made up your mind by this time that you're going to accept that this is just the way you are or were meant to be. But I've already contradicted that. Scott, I can't look at you face to face right now, but treat this as such. Now I turn the table for you. YOU NEED HELP. Up until this point, you've felt that no one out there has ever cared or was willing to devote the time to you that you needed most. I'm here to tell you that you've never been more wrong! Now I tell YOU: "Don't forget about your friends..." and the ones who truly care about you most!!! I'VE NEVER STOPPED CARING!
Even though the distance may have separated us, I could've still been there for you. All you had to do was ask. For you and what you've done for me, I would've bent over backwards to get you the help you need most. I am a God loving and guided man. You, of all people, should be witness to this! Can you remember that I would invite you to come to church and witness with my family? I'd even try to talk about His love with you from time to time. Nothing's changed bud! Let me back into your life to help you make the most informed and correct choices in life. I owe this to you...no matter what you think, I do. You are my friend for life.
Now here comes the hardest part for you to hear: I can not support nor condone any homosexual behavior. I have physical, psychological, religious, and family values (that we all actually do have, in fact) that provide a strong foundation against it. Scott, I WANT TO HELP YOU. You ARE NOT like this. You never were! I don't care what you think or say against these statements. Let me be the one to reiterate this fact: God loves you and he has never stopped doing so. But he hates any acts of homosexuality. Well, there's alot of acts/omissions in today's modern day society that he hates just as much. But we...YOU especially...HAVE THE CHANCE to change! Don't shut me out. Don't forget how much I and many of your old friends truly do care. If you never hear these words from anyone else, then hear them and listen to me.
You know what also? If it's a matter of self-esteem, I KNOW you can do better. YOU CAN YOU CAN YOU CAN! I know you can! I beleive in you! There's one right woman out there for every man. Some, unfortunately, have to wait a life-time to find her. I can tell you a thing about perception too. If I had stayed true to my initial discriminations, Michelle and I would never have stayed together. I've learned to see beyond first impressions and I tell ya, the reward has been great my friend! Love finds a way!This is love the way God meant it to be! I can feel it! Witness to that Scotty! It's out there for you too bro.
Well, I sincerely hope you read all this and atleast seriously consider all I've said so far. If you do decide to make a change, then I am here for ya. But know this: I can NOT support being gay. This is not even about being a soldier. This is who I am and how I truly feel. I'm offering my hand out to you. Please take it! Don't let this one go. You might not get another chance! I will pray for you like I've never prayed for anyone before. God bless and I hope to hear from you soon.
Me
Well my that was a rather hefty book. All I'm going to say is, HOW DARE YOU! Of all the conceded and honestly fucked up thoughts a person can have, this particular subject just pisses me off to the core.
I've had to spend my life in fear and loneliness because of people like you? Even considered things like suicide because I couldn't be happy, due to this type of bull headed way of thinking...so honestly take a step back and look at yourself, can you seriously wield your religious beliefs that strongly?
I've never been happier, I'm not living a lie nor do I need to be "saved". I thought I at least somewhat knew you, but this shows me your true colors. How can you be so blinded? You honestly can't just accept and love another human just for what they are and not what they choose to do in life?
I pity you I honestly do...the years have shown me that people like you will never change, and nor will your ideals. I don't need to be fixed, I don't need to be saved. Do yourself and I a favor and stay away from me, my life and my choices.
I'm now quite pissed off to the point where I just want to scream at the guy, but I've just resorted to blocking him.
If this keeps me from the kingdom of "God" so be it, I'd rather be happy and rot in hell.
Robert
Hey buddie! How ya been? What happened bro? I mean, when we lived back at Edwards we were best of buds. Then we moved apart and somehow stayed connected for a while. But then one day I tried callin ya and your number stopped working or something. Hey man, I'll tell ya one thing. I can not easily forget the one person in my life who helped turn my life around off the beaten path during the early teen years. Amongst all other influences, you were among the top 5...just so you know. I know I probably haven't been the best social bug around but I just don't think it's right to put something down like that. Yeah, you're a part of my past but I definitely want you a part of my future. and NO I'M NOT GAY OR BI. I'm happily married, in fact, for 7 wonderful years! Got 2 beatiful kids! AND I proudly serve in this nation's Army. (can't BELEIVE they're even debating the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy! sheesh) N'ywayz, I hope you get this, man. I can't wait to hear from you again! Gimme your number, too! I'll call ya some time! k? Take care man and God bless! ~Robert~
Me
Sorry it took me a while to get back to you. Glad to hear from you, and that your doing well. I've been doing ok, just slowly rebuilding things.
I kinda had a breakdown a few years back, ditched my cell and talked to practically no one for a few years. Spent that time trying to rebuild my life and get everything back into somewhat of an order. It wasn't anything against any of my friends, I just...I dunno had to dig my own hole for a little while.
And trust me, I of all people am not going to be scared off by someone's life choices. Since I myself am gay lol (mums the word, parents still don't know).
Glad to hear the marriage is going strong, and congratulations on the kids! I can't really say much to serving in the military as I have many friends getting screwed over by them right now, but thats my own opinion :P
Robert
Wow, gee man, I don't know what to say. For one, I won't be judgemental because I myself can be judged in one way or another just as equally. This has got to be a more recent development, though. I mean, shit, you're the only friend I've known so long that I'm still in contact with. Probe your memories and you'll agree that we've been through alot together. I don't know if you remember, but one specific act of compassion from you brought me off the beaten path during adolescence. Do you remember? I came home from school one afternoon to my mom handing me a note from you saying, "Don't forget about your friends..." and something along the lines of how much you said you, Jimmy, and everyone else we knew cared about me. Do you realize how much of an impact that had on my life? Don't you know that I probably wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for that? Think about that for a minute.
I've been thinking about what you told me all afternoon. I can't get it out of my head. The impact of that news is equal to being told that you had committed suicide. I am in utter turmoil here, Scotty! I hope that you atleast hear (see, more rather) me out in the next few words I'd like to share with you. For one, no matter what you may be thinking...NO ONE is born this way. I promise you that...as God as my witness. I mean, shit, it just makes sense: guys have one thing, gals have another and they're meant to be connected.
Secondly, this is a DECISION you've chosen for YOUR life. NOBODY made you this way. I know that thousands of miles have separated us over the last decade. It is very unfortunate that I could not be there for you during your most trying times. But I just can't imagine what must have happened to you during this time that would cause you to resort to homosexuality...I really can't. I can't change the past, Scott, but I do know that we ALL have the ability to change our decisions while we still have breath in our lungs and a heart beat in our chest.
Now don't go and haul off and block me out or tell me that you don't need any help regarding this matter at this point. I realize that you've probably made up your mind by this time that you're going to accept that this is just the way you are or were meant to be. But I've already contradicted that. Scott, I can't look at you face to face right now, but treat this as such. Now I turn the table for you. YOU NEED HELP. Up until this point, you've felt that no one out there has ever cared or was willing to devote the time to you that you needed most. I'm here to tell you that you've never been more wrong! Now I tell YOU: "Don't forget about your friends..." and the ones who truly care about you most!!! I'VE NEVER STOPPED CARING!
Even though the distance may have separated us, I could've still been there for you. All you had to do was ask. For you and what you've done for me, I would've bent over backwards to get you the help you need most. I am a God loving and guided man. You, of all people, should be witness to this! Can you remember that I would invite you to come to church and witness with my family? I'd even try to talk about His love with you from time to time. Nothing's changed bud! Let me back into your life to help you make the most informed and correct choices in life. I owe this to you...no matter what you think, I do. You are my friend for life.
Now here comes the hardest part for you to hear: I can not support nor condone any homosexual behavior. I have physical, psychological, religious, and family values (that we all actually do have, in fact) that provide a strong foundation against it. Scott, I WANT TO HELP YOU. You ARE NOT like this. You never were! I don't care what you think or say against these statements. Let me be the one to reiterate this fact: God loves you and he has never stopped doing so. But he hates any acts of homosexuality. Well, there's alot of acts/omissions in today's modern day society that he hates just as much. But we...YOU especially...HAVE THE CHANCE to change! Don't shut me out. Don't forget how much I and many of your old friends truly do care. If you never hear these words from anyone else, then hear them and listen to me.
You know what also? If it's a matter of self-esteem, I KNOW you can do better. YOU CAN YOU CAN YOU CAN! I know you can! I beleive in you! There's one right woman out there for every man. Some, unfortunately, have to wait a life-time to find her. I can tell you a thing about perception too. If I had stayed true to my initial discriminations, Michelle and I would never have stayed together. I've learned to see beyond first impressions and I tell ya, the reward has been great my friend! Love finds a way!This is love the way God meant it to be! I can feel it! Witness to that Scotty! It's out there for you too bro.
Well, I sincerely hope you read all this and atleast seriously consider all I've said so far. If you do decide to make a change, then I am here for ya. But know this: I can NOT support being gay. This is not even about being a soldier. This is who I am and how I truly feel. I'm offering my hand out to you. Please take it! Don't let this one go. You might not get another chance! I will pray for you like I've never prayed for anyone before. God bless and I hope to hear from you soon.
Me
Well my that was a rather hefty book. All I'm going to say is, HOW DARE YOU! Of all the conceded and honestly fucked up thoughts a person can have, this particular subject just pisses me off to the core.
I've had to spend my life in fear and loneliness because of people like you? Even considered things like suicide because I couldn't be happy, due to this type of bull headed way of thinking...so honestly take a step back and look at yourself, can you seriously wield your religious beliefs that strongly?
I've never been happier, I'm not living a lie nor do I need to be "saved". I thought I at least somewhat knew you, but this shows me your true colors. How can you be so blinded? You honestly can't just accept and love another human just for what they are and not what they choose to do in life?
I pity you I honestly do...the years have shown me that people like you will never change, and nor will your ideals. I don't need to be fixed, I don't need to be saved. Do yourself and I a favor and stay away from me, my life and my choices.