Hi Folks,

This is a fairly long post and it talks about my BL journey over the past year.

About one year ago I chose to "come out" to my employer and church community. Because I work for a Christian church agency this meant that I risked losing my job and my faith community. The courage that my brothers and sisters in Christ have shown as they walk with me and support me on my journey has been nothing less than awe-inspiring.

As a condition to continuing with the agency, the "CEO" asked that a support and accountability group be set up. I agreed and chose the members of this very important group of people. They have not always agreed with me, but they are committed to sharing my walk and their understanding and confidence has increased as we have traveled together.

They have been challenged in their faith, their world view, and especially, their own sexuality and their understanding of how it works. Without exception they have said that they have grown and stretched and they thank God for this opportunity.

Myself, I have challenged their faith and they have challenged mine. I have taken the risk of being accountable to my church community for my actions and they have chosen to risk employing a boylover to work in a setting related to youth. God has shown His love for me through the commitment of these people and I am trying to respond by loving them enough to have patience regarding their many misunderstandings about my sexuality.

Today I met with my support group. I was blessed to have with me 2 of my BL friends - Camper and Scytale. I was able to talk about both the online BL community, and show them CBF, and the real life BL community that I live in. They were able to understand the need for a compassionate ministry of support and encouragement and were encouraged by our efforts.

I feel that we are being listened to. That there are true Christians who want to love us. That the day will come when I won't need to pretend I am something other than what I am when I go out in public -- and be respected for it.

May God give us strength to reach out and love those who are lost and alone. May He show us how to love boys so that their emotional, physical and spiritual needs are being met. May He guide us to life-giving communities of acceptance and warmth. Amen.