2 Cor 12

Hello Konotok, I'll spare you the Protestant/Catholic debate (I'm neither...just non-denominational Christian) unless you want to know more :-) In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul said, "To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me." It is very obvious to biblical scholars that Paul completely left us in the dark as to what his thorn was. In my view, this is because Paul needed us to understand that it didn't matter what our particular thorn was, it just mattered that we knew that other people have one and that it keeps them humble. Were in not for your orientation towards boys, you might never see your need for God and might never seek a relationship with him through his Son. Yes, some things ARE easier for straight people, and I can relate to your desire to be able to have the lives that many of them do. But the fact remains that their lives are not necessarily better. Their sins are just more common, but they can also be as destructive. Do not let the families who frequent your fellowship fool you into thinking that their lives are picture perfect. Jesus knew this when he said in Mark 7:21, "...For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery..." But Jesus did not come to convict us, because we are already guilty. Instead he came so that we could understand our sinful nature, and could know that there is forgiveness. So, all I can tell you is that your struggle (OUR struggle) with attraction to boys, is a thorn in our sides reminding us of how much we need God. Our lives will not be on the outside, as admirable as the guy in the pew up front with a wife and six cute tow headed boys following along. But one of those boys somewhere, somehow, will fall through the cracks. People like us have a heart to love kids who often get left in the dust by their dads who seem so perfect. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 "...give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus..." You are not alone. Love, Ben