In which after much soul searching about his sexuality and the possibility of "change", Marvin announces a bold new direction in his life.
John Smid and me-Graduation 1998 (above) & John Smid today (left) By now many have heard that Tennessee's Department of Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities determined that the "ex-gay" program, Love in Action, is operating two “unlicensed mental health supportive living facilities”. LIA has until Friday, September 23 to respond. If LIA statements in Eartha Jane Melzer's article are indicative to how the "change" program might respond, we may see LIA change right before our eyes from a clinical mental health compound into a house of praise and worship. Gerard Wellman, business administrator for Love in Action, and a former Love in Action client, said Sept. 13 that the organization has been in contact with the state but would not comment further. “As a church, we operate under a different set of rules,” Wellman said. Curious, and what rules might these be? What is even more curious is that according to LIA's site only one staff member ...
Comments
I'm just a little surprised you didn't think about this out loud with Peterson given that he's got some relevant experience.
I know what it's like, though, to make a decision want to just do it, not question it or obsess about it.
I am afraid you'll find the 'professionals' at Love in Action promise more than the can deliver, and that you'll end up not only homeless and jobless, but still gay on top of that.
Take care.
Something you said in your post Marvin about addictions has me worried. I guess the question I have for you is do you think that by going there because you have addictions (and I am assuming they are sexually addictions ) will change your sexuality if your addictions are under control? See one of the reasons I went into New Hope Ministries was because I had this sexual addiction with men and because of that addiction being gay was wrong. Today, I see my addictions where what needed to be changed not be being gay. There is nothing that can change your feelings for other men, but you can have a happy and full life in Christ and be gay. I know I have been there myself. I wish the best of luck to you Marivin if this is what you decide to do. I will be praying for you. I hope all of this makes sense.
Just when I thought you couldn't shake things up any more than you already have, you go and sell your house, leave Long Island (really? for the first time?) AND enroll in LiA. WOW!! Them's sum big steps brother!
I trust that your interactions with LiA are much more rewarding than the many other's who have walked this path before you. Hopefully you are learning to discern the "wheat from the chaff" and if so, I think you'll find your stay potentially rewarding (Peterson...don't hit me please...LOL).
By the way Peterson, what's your take on all this?
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However, having completely picked up and moved to a whole other state (including starting over at 1/3 of my previous pay, living in basements instead of having my own place, etc) to go to an ex-gay program, I know that you probably won't be able to hear the voices of those who have survived these often negative experiences.
But I really hope you'll at least talk to Peterson about this. He's been in that program (is that how you heard about it?), and I am really worried that it will seriously harm your self-esteem, and more importantly, your relationship with God.
However, perhaps you are the kind of person that needs to make this last-ditch attempt. Lord knows you wouldn't be alone in that.
Just remember, no matter what happens there, and no matter whether your orientation changes or not...just remember that you are worth so much no matter what gender you love. You have so much to offer to the world, and in my opinion, you don't have to change a thing.
Smart people learn from their mistakes, the wise from the mistakes of others.
Not to be unkind, but I wish for your sake you could allow yourself to be wise.
I've always wanted to see Graceland.