Thinking Through...

Ex-Gays Afraid to Reveal Identity

I personally don't like describing myself as "ex-gay," however; it communicates a quick sound bite of the reality and a direction of many. So while others might be disturbed by the term, "ex-gay" I feel it is a waste of time to wrangle over words that work in concisely communicating.  Yes, folks I am “ex-gay” though I do not find my identity in being “ex-gay.”   I am also very concerned that there are many great stories of “ex-gays” which are being browbeaten into silence.

I have been made aware of the growing hostility towards ex-gays in the past couple of years in the media, and recently on many blogs. Even the very popular Bill O'Reilly (here’s an article here where Bill wanted to sue an ex-gay minister) continues to communicate snide chuckles on his program at the idea of ex-gays.  Fox News is somewhat fair and balanced to Judeo-Christian values, yet they do a better job with conservative political news. I like and watch Fox News, and even watch O’Reilly a lot, because most of the other cable news outlets are very hostile to the idea of Christian values, never-mind the idea of ex-gays. Our culture is completely buying into the hoax of being born gay and has accepted the idea of being gay as normality.
 

The hostility is really growing to the message of leaving homosexuality behind.  It could actually become illegal in the near future to minister the gospel of Jesus Christ in helping people find freedom from of homosexuality.  Even well-meaning Christians scoff at the idea, perhaps they should view the documentary: SPEECHLESS - SILENCING the CHRISTIANS.  Perhaps we should remember our history of Nazi Germany. We should at least read the recent news from our Canadian neighbors to the north.  In Canada it is illegal to speak out that homosexuality is sin. It is now legislatively considered hate speech and prosecutable; a topic worth Googling.  Perhaps well-meaning, well-educated yet misinformed Christians wouldn't scoff at this knowledge.

I came across this article yesterday "Ex-Gays Afraid to Come Out for Fear of Persecution" and thought this would be a good post in light of this discussion.  Ex-gays are in fact, afraid to make themselves known. I have met with MANY people who are influential in my community and others who have church communities that would make it very difficult to talk about their recovery from homosexuality.  Yet there is even a larger and growing threatening group of gay activists who are fueling the fire of fear and oppression in our culture. They wish to silence the freedom of choice when it comes to leaving homosexuality. The idea of leaving homosexuality is very threatening to their gay insecure existence and their political agendas.  Wayne Besen, a self-proclaimed activist, is one of these very loud voices, he is cruel and mean-spirited. These groups are receiving too much attention, just like the school yard bully or another picture that comes to mind, it's like the elementary kid throwing himself down on the floor throwing the hissy-fit.  I know what I want to do to that kid, but Dr. Spock wouldn’t like it!  Yet our culture is deceived by Darwinian-ism and humanistic beliefs. Our society is vacillating from being increasingly afraid of these bullies or being in love with them!

There are growing numbers of political gay groups that are very disturbing to me. They are actual GAY hate groups who wish to silence the voices of ex-gays. These groups are like the brazenly named "Ex-Gay Watch" and their club of bloggers who use hatefully sarcastic words in addressing ex-gays.  There are even more radical groups that are extra hateful with their narcissistic sarcasms which reveal vicious vitriol fueled by people like Wayne Besen.  I have had my own personal encounters with these groups. These people have actually posted ideas of how to stalk and harm ex-gay ministries and their leaders.  They sarcastically mock and hope for the demise of any ex-gay ministry leader.  They write books and plays applauding, scoffing and laughing at any relapse of any individual leaving homosexuality. If someone did this with other addicts like alcoholics or other human weaknesses the media would crucify them and then completely dismiss them as cruel hateful people, like Rev. Phelps and his gang; not so for gay activists.

A very successful attorney friend of mine recently told me he felt it was like 1933 in Nazi Germany for Christians and Exodus type ministries in the USA.  He seriously joked with me and said, "Stephen it is like 1933 and your last name isn't Black, but Bernstein. Your ministries will be on the front-line of the next demonic wave of an anti-Christ movement in history. It is coming."  WOW! It was a sobering moment.

One merely need to lightly read over blogs like the "Ex-GAY WATCH" and/or Wayne Besen's blog and you will know we are living in very dark days.  In the news just yesterday, at WorldNetDaily, Wayne Besen is revealed in an article that exposes his tactics and lies. The article by Bob Unruh describes Wayne Besen “as the Fred Phelps of the left.”  Pretty scary!

It is sad how many people are afraid of gay activists, liberal blog bullies and the liberal anti-Christ media machine. They are silencing their great stories about overcoming homosexuality.

Yet in closing, we need to have hope, as Charles Dickens said, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” and so shall it be right before the great and terrible day of the Lord. He is coming and HE will set things STRAIGHT!

Oprah & Pregnant man-woman

by Kenneth L. Ervin, II
from Concerned Women for America – CWA

One bright day, in the state of Confusion, a scruffy-faced man in Divers City felt a little flutter in his belly. As the days went by, the flutters grew stronger until they felt like little kicks.

"I'm pregnant!" the man gushed as he hugged his girlfriend.

"It's a miracle!" the media proclaimed, as they paraded him around the talk show circuit. Some people said it wasn't possible, but the media ignored them.

Suddenly one night, the man sat bolt upright in bed. Shaking his girlfriend awake, he said, "My water broke!" This produced a frenzied search for the suitcases and car keys, and a mad dash to the hospital.

Pregnant man in tow, the girlfriend picked up her cell phone and dialed ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN and Oprah. By the time they got to the hospital, it was a media circus. Cameras rolling, the flashbulbs flashing, the pregnant man was wheeled into the hospital to deliver his baby.

Several hours later, the weary girlfriend stepped out of the hospital room and announced to the camped-out media, "It's a girl!" Demanding video footage and pictures, the media crowded into the room.

As cameras clicked and videotape rolled, one reporter noticed that the baby was moving its mouth. "Quiet!" he yelled. "The baby's trying to speak!"

The crowd hushed as the precious newborn looked up into the face of her father and said, "Mama!" A horrified silence fell on the room.

Nervously, the man looked down at his daughter and said, "No, child. I'm Dada."

The baby smiled and reached her little hand up to caress the man's scruffy face. Again she said, "Mama!"

A single tear streaked down the man's cheek as, for the first time, a feminine softness crept into his face. "It's true," said the man, as gasps trickled throughout the room. "I am your Mama. How did you know?"

With a twinkle in her eye, the baby said, "Silly Mama. Only girls can have babies!"

And a child shall lead them. ...

Used with permission ©2008 CWA

Oklahoma Rep. Sally Kern

READ THIS TRANSCRIPT OF THE RADIO INTERVIEW!

Sally Kern addressed the controversy concerning being hateful and bigoted.  This interview reveals her desire to be a woman of integrity, uncompromising and yet loving the person.

Sally mentioned if thinking through ahead she would not want to use a statement to alienate anyone, however she not going to be bullied by gay activists into silence regard this grave threat to the United States, our traditional family values and Judeo-Christian beliefs.

This is a very good interview to get clarity.  I would also add read "The Untold Story About Sally Kern" as well.

http://www.baptistmessenger.com/story/C61FD95974EED292C3DFD40A6A2600AA#

by Stephen Black and Chris Morrison with First Stone Ministries, Oklahoma City, OK  (www.firststone.org)

Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern

The Untold Story of Irony
Washington’s political gay elitists with the Victory Fund edited Oklahoma State Representative Sally Kern’s comments from a closed door meeting given in a January speech of this year.  They edited down the comments to what they considered the most inflammatory sound bites.  Their cunning plan was to upload the edited comments to YouTube in hopes of enraging gay people and their supporters.  This plan, they thought, would further the “Victory Fund” gay political cause and bring in funds for their political machine. Over and over they emphasize that Rep. Kern’s speech demonstrated hatred towards gays. What they failed to mention – or include in the sound bites – is the truth, that Rep. Sally Kern said we must love the homosexual. Her message was not about bashing gays. The main stream liberal media outlets seem to be unconcerned about what was been left out, and unmotivated to seek the whole story, responded predictably. They thrive on bad news and smear tactics of conservatives, so they picked up the story immediately and replayed the inflammatory comments. The story was worldwide overnight! Sally Kern was labeled hateful, bigoted, anti-gay, an evil homophobe and so many other names that are so vile, I cannot repeat.

Standing for Freedom of Speech

In her remarks during the January speech, Rep. Kern mentioned the parallel of the gay political movement in the United States – not individual gays. She said the agenda of the gay political movement is, in her opinion, as dangerous as terrorism.  While I personally would not have used this parallel, the irony of this story is impossible to ignore. That irony is demonstrated very visibly in the hate emails numbering over 26,000, death threats, and the mean-spirited and orchestrated campaign calling for her resignation.  These very tactics are akin to terroristic tactics, therefore point directly back to Sally’s original parallel. Truly this is ironic! This political tactic, directed to silence Rep. Kern, bully her and other conservatives and manipulate the unsuspecting public almost worked.  However, what they did not realize was Sally Kern’s courage and steadfastness.

The demographics suggests that the 26,000 emails are a very small representation of how the gay and sympathizing population feels about Rep. Kern. No doubt there are politicians afraid of this very loud well-funded fringe group. Death threats and demands for Sally Kern to resign from office were meant to be a warning to other politicians. “We are listening!” They threaten. Hundreds of YouTube videos were uploaded with incredibly hateful words from those who piously declare, “SAY NO TO HATE.”  Their usual demand for everyone, everywhere to have “tolerance” was diluted by their very own actions,  which are incredibly hateful and intolerant. Truly this is hypocritical, and very misleading.

Say No To Hate!

The irony of this untold story is indeed very interesting.  But is anyone in the media elite willing to talk about it?  Perhaps they fear the wrath of the gay community. Late-night comedian Jay Leno suffered just last week when he poked fun at a soap-opera actor who played a gay character.  The irony is almost laughable if it were not so alarming to those who love Judeo-Christian values and the traditional family.

Well over 1500 people rallied at the Oklahoma State Capitol to support Sally Kern.  They realized that freedom of speech is under fire. Contrast this with the well-organized homosexual political activists who diligently push their manifesto. These activists want the USA to be like our Canadian neighbors. They desire control over free speech, using their banner of tolerance while at the same time labeling Judeo-Christian beliefs hate speech.  They wish to silence Christian values by enacting hate speech laws that would make it a violation to state a belief that homosexuality is sin. There seems to be no end to their tactics to redefine American traditional values.  Many, like Sally, are standing up now and saying, “enough is enough!” However, will we continue to stand up and lovingly sow truth?

The Untold Story of Ministry and Concern
Does it make sense to you to label someone who actually helps people who struggle with homosexuality as hateful, bigoted, anti-gay and an evil homophobe?  The untold part of this story –  which I delight to tell you now – is that behind the scenes, Rep. Sally Kern and her husband, Dr. Stephen Kern have supported First Stone Ministries for many years.  Dr. Stephen Kern is the senior pastor at Olivet Baptist Church, which actually hosts some of First Stone Ministries’ support groups.  The Kern’s have a special place in their hearts for our ministry to those who struggle with same-sex attractions and homosexuality.  For several years before all this controversy erupted, they had put action to their love for those who are struggling and for their families.  The next part of this untold story is from a current staff member with First Stone Ministries.


The Untold Story of Love and Devotion to Those Who Struggle
It has been an honor to be a friend of the Kern family for several years.  I am Chris Morrison, development coordinator with First Stone Ministries. I want you to know that the Kern’s played a healing role in my life.  Ten years ago I was battling with how I was to live my life. I would either continuing to seek the Lord in my weakness or just give up and live as a gay man.  While in college in a neighboring city, I would drive to Oklahoma City and spend weekends in the Kern’s home; Sally Kern would also take me to the airport so I could fly home for holidays and leave my vehicle in their care.

Chris Morrison

Though I attended a Baptist university, I still carried my brokenness on my sleeve, as I struggled intensely with homosexual feelings.  I will never forget the seed that was sown on Thanksgiving weekend in 1997.  Sally Kern was taking me to the airport and she gently broached the subject of my homosexual struggle with me.  I was surprised and scared of what she was going to say, because I hadn’t told many people about my struggle. It was rare for someone to bring up my struggle before I had ever disclosed it.  Her tenderness was overwhelming; she lovingly ministered to me that day.  She mercifully let me know that she and her family were praying for me, and that they loved me.  That day is precious to me as I felt so loved and accepted. I am grateful to the Lord that Sally had enough courage to plant the seeds of God’s forgiveness, hope and healing. 

In 2004 I had the privilege of supporting Sally Kern as she ran for State Representative.  I attended her watch party on Election Day and remembered her saying she knew that God was calling her to run for State Representative, but didn’t know all the reasons.  That statement resounded in my head as I stood and watch Sally Kern at the Freedom of Speech Rally – “Rally for Sally” on April 2, 2008.  I remembered the words from the Bible, “For such a time as this.” Sally Kern, is a representative “for such a time as this.”  I am grateful to Sally Kern for her humble stance, as well as her boldness to call the nation to repentance, and to call for Christians to stand for traditional values in our land. I am a man who was nearly enslaved by the lie of being born gay, yet Jesus saved me from that deceived existence.  The Kern family played an integral role in my healing from homosexuality, for which I am eternally grateful.

This is the untold story behind the precious Kern family that you will most-likely never hear as a main story in the liberal media.

Stephen Black, December 2007

In Conclusion
We should not be so quick to judge everything we hear in the media as the truth. I was wisely taught by my Irish mother to consider your sources thoroughly, make sure you have both sides of the story, and get all the facts before coming to a conclusion.  Unfortunately many people did not with Sally Kern’s story. The propaganda machine of gay elitists fed only a part of the story to the liberal media in a deliberate attempt to stir controversy.

I am grateful that we are having this national dialog. I hope, as a result, more people will really take a look at what is happening morally to this country. A well-funded political gay movement with its warped ideology could completely change our country in just a few short years.  Christians need to be informed and active.  We need to stop being so apathetic.  We cannot be afraid of angry loud voices.  If we, as Christians fail to be salt and light, then the darkness will overcome the USA.  It could become very dark in just a few short years. We must lovingly and compassionately proclaim the Gospel truth of Jesus Christ and pray for a God-breathed revival in the United States of America.

Proverbs 5

April 5^th, 2008: I read and listened to Proverbs 5.  I could not stop thinking about it.  It was an unusually experience.  I read it in eight versions of the Bible.  I was in my car listening to the audio in the NET version of the Bible.  My spirit was stirred and the Lord gave me the following for me personally, but also for anyone who reads this, especially for those entangled with debating those in opposition to the Gospel. (Read Proverbs 5 first).
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My dear friends, you are like my child to me.  I have the Father’s heart in speaking with you. I am gravely concern about you.  Please listen to me very closely, make your ears to hear what I have to say.  I have a warning from God.  This warning comes from ancient wisdom, God’s Spirit; therefore this wisdom is from the mind of God.  If you will heed my warning then you will operate in discretion and you will have God’s wisdom.  Beware of the soothing words of the immoral person. The deceived person’s words can feel so good, just like soothing oil. The immoral man or woman speaks with words that are kindly seductive.  They will manipulate you, trying to draw you into sexual immorality. They are corrupt. They secretly hope for your down fall. However, when they fail at drawing you into sexual immorality, they will draw you further into controversy. Their deceptive goal is to snare you into sin; the core sin of unbelief. They are deceived by their own trickery. They are so deceived they have no understanding. If you remain in the counsel of the immoral, before you know it; you will compromise the wisdom of God.  The immorally deceived person says, “bitter is sweet, and sweet is bitter.”  Beware my child! The end thereof in listening is worse than wormwood.  It is poison. Their words are like a two-edged sword, it will destroy you. The path of the immoral will actually lead you to the door of hell; they are ever drawing you to violate your relationship with King Jesus. They sow discord between you and your other brothers and sisters. I beg you my child, meditate on the wisdom from above, on the very word of God.  Do not be enticed by worldly debates and human intellect; those soothing words of the immoral.  It is very harmful. It will steal your life away.  It will take your strength and your wealth.  Your wealth will be taken from you and given to another.  Beware of these immoral people and their false teachings.  It will alienate you from God.  You cannot be a friend of God and a friend of the world.  Friendship with the world and immoral people is spiritual adultery. Do not let human compassion and the soothing words of the immoral deceive you. They will accuse you falsely.  They will say all manner of evil against you. They will betray you. They will ironically accuse you of the very thing they are doing.  They will say, love is hate and hate is love. Beware! If you listen and are attached to the immoral you will have your life strength removed. You will be the one mourning in the presence of the King. You will have rejected the King’s reproof. This poison of compromise can ruin you life.  I passionately want to spare you my child, because I love you.
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I am blessed and sobered by this warning.  What about you?  I realize that I can only try to please the Lord.  When I am trying to please Him, I will please some people, some of the time, but I will never please everyone. Jesus is enough, to Him be all the glory!

by Pete Winn
CNSNews.com Senior Staff Writer
April 08, 2008

(CNSNews.com) - Public officials have the right to bring their religious convictions into the public square, but that right is under assault when Christians mention their deeply held beliefs about homosexuality, according to former homosexual Stephen Black.

"If you hold to strong Judeo-Christian values and you do not believe that homosexuality is God's intention for sexuality, (that is) going to be labeled as 'intolerant,' and 'hate speech,' and you yourself will be labeled as a 'bigot' and 'uncaring' and...'hateful,' with some of the most vulgar and vigorous communication," Black told Cybercast News Service.

Click here to read the full story

View The Freedom Video at First Stone Ministries!

Testimonies from the lives of Dennis Jernigan, Laura Leigh Stanlake and Stephen Black

Links:

Dennis Jernigan
Exodus International:World's Largest Resource in ministering to people who desire to overcome homosexuality.

GD_Watson

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