What’s in a Name? The Story of Brenna Kate Simonds – Part 1

Brenna with a mohawk from having her head shaved

A Christian speaker recently reminded me that words are a container for power. The book of Proverbs says “reckless words pierce like a sword”, “the words of the wicked lie in wait for blood”, and “when words are many, sin is not absent”.  In the Bible, words & names are very important. Throughout my life, I allowed people and circumstances to label me, name me, and define who I am. I was born prematurely in May of 1975. I was given a 50% chance of survival and rode in an ambulance to a hospital 50 miles away since the hospital where I was born did not have premie … [Read more...]

A “Normal Gay Life” – Nathan Responds to Ray Boltz

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Regular readers of this blog may remember my friend Nathan who has guest blogged here before concerning Jennifer Knapp and about his "Divine Appointments" at the Exodus Freedom Conference. At this rate I just need to create a login for you Nathan :) Today Nathan writes an eloquent response to Ray Boltz' new song "God Knows I Tried."  Here's Nathan: A “Normal Gay Life” I’m adding Ray Boltz to the list of people I’d love to meet at Starbuck’s for a chat.  Most readers of this  blog will remember Ray as the Dove Award-winning gospel singer who revealed his homosexuality two … [Read more...]

Go Ahead, Get Off Your Perch

Photo Credit WORLD Magazine

This post is actually inspired by a private conversation I am having with someone who has rejected Christ.  It involves the false standard that some people believe concerning Christians should be "better" than other people. It should be stated that I have known this person for over 20 years and I love them dearly.  We have a very free and open friendship in that in spite of our deep disagreements we do love each other unconditionally. --- I have been a Christian for 18 years now but I noticed as a young believer that my non-Christian friends had an easier time talking about … [Read more...]

Sexuality: Creation, Brokenness, Truth and Grace – Lausanne Conference (Video)

Lausanne

Alan Chambers, Mike Goeke, Brian Kliewer all speak at the recent Lausanne Conference in South Africa. What an amazing opportunity. … [Read more...]

Where O’ Where? Feedback Request

blog blog blog blog

Hello Friends.  Just wanted to give you a heads up that the Exodus Blog is not on hiatus.  We are in our annual staff/management retreat season where we evaluate the past year and work on the vision, strategy and goals for next year. *Great* stuff so far.  And I am not just saying that because that is what you would normally expect someone on staff to say :). That said we haven't posted much here lately but expect that to increase.  I have multiple ideas for posts but am always interested to know what you would like to see blogged here.  Let us know in the comments below. Thanks! … [Read more...]

Let’s Talk About Those Gay Rats

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John Cloud writes in Why You're Gay: A New Study Shows Why Boy Rats Like Other Boy Rats: Despite what the Bible says, lust is inborn: our species couldn't survive if we didn't yearn to have sex with one another. But exactly how sexual desire develops is, even at this late date, poorly understood. We know more about the musculature of the left femur than we do about how our brains acquire and process the desire to engage sexually. That's why I was intrigued by a new study in the journal Psychological Science. Typically I don't care about studies of rat behavior because, after all, the … [Read more...]

What’s Healthy vs. Unhealthy Same-Sex Relationships? – Real Answers Article for October 2010

QA

This article appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive articles like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- How can I discern the difference between healthy and unhealthy same-sex relationships?  by Kristin Tremba When I was struggling with same-sex attraction, I found myself attracted to women who offered to meet all my emotional needs. These relationships were intense, secretive, and all-consuming. Instead of admiring a fellow female as a friend, I worshiped her as an idol. Why did … [Read more...]

From Devastation to Beauty – Real Stories for October 2010

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This testimony appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive testimonies like this along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- From Devastation to Beauty - Stephanie Goeke When Mike walked out on our marriage in 1996, my reality, hopes and dreams were shattered.  I had grown up in a solid Christian home and had come to believe that my joy and fulfillment would be found in being married and having children.  The past years have been spent experiencing God’s faithfulness – not faithfulness to my … [Read more...]

“Consider it Pure Joy …” – Letter From Alan Chambers for October 2010

Alan-Chambers

This letter from Alan Chambers appears in both our offline and online newsletters.  To receive this letter along with the full newsletter online via email or offline through the postal service please sign up here. --- Today I was meditating on James 1.  The whole chapter is rich, but several verses leapt out at me, due to my recent attendance at the funerals of two of Exodus International's most valued women leaders.  James 1:2-4, 12: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. … [Read more...]

New Book “Naked Surrender” by Andy Comiskey

naked surrender

Today I want to post an interview I did via email with Andy Comiskey about his new book titled "Naked Surrender."  I have posted the interview exactly as it happened.  There has been very little editing (spelling, formatting.)  Also, all emphasis (bold and italics are mine.  Without further ado :) ... First of all, congratulations on your new book.  The provocative title is "Naked Surrender: coming home to our true sexuality." When you say "Naked Surrender" is that both literal and figurative?  What does it mean to "come home" to our true sexuality? Andy: 'Naked surrender' refers … [Read more...]