tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27038944604395680592024-02-19T03:31:00.540-06:00My JourneyIn 2010, I returned to Christ and his church after having lived an active gay lifestyle for over 12 years (starting in High School). Since then I have experienced major healing and significant reduction in same-sex-attraction through Prayer, Daily Mass, Reparative Therapy, and emotional healing. Every aspect of my life is better and improving every day. I am also glad to be part of a great new ministry called Joel 2:25 http://www.Joel225.orgAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.comBlogger68125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-38987274809321973492016-04-13T12:14:00.004-05:002017-02-02T10:34:45.639-06:00The APA is Wrong about Homosexuality and Gender Identity Disorder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
I often hear people refer to the <a href="http://www.apa.org/" target="_blank">APA (American Psychological Association)</a> and their stated beliefs that Homosexuality and Gender Identity Dysphoria are no longer <i>"mental disorders." </i></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i><b>I want to discuss this, but first let me explain that in MY view, the term "mental disorder" or <i>"disorder"</i> is not intended as an insult or a shaming statement at all.</b> In fact, for me personally, it was a huge relief of shame - because I finally realized and was affirmed in the fact that my Same-Sex Attraction was not my fault and was not a <i>"choice" </i>nor was it simply a spiritual problem that I "<i>just hadn't prayed enough." </i></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;">I also want to point out that for something to be a <i>"disorder"</i> does not <u>necessarily</u> mean that there is an easy </span><i style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">"cure." </i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;">Many physical and mental challenges are not <i>"curable"</i> and most that are today were not even treatable a few hundred years ago. The effectiveness of therapy or other remedies is something I can discuss later in an other post. </span><b><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "new york" , "times" , serif;">It is not relevant to the question of whether Erroticized Same-Sex Attraction or Gender Dysphoria </span><u style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">are or are not</u> <i style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">"disorders." </i></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<b><i><br /></i></b>When I started <a class="yiv6012381943edited-link-editor" href="http://www.joel225.org/" id="yiv6012381943yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1460562406448_8373" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Joel 2:25 International</a> (<a class="yiv6012381943edited-link-editor" href="http://www.facebook.com/Joel225International" id="yiv6012381943yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1460562406448_8566" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Facebook.com/Joel225International</a>) I consulted with over 200 psychologists, psychotherapists, and licensed professional counselors who assist individuals like myself with healing from Same-Sex Attraction Disorder. Most of them are <b><u>also</u></b> members of the APA - even though they publicly disagree with some of the APA's current positions.<br />
The difference between their views and the APA is a philosophical viewpoint. The APA has adopted a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_constructionismhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_constructionism" target="_blank">Social Constructionist</a> philosophy and rejected the original <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essentialism" target="_blank">Essentialist</a> philosophy.<br />
<br clear="none" id="yiv6012381943yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1460562406448_8133" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;" />
<b>Here is a perfect example of the Social Constructionist philosophy at work in the mental health field: </b></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
A 30 year old lady named <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=APA&oq=APA&gs_l=serp.3...299788.300191.0.300488.3.3.0.0.0.0.0.0..0.0....0...1c.1.64.serp..3.0.0.RKwGre7ZGaI#q=Jewel+Shuping" target="_blank">Jewel Shuping</a> went to a Social Constructionist therapist and said that she had always believed she was <b><i>"supposed to have been born blind." </i></b>At the time, Miss Shuping had perfectly good eyesight. </div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7mVMiU-PBu-JYqdteOcFH9bBdpIkHCBDCtPx_cE48Xg1bS-wf3cRsmJuCnHwgFE1eWhKmTCDqrJqcdNaZk4gS6nRtPci6DzIikuHSza-Q_f37XzJzzysdzJaonaQErN1QG85K6vnomQ/s1600/trust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7mVMiU-PBu-JYqdteOcFH9bBdpIkHCBDCtPx_cE48Xg1bS-wf3cRsmJuCnHwgFE1eWhKmTCDqrJqcdNaZk4gS6nRtPci6DzIikuHSza-Q_f37XzJzzysdzJaonaQErN1QG85K6vnomQ/s200/trust.jpg" width="200" /></a>Miss Shuping went to an psychologist who ascribes to the APA's current philosophy of Social Constructionism. This APA-approved psychologist gave her eye-numbing drops and then sprinkled drain cleaner into each pupil - which caused her to go blind.</div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
You can read more about Miss Shuping here: <a href="http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/i-blinded-myself-on-purpose-and-have-never-been-happier/">http://nypost.com/2015/10/01/i-blinded-myself-on-purpose-and-have-never-been-happier/</a></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br />
If she had gone to one of the 200 psychologists that I identified, who subscribe to the <b>Essentialist </b>viewpoint, they would have focused on treating her <b><a href="https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=body+identity+integrity+disorder&hl=en&as_sdt=0&as_vis=1&oi=scholart&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0ahUKEwjB8Le6jYzMAhViMJoKHR38C7oQgQMIGjAA" target="_blank">"Body Identity Integrity Disorder"</a></b> and at least attempted to help her accept her own body and her own eyesight while working to resolve whatever emotional traumas or wounds may have caused her to desire to be blind.<br />
<b id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1460562406448_10842" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<b style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">Essentialists</b> such as myself, believe as Plato, Aristotle, and all monotheistic religions have taught for the past 5,000+ years that for any specific entity (human or animal), there is a set of attributes which are necessary to its identity and function.<br />
<b id="yiv6012381943yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1460562406448_8857" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;"><br /></b></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<b style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px;">We believe that gender identity and sexual orientation are grounded in biological reality. Our body tells us who we are.. I believe it is harmful (and an act of Shadow) whenever we attempt to construct or assemble/ disassemble a different reality in which gender and sexual identity are out of synchrony with biology. </b></blockquote>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1eWMZ8hyphenhyphenUBUFInYv2CL7na9rBapBrS0B0SzgcZ3GX2ZkMvKWPRELGpfNjkBHeMfYnPaCca6s4z0uoymTpGt3AuioCxV1ST_Fz2g2xKJT50aUYvh3-7jvklisQ27YO_hqStg_mMKvv7g/s1600/table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp1eWMZ8hyphenhyphenUBUFInYv2CL7na9rBapBrS0B0SzgcZ3GX2ZkMvKWPRELGpfNjkBHeMfYnPaCca6s4z0uoymTpGt3AuioCxV1ST_Fz2g2xKJT50aUYvh3-7jvklisQ27YO_hqStg_mMKvv7g/s1600/table.jpg" /></b></a><b>Let's examine a hypothetical situation </b><i>(which is probably already real life example in some places) </i></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i><i>"John," </i>a teenager in California, says that he believes he was born to be a coffee table and that he desperately wants to be a table. He goes to a therapist for "help." </div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br />
An Essentialist therapist would get to work to understand what led him to this and what wounds or traumas he has that may need healing. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPh0BPXpAWXJP6m4EHLt48s4GWYDxySRfFjECOPwNHIPcnyKg9pXBq3BxT6axayOufC5HHLcm5c_COdO89WBtwxJiC9YSF8sc-R9n4lnGR9Zrbt90vlhEGTFizHLBm8U7Dy_00HXLZvI/s1600/allfours.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDPh0BPXpAWXJP6m4EHLt48s4GWYDxySRfFjECOPwNHIPcnyKg9pXBq3BxT6axayOufC5HHLcm5c_COdO89WBtwxJiC9YSF8sc-R9n4lnGR9Zrbt90vlhEGTFizHLBm8U7Dy_00HXLZvI/s200/allfours.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
A Social Constructionist therapist would arrange for him to have his legs amputated at the knees and for him to undergo multiple surgeries so that his arms and legs will bend at the same angle and reach the same level so that he can more resemble a coffee table. - <b><i>After all, that's what he was "born to be." </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
If a man has male genitalia and male chromosomes (XY) and yet believes that he was born to be a female, he has a disorder. I believe he needs compassion and it is likely he has suffered a LOT of emotional pain in his life which has led to this. I do not know if there is a "cure" but I <b>do know </b>that injecting hormones and mutilating his body is <b>not the answer.</b> It is also the opposite of compassion to send him to the Ladies' restroom. There is nothing compassionate about that. What he needs is real compassion and to eventually accept the reality that he is a man.<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
The "gay" identity that I embraced for over twelve years of my life was a false construct. The human body is designed very clearly for heterosexuality. There are no men or women whose reproductive systems are designed to create new life through sexual intercourse with members of their own gender. The primary purpose of sexual intercourse in the creation of new life. The secondary purpose is the marital bond and life-long relationship between the husband and wife. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
Even if one rejects pro-creation and marriage, there are psychological injuries that occur when sexual relationships occur without monogamy and without the gender compatibility of male and female. "Gay" identified psychologist Daryl Bem explains in his "Exotic Becomes Erotic" model that</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i>"what is exotic - that is, mysterious - to a boy in childhood is what will become erotic to him in adulthood." </i></blockquote>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
This Social Constructionist gay activist does not seem to recognize the fact that it is at least problematic for a boy to see masculinity as "exotic" something outside of himself. He clearly does not understand that normality is that which functions according to its design. </div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a href="http://www.josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<a href="http://www.josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joseph Nicolosi</a>, a Catholic psychologist who embraces the Essentialist viewpoint responded to Bem: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i>"When a man finds masculinity mysterious and exotic, and seeks it outside himself, we believe he is living in a false self and something is not working.”</i></blockquote>
</div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
By design, <span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">two members of the same gender are also incompatible for romantic love. The draw to this type of relationship is driven by emotional wounds and unmet emotional needs. Pursuing that type of bond deepens those wounds, destroys real love, and
causes psychological harm to both individuals. That does not mean that individuals in theses situations are incapable of real love, but to </span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">the extent that real Love is present,
it is despite the nature of the relationship, rather than because of it.
</span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">I realize what I've said here will offend many people. This is more than an abstract argument or judgement. In addition to looking at 5,000+ years of human experience, I also came to this conclusion after examining all of my own
past relationships and that of everyone else I had observed over several
years. These included (most especially) those <i>"long term gay couples"</i> who
had stayed together for 20+ years. They seemed even worse off than the
individuals who simply <i>"hooked up" </i>randomly. The emotional harm from
this arrested state of development was really pronounced in every aspect
of their lives.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody">The viewpoint that humanity is designed for heterosexuality is not a
phobia or pathological fear and it is not bigotry. Natural Law
philosophy says that this view derives from humankind's collective,
intuitive knowledge - a natural instinctive conscience.</span></span><br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}"><span class="UFICommentBody"></span></span><br />
<b>Social Constructionism in the Religious Context</b><br />
When I was in my teens and 20's, I went to several "gay friendly" churches and tried to convince myself that they were right. All of them attempted to explain that (in their interpretation) the scriptures were not really referring to homosexuality or at least not <i>"committed monogamous gay couples."</i><br />
<br />
Even though they seemed to convince themselves that the behavior was not a "sin," they never even attempted to explain how this was some new kind of "vocation" or calling and/or that it was part of God's plan. The best they could do was make the assumption that God just didn't have a plan. They were applying the same Social Constructionist logic to the divine and this manifested itself in several areas.<br />
<br />
The "gay friendly" churches I attended all initially seemed to be like a normal mainstream Christian church with the only exception being their "enlightened" views on homosexuality. In a very short time though, I began to notice many other changes. In one church, for example, they began skipping over large sections of the Bible within our bible study groups. In another, they initially had been ending their prayers by saying "in Jesus name we pray" and then changed this to "In your many names, we pray."<br />
<br />
At the root of Social Construction and the attack on Essentialism is the denial of the existence of absolute Truth. Atheist Richard Dawkins repeatedly refers to Essentialism as a "moralistic infection." In a 2014 article here he argues for why Essentialsm should be forceably <i>"retired:"</i><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"does an embryo become a 'person'? Only a mind infected with
essentialism
would ask such questions. An embryo develops gradually from
single-celled zygote to newborn baby, and there’s no one instant when
'personhood' should be deemed to have arrived. It would be better—though
still not ideal—to say the embryo goes through
stages of being a quarter human, half human, three quarters human . .
. </i><br />
<i><br />Abortion would no more be 'murder' than
killing a chimpanzee—or, by
extension, any animal. Indeed an early-stage human embryo might
defensibly be
afforded less moral protection than an adult pig, which is clearly well
equipped to suffer. The essentialist urge toward rigid definitions of
'human' (in debates over abortion and animal rights) and "alive" (in
debates over euthanasia and end-of-life decisions) makes no sense in the
light of evolution and other gradualistic phenomena."</i></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
- atheist Richard Dawkins, author of <u>The God Delusion </u></blockquote>
Since Social Constructionism elevates human will above physical reality
and even God's will; it does not take long before it attempts to
deconstruct monotheism in its entirety. I have personally come to the
conclusion that to believe people are "born TO BE gay" really requires a
fundamental denial of the existence of God.<br />
<u></u></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i>Pax Christi,</i></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<i><br /></i>Jeremy<br />
<a href="mailto:Jeremy@Joel225.org">Jeremy@Joel225.org</a></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<a href="http://www.joel225.org/" target="_blank">www.Joel225.org</a></div>
<div style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-2062507190162578722016-01-21T14:37:00.000-06:002016-01-21T14:38:18.715-06:00Setting Love in Order<span style="font-family: inherit;">One book that has helped me tremendously is <b><a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/books" target="_blank">Setting Love in Order by Fr. Mario Bergner. </a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6is7YJjeOTfmnbDgJym3nvjbSYmrs9su0QuTiFMzTbIqh3dy-eJJH5l6DjaH2-f7VqT0kZ7XMcEQb7zViCEk8yKo1kRZQyB4N7cVTlN2ePpev-3QZsVLduhlGSxRQj6qjETrqeDNe4A/s1600/Setting+Love+in+Order.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6is7YJjeOTfmnbDgJym3nvjbSYmrs9su0QuTiFMzTbIqh3dy-eJJH5l6DjaH2-f7VqT0kZ7XMcEQb7zViCEk8yKo1kRZQyB4N7cVTlN2ePpev-3QZsVLduhlGSxRQj6qjETrqeDNe4A/s320/Setting+Love+in+Order.jpg" width="210" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is his personal journey out the <i>"gay"</i> identity and life and through healing of his Same-Sex Attraction. This is a powerful book and quick read. It details many of the common underlying emotional wounds that drive Same-Sex Attraction, but also provides a blueprint for understand the path of healing. I highly recommend it. You can order the book here: <a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/books">http://www.redeemedlives.org/books</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">(It is available in printed and electronic formats in English, <a href="https://shop.campus.org.tw/searchResults.aspx?SearchItem=Bergner&x=0&y=0" target="_blank">Chinese</a>, <a href="http://www.navrat.cz/obnova-lasky-mario-bergner/d-70455/" target="_blank">Czech</a>, <a href="http://www.navrat.cz/obnova-lasky-mario-bergner/d-70455/" target="_blank">Dutch</a>, <a href="http://www.kristillinenkirjakauppa.fi/index.php?sid=30003&tuoteid=6399" target="_blank">Finnish</a>, <a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/aimerenveacuteriteacute" target="_blank">French</a>, <a href="http://www.amazon.de/Wahrheit-lieben-Simon-Martens/dp/3839108985/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416253439&sr=8-1&keywords=mario+bergner" target="_blank">German</a>, <a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/amarenellaveritatilde" target="_blank">Italian</a>, <a href="http://www.manna.lv/nopirkt/Milestibas-sakartosana/9984977927.html" target="_blank">Latvian</a>, <a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/amorrestuarado" target="_blank">Portuguese,</a> <a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/russiansettingloveinorder" target="_blank">Russian,</a> and <a href="http://www.ordet.be/node/262" target="_blank">Swedish</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I am excited to announce that <b><a href="http://www.redeemedlives.org/" target="_blank">Fr. Mario Bergner </a></b>will be our special guest speaker for our Joel 2:25 full-group video-conference this coming <b>Sunday January 24th at 3:00 PM Texas time (21:00 GMT). </b><br /><a href="https://rightsignature.com/forms/Joel-2-25-Partici-55e0b2/token/410568c383a">https://rightsignature.com/forms/Joel-2-25-Partici-55e0b2/token/410568c383a</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXqlffXpwcN_0tbUN6LLOt_aMjDPCOpTjXlrmcGQX1xekAQMgNeGR_KYTBTuF3zIvDB40mrAzLsczC7WHM3Jiwk3jN5bmPihTQakokLVFAZ4EY7CMKMRdmOcdMMdPbcj5MAHhtMyFXEg/s1600/Mario+Bergner+January+24+2016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXqlffXpwcN_0tbUN6LLOt_aMjDPCOpTjXlrmcGQX1xekAQMgNeGR_KYTBTuF3zIvDB40mrAzLsczC7WHM3Jiwk3jN5bmPihTQakokLVFAZ4EY7CMKMRdmOcdMMdPbcj5MAHhtMyFXEg/s1600/Mario+Bergner+January+24+2016.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you would like to join us, please email me at: <a href="mailto:Jeremy@Joel225.org">Jeremy@Joel225.org</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Note:</b> You will need to sign our Participant Agreement form which is available here: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="mailto:Jeremy@Joel225.org">Jeremy@Joel225.org</a></span><br />
<a href="http://www.joel225.org/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.org</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>P.S.: </b>We have a full-group meeting with a guest speaker on the fourth Sunday of each month. Here are our upcoming guests: <a href="http://www.joel225.org/j225_003.htm">http://www.Joel225.org/j225_003.htm</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-18517414098823707822015-10-27T10:22:00.000-05:002015-10-27T10:22:58.104-05:00What Does Change Mean for Me?<span style="font-family: inherit;">In this video, my friends and I respond to this question:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2fSydUAYJruFc44MKju34GoEAKBKtLDt7o2y3pPhOVlPGNurQMeWWvJT9iH-B_Exw5agHgn-Zlh7mcf9SFtkxM9FVnCou5ZokE_T8cyhwVc8hxbT5JmMmCMuSPPdj_X52Pa1Y3b_o-w/s1600/change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT2fSydUAYJruFc44MKju34GoEAKBKtLDt7o2y3pPhOVlPGNurQMeWWvJT9iH-B_Exw5agHgn-Zlh7mcf9SFtkxM9FVnCou5ZokE_T8cyhwVc8hxbT5JmMmCMuSPPdj_X52Pa1Y3b_o-w/s1600/change.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://peoplecanchange.com/videos/change.mp4">http://peoplecanchange.com/videos/change.mp4</a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-16694789981244379762015-04-06T14:36:00.001-05:002015-04-06T14:36:39.262-05:00Religious Freedom Misunderstood by the Non-ReligiousThis is a very good analysis.<br />
<br />
It partly explains why our former <i>"Republican"</i> state chair apologized for our platform. So many GOP politicians cannot articulate the importance of religious freedom because they have no comprehension of how faith in God can actually impact an individual's life and decisions.<br />
<br />
<h1 style="border: 0px; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 2.25em; font-weight: normal; line-height: 1.06em; margin: 0px 0px 0.3em; padding: 0px;">
The Post-Indiana Future for Christians</h1>
<div class="byline" style="border: 0px; color: #f25f3e; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; margin: 0.9em 0px 0.8em; padding: 0px;">
By <span class="author vcard" style="text-transform: uppercase;"><a class="url fn n" href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/author/rod-dreher" style="color: #f25f3e; text-decoration: none;" title="View all posts by Rod Dreher">ROD DREHER</a></span> • <a href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/the-post-indiana-future-christian-religious-liberty-gay-rights/" rel="bookmark" style="color: #f25f3e; text-decoration: none;" title="12:42 pm">April 3, 2015, 12:42 PM</a></div>
<a href="http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/the-post-indiana-future-christian-religious-liberty-gay-rights/">http://www.theamericanconservative.com/dreher/the-post-indiana-future-christian-religious-liberty-gay-rights/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Pax Chrisi,<br />
Jeremy<br />
<a href="http://www.joel225.org/">http://www.Joel225.org</a><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-46717772154137259562015-01-15T22:43:00.000-06:002015-01-15T22:44:39.533-06:00Lord, make me an instument of your peace<div class="credit_white_centre">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">There has been a lot going on this week. Tonight, I found a lot of comfort in the prayer of St. Francis:</span></span></div>
<div class="credit_white_centre">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="credit_white_centre" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lord, make me an instrument of your peace;<br />
where there is hatred, let me sow love;<br />
where there is injury, pardon;<br />
where there is doubt, faith;<br />
where there is despair, hope;<br />
where there is darkness, light;<br />
and where there is sadness, joy.</span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
O Divine Master,<br />
grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;<br />
to be understood, as to understand;<br />
to be loved, as to love;<br />
for it is in giving that we receive,<br />
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,<br />
and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div class="credit_white_centre" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Amen.</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-57523800297271727212015-01-09T10:54:00.001-06:002015-01-09T10:54:11.169-06:00 TLC's new reality show “My Husband’s Not Gay.”<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;">Several of my friends are in this. <i>(Actually, I think I know everyone on the show.)</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, lucida grande, tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://nypost.com/2015/01/05/these-women-married-men-who-like-men-and-theyre-all-ok-with-it/">http://nypost.com/2015/01/05/these-women-married-men-who-like-men-and-theyre-all-ok-with-it/</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/NccyqI4L2EE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe>I<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;">'m thankful for the courage and bravery of my friends </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=796679267" href="https://www.facebook.com/curtis.j.brown" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Curtis</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;"> & </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=1667643998" href="https://www.facebook.com/terabrwn" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Tera</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;">, Prett &</span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=537180709" href="https://www.facebook.com/megan.dahlgren" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Megan</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;">, </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=17823615" href="https://www.facebook.com/tymansfield" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Ty</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;">, Jeff & </span><a class="profileLink" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/user.php?id=595337383" href="https://www.facebook.com/tanya.bennion" style="background-color: white; color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none;">Tanya</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.4444446563721px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;"> and others from NorthStar and Joel 2:25 who have been willing to share their testimonies with many of us for several years and now in a very public way. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px; text-align: start;">We may have differences in theology, but I have always been proud of their faith and courage to live authentically and now their willingness to share their stories, especially with the backlash they face.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21.466667175293px;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-87090785721985395662014-08-27T13:26:00.000-05:002015-02-03T18:51:33.748-06:00The Missionary Spirit of Radical Love <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;"><b>I love this quote from Archbishop Cordileone's speech. It embodies the missionary spirit of radical Love that we all must strive for. - Jeremy</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">---------------------------------------</span><br />
<i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">"To my fellow believers in Jesus Christ I would call our attention to those first generations of Christians in the city of Rome, who were so often scapegoated by the powerful pagan Roman government. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px;">But when a plague would strike the city and the well-to-do fled to the hills for safety until the plague subsided, it was the Christians who stayed behind to care for the sick, at great risk to thei</span></i><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i>r own health and very lives. And not just the Christian sick: all the sick, regardless of religion, of how they lived their lives, or even what they thought of the Christians themselves. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<i style="line-height: 20px;">The historian Eusebius noted about the Christians of his time:</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>'All day long some of them tended to the dying and to their burial, countless numbers with no one to care for them. Others gathered together from all parts of the city a multitude of those withered from famine and distributed bread to them all.'</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
Likewise, the Emperor Julian complained to one of his pagan priests,<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b> '[They] support not only their poor, but ours as well.'</b></i></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i>It is this kind of love and compassion in the service of truth, especially the truth of the human person, that has marked the lives of the holy ones of our own faith tradition and others as well: hospitals, orphanages, schools, outreach to the poor and destitute – <b>giving without concern for getting anything in return, seeing in each human being, especially in the poor and destitute, a priceless child beloved by God, whom God calls to turn away from sin and toward Him, so that they might be saved." </b></i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><br /></i><b>- Archbishop Cordileone of San Francisco - address to the March for Marriage (6/19/2014)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; display: inline; line-height: 20px;">Full Text available here:</span></span><br />
<b style="line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/3201/abp_cordileones_speech_at_the_march_for_marriage_full_text.aspx">http://www.catholicworldreport.com/Blog/3201/abp_cordileones_speech_at_the_march_for_marriage_full_text.aspx</a></b><br />
<span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-25223414297600140712014-08-26T15:35:00.000-05:002019-03-14T18:16:55.270-05:00Back from Beyond<div class="base-card-body" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2250" style="background-color: white; padding: 6px 27px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<div class="msg-body inner undoreset" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2249" role="presentation" style="background-color: inherit; display: table; outline: none 0px; padding: 0px; width: auto; word-break: break-word; word-wrap: break-word;" tabindex="0">
<div id="yiv8973716839">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2248">
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2264" style="padding: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2263"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please keep in your prayers all of the men who have just completed "Journey Beyond," the week-long super-intense program that builds upon "Journey into Manhood" and other growth work. </span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2262" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2261" style="padding: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2260"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It typically take about 6 months to a year for anyone to fully process that week. I just returned from staffing it for the third year in a row. It was really powerful an awesome. Here is something I wrote after I returned from my own JB week back in 2011: <a href="http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-from-beyond-journey-beyond.html?m=1" rel="nofollow" style="background: transparent; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">myssajourney.blogspot.com/2011/08/back-from-beyond-journey-beyond.html?m=1</a>.</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2297" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2307" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2306">This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I'd highly recommend it. </span> </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2259" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2298" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2299" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2247" style="padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2301" style="padding: 0px;">
<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2300"><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S. The main pre-requisite is the Journey into Manhood weekend. There are a few spots left for the three upcoming weekends in California, Indiana, and Texas.<a href="http://www.peoplecanchange.com/jim" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2302" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">http://www.PeopleCanChange.com/jim</a></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="base-card-clear" style="clear: both; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="card-footer" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1409084561560_2256" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', 'Segoe UI', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 6px 27px 50px;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-20720619746701720952014-08-11T10:20:00.000-05:002015-02-03T18:53:18.619-06:00The Third Way - TONIGHT<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tonight, I'll be hosting a screening with others from<a href="http://www.joel225.org/" target="_blank"> Joel 2:25</a> at a church in the Fort Worth Diocese.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://vimeo.com/93079367"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">http://vimeo.com/93079367</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This short film may provide more context than the news articles. This is NOT exclusively about "change" "curing" anyone's attractions, although I wouldn't rule out that possibility. I personally have experienced significant healing and change, but <b>that's <u>not</u> what's most important. </b>What is most important is freedom from shame and discovering REAL love and TRUTH.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy@Joel225.org</span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-83000255647786014212014-06-10T11:30:00.001-05:002014-06-20T10:48:46.105-05:00Texas GOP Reparative Therapy Platform Plank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41pr8nQLO8ulGy7ZNkNbCneSYi8nfGEEErSRLVVBQGusaZ20t2S68iOEnD5OnbbGnTvncdnrTj8SOSt5iwrBWB8IELwWse3PdzOCG1cMvLDANYnTLGaPJ05eRi8pH9N2eFg5PyAfvmo/s1600/15467662_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip41pr8nQLO8ulGy7ZNkNbCneSYi8nfGEEErSRLVVBQGusaZ20t2S68iOEnD5OnbbGnTvncdnrTj8SOSt5iwrBWB8IELwWse3PdzOCG1cMvLDANYnTLGaPJ05eRi8pH9N2eFg5PyAfvmo/s1600/15467662_s.jpg" height="163" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With all of the misinformation being spread by the media, I want to try to make a few points more clear regarding the platform amendment I wrote for the <a href="http://www.texasgop.org/" target="_blank">Texas GOP</a> that supports the right of access for Reparative Therapy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIIZ3ukCeC1vwZTryfYznM6Un85Hfqxa-PdwkcdPDCHq_epj8MKJsSVRa7ir_Pfh4R5gJ08QJw0tnxGSr0D3CywpH1Fqj3A791kokIDRfjdnP0c2Z7GpRjEC1sBC6j8nWjWbqUAvJpdY/s1600/9627274_s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaIIZ3ukCeC1vwZTryfYznM6Un85Hfqxa-PdwkcdPDCHq_epj8MKJsSVRa7ir_Pfh4R5gJ08QJw0tnxGSr0D3CywpH1Fqj3A791kokIDRfjdnP0c2Z7GpRjEC1sBC6j8nWjWbqUAvJpdY/s1600/9627274_s.jpg" height="147" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I personally have a <b><u>LOT</u></b> of experience with Reparative Therapy have benefited directly from therapy with <a href="http://www.josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joseph Nicolosi Jr.</a><br /><br />Also, over the last four years I have
talked with <u><b>over 500 others</b></u> who have taken this journey as well. <b>EVERY aspect of it is positive</b> -
<i>even for those who may later choose a different path.</i> I have read everything that has been
published on this subject from all major associations. <br /><br />I have addressed the top five questions I've received
here (below):</span></span><br />
<br />
<b>1) This is not an "endorsement" or command for anyone.</b> It simply protects the right of access for those (like myself and many others) who benefit from Reparative Therapy and other forms of SOCE (Sexual Orientation Change Efforts). The reason this plank is necessary is to stop the 50 state push for these laws: <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2012/06/01/another_outrage_in_california">http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2012/06/01/another_outrage_in_california</a><br />
<br />
<b>2) It is NOT "Ex-Gay" therapy.</b> It never has been about "curing" anyone and it never will be. It is about healing and wholeness as well as congruity. There are many of us who experience Same-Sex Attraction, but do NOT want to embrace the modern "Gay" label and have moral beliefs that mean Gay Relationships are NOT an option for us at all. I have answered this question in the past. Here are two that might help clarify the goals for you:<br />
<a href="http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/2013/02/what-does-ex-gay-or-change-mean.html" target="_blank"> a) "What does 'Ex-Gay' or 'Change' mean to me?" </a><br />
<a href="http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/2013/10/to-change-or-not-to-change-is-that.html" target="_blank"> b) "To Change or Not to Change - Is that Really the Question?"</a><br />
<br />
<b>3) Reparative Therapy is POSITIVE and AFFIRMING of the individual</b>. The entire premise of Reparative Therapy is building self-worth, self-esteem, and self-image. It is about healing emotional wounds. The belief is that healing these wounds will make homosexual behavior less compelling. Even if you believe compulsive homosexual behavior is healthy, surely you can see how healing emotional wounds and building self-image and self-worth is always a positive thing. <b>Here is a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwDWC93KtNY&list=PL4K_I9lo5wnovx_-vF5RCwnoP8xnVD7NF&feature=share" target="_blank">video playlist </a>I put together of Dr. Joseph Nicolosi explaining Reparative Therapy.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><b> 3 a) </b><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.399999618530273px; line-height: 15.455999374389648px;">"Reparative Therapy" got it's name from the premise put forth by Dr. Nicolosi that the compulsion for homosexual behavior is often a "reparative drive" - and that if we address the underlying Shame and emotional wounds, this drive will be <b>LESS</b> compulsive and healing can take place. <b>It does NOT mean "repairing" a homosexual person because they are 'broken.' </b></span></span><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>4) Reparative Therapy is NEVER "harmful" or "dangerous."</b> - There is ZERO evidence to suggest that ANYONE has EVER been harmed by actual Reparative Therapy itself. The news media continues to repeat the lie that "Reparative Therapy has been discredited." Nothing could be further from the truth! The only "official" statements from the APA about Reparative Therapy came from a 2009 release by their panel of "Homosexuality" which consists of only six (6) therapists. NONE of them have ever practiced Reparative Therapy nor spoken to anyone who has experienced it. Five (5) of these six (6) therapists are openly "gay" and longterm political activists. They used the general "Warning" applied to all therapeutic interventions which lists a variety of risks. None of these have ever been linked to Reparative Therapy itself.<br />
<br />
<b>5) Does Reparative Therapy "work"? </b><br />
It has improved my life substantially as well as thousands of others. Did it remove all traces of SSA (Same-Sex Attraction) and replace it with 100% Opposite Sex Attraction? No- not yet. I don't know whether it will, but that was NEVER the point in the first place. It is not supposed to be a "Gay Cure." AA does not remove the temptation to drink, but it still helps millions of people live the lives they really want to live. Does that make it a fraud?<br />
<br />
Anyway, for more information, please see my other blog post with the info packet I sent to the delegates here: <a href="http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/2014/06/republican-party-of-texas-platform-for.html">http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/2014/06/republican-party-of-texas-platform-for.html</a><br />
<br />
Also, please see these websites:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank">NARTH: National Association of Research and Therapy for Homosexuality</a><br />
<a href="http://www.joel225.org/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25 International - the ministry I started</a><br />
<a href="http://www.peoplecanchange.com/" target="_blank">People Can Change</a><br />
<a href="http://restoredhopenetwork.org/" target="_blank">Restored Hope Network</a><br />
<a href="http://www.couragerc.net/" target="_blank">Courage Apostolate</a><br />
<a href="http://www.josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joseph Nicolosi - Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic</a><br />
<a href="http://www.voiceofthevoiceless.info/" target="_blank">Voice of the Voiceless</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-73257733984666488292014-06-04T09:57:00.000-05:002014-06-04T14:23:21.208-05:00Republican Party of Texas - Platform for 2014 - please pray and help, if you can<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would like to share with you this resolution which I drafted and submitted for consideration to be added as a plank in the Republican Party of Texas 2014 Platform. <span class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_216" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18825">I've drafted resolutions and lobbied the legislature for conservative causes in the past, but never for such a personal issue. </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18824"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is one news article explaining the situation: <a href="http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2012/06/01/another_outrage_in_california" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">http://townhall.com/columnists/michaelbrown/2012/06/01/another_outrage_in_california</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As you know from my other blog posts, I lead a ministry based here in Texas, but with national outreach and we and many others have already being impacted by this new law that liberals are pushing in<span style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline;"> all 50 states</span>.</span><br />
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_217" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18769"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Reparative Therapy and this type of ministry work played a significant role in saving my life and I have been blessed to help many others over the past four years. Recently though, this ministry work has been under attack across the country and in some states Republican legislators and Governors have been silent or complicit in passing these laws. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After California and New Jersey passed these laws last year, I began reaching out to Republican State Legislators and State Senators to discuss the law. In Washington State, the bill flew through their House without any opposition from Republicans, but once we talked with the GOP state senators and they came to understand the full story, they stood up and blocked this awful bill. <span style="font-weight: bold;">The same has been the case now for eleven other states.</span> </span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In each case, it took significant efforts to educate GOP legislators and rally grassroots support before their GOP lawmakers realized the importance of this issue to religious freedom. <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18835">Since this bill is being introduced in all 50 states,</span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> it is a critical and unique addition to the State GOP which is not fully covered by the current language.</span> I presented the resolution and my explanations to the Texas Republican Assembly and the Eagle Forum and they both agreed and endorsed this resolution. I would have asked for other endorsements as well, but I wasn't sure who to contact.</span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_212" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_207" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18837"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, I have been told that this issue is one that many people have additional questions about so<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1401892555460_18836"> I drafted this brief packet to supplemental information explaining the reasons behind this platform amendment.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_207" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_34_1401372975830_207" id="yiv2765085568yui_3_7_2_1_1401316622691_14462">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If (by chance) you are a delegate or alternate to the upcoming Republican State Convention here in Texas this weekend, please take a moment to review. This was approved unanimously by the Platform Committee and will be presented for approval by the full convention this coming Saturday. I will be there and I really hope I can count on your support for this important platform amendment. If you are in another state (or party), I would love to talk with you about how you can adapt this for your upcoming state convention and party platform. This shouldn't be only a GOP or Texas issue. Hopefully, we can ALL agree on the importance of protecting Free Speech and the Freedom of Relgion for ALL. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">----------------------------------------------------------------------------</span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">2014
RPT Platform Amendment Resolution Supporting the Right to Reparative Therapy / SOCE
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1)
<!--[endif]-->Proposed
Platform Amendment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2)
<!--[endif]-->Why
this platform amendment is crucial for protecting free speech and religious
freedom in Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3)
<!--[endif]-->What
is “Reparative Therapy” and “SOCE” (Sexual Orientation Change Efforts)?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">4)
<!--[endif]-->Original
(long version) of the resolution – includes additional “<i>whereases</i>” intended to inform<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">5)
<!--[endif]-->Letters
from Psychologists and therapists in Texas and California.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>6)<span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></i><!--[endif]-->Final version endorsed by the Texas Republican
Assembly and Eagle Forum <i>(same “Therefore”
fewer “whereases”)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin-left: 0.25in; text-indent: -0.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Proposed
Platform Amendment<o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b><i style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">“SUPPORT THE RIGHT TO REPARATIVE
THERAPY<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We call upon all elected officials in the State of Texas to ensure that
licensed therapists, psychologists and counselors in the state of Texas cannot
be forbidden or penalized by any licensing board for practicing reparative
therapy and supporting clients of any age with sexual orientation change
efforts. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: #ffe599;">We support the rights of self-motivated teens and urge the passage of laws to protect
the right to self-determination by those who experience Unwanted Same-Sex
Attraction and seek to live out their values of chastity and/or restoration to
heterosexuality.”</i><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Why this
platform amendment is crucial for protecting free speech and religious freedom
in Texas. </b><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Activists have drafted a bill to be
introduced in all 50 states which will ban or severely restrict access to
Reparative Therapy and all other SOCE (Sexual Orientation Change Efforts) including
religious counseling. A similar bill is
currently under review in the British Parliament which goes much further. <b>A version of the bill will be introduced in
the Texas legislature during the next term.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></b></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The motive appears to be a perception
among gay rights activists that the existence of <i>“Ex-Gays”</i> (individuals who experience Same-Sex Attraction but who
choose chastity and/or change due to their personal beliefs and values) have
been pointed to as evidence that homosexuality is “changeable.” This is
perceived to be a threat to gay rights. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
those who support Gay Marriage and other gay rights initiatives should
recognize these issues have nothing to do with the rights of other individuals
who experience Same-Sex Attraction to choose to live a chaste life and/or
pursue healing and change. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Republicans in California, New Jersey,
and Washington State have been reluctant to fight this bill largely due to
misinformation, but also due to a perceived lack of interest among the GOP
base. California first passed the law last summer and New Jersey soon followed.
Governor Chris Christie signed the bill into law and the Washington State House
initially voted to pass the bill there. (Fortunately Republicans in the State
Senate killed it last week after the information below was presented to them).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">It
gets worse:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These laws take away religious rights of
individuals since the specifically state that this law applies to all licensed
therapists. Therefor, this would apply to church sanctioned therapists who are
employed by churches to practice their religious beliefs concerning
homosexuality. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The clients’ right to self-determination
is taken away by these laws. This means that a child, or his parents, will have
no right to receive the therapy that fits for the emotional health of the
client. They will not be allowed to sign a release form. SOCE will be against
the law. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The SOCE therapist will be subject to
removal of licensure and legal prosecution if he participates in SOCE. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">These laws have been based on only two
issues. They attempt to recognize that homosexuality is naturally inborn for
everyone, and that all SOCE causes harm to minors. There primary “proof” of
harm comes from the very document that disproves this. The media and gay
lobbyists will tell you that the American Psychological Association has
condemned SOCE, and that it causes depression and suicide. This is a lie. On
page 42, 82-83 of the APA Task Force Report concerning SOCE, the APA states
there is no proof of harm, and there is nowhere in the document that a
condemnation of SOCE is written. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The APA does give a warning, but this is
the standard warning that is essentially the same as is given for Prozac, a
commonly used drug in the world today. Essentially, the gay lobbyists and the
media are using false and misleading statements concerning SOCE to win their
political battles. Battles which they knowingly ignore the issues above. We
know this because this is in the record of legislative committees in the states
above that have passed these laws. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This resolution does not state that a
person cannot be gay, nor does it try to intimidate gay persons. It only seeks
to protect the rights and health of self-motivated individuals in the state of
Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo4; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>What
is “Reparative Therapy” and SOCE (Sexual Orientation Change Efforts)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The public has been lied to and mislead
about the nature of same-sex attractions and how they can be changed, and
because the rights of sexually abused children to get the therapy they need are
being taken away this year in several states. Please listen to the evidence
below.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thousands of children, men and women in
our country, and around the world, experience same-sex sexual attractions. They
are not Gay. These feelings have a cause/effect nature and are not naturally
inborn for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">For
example:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Homosexual feelings have long been known
to arise in children and adults because of childhood or adolescent sexual abuse
by pedophiles and hebephiles. Every good psychologist knows this happens. One
only needs to look at the many cases of male sexual abuse that have occurred
via the likes of Jerry Sandusky and religious leaders in the past several years
to know this is an egregious issue. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The governors of California and New
Jersey have just signed into law that a minor may not receive SOCE by any
licensed therapist for the purpose of “reducing or eliminating homosexual
feelings.” (See state websites for bill numbers. These cases are being
appealed.) This means that if the same law were instituted in Texas that the
effects of sexual abuse onto minors by these perpetrators would, by law, be
allowed to continue. In other words, it would be illegal for any licensed
therapist, (even if employed by churches), to conduct successful therapy for
children who want and desperately need to resolve this aspect of their sexual
abuse. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">SOCE, commonly known as Reparative
Therapy, is disparaged by gay lobbyists through vicious attacks on its nature
and efficacy. NOTHING that the media or these lobbyists have stated about the
nature of RT is true. They have gone on record as saying RT is about shaming
children, abusing them with physically torturous aversion techniques, telling
them they are sick and need to be cured. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>NOTHING
about the above is what AUTHENTIC RT is all about.</b>
There may be some individual stories of therapeutic incompetency that resulted
in harm done to some children. <b><u>However,
there is not one ethical complaint in the past 30-40 years filed in any
licensing board in any state of the US for any harm done to a child
experiencing SOCE.</u></b> If there is so much harm, why hasn’t anyone filed a
complaint, even later when they were adults?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">This
is what authentic Reparative Therapy truly is:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">1.
<!--[endif]-->It removes any and all shame for
having homosexual feelings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.
<!--[endif]-->It decreases depression and
anxiety.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">3.
<!--[endif]-->It heals the wounds that have
resulted in homosexual feelings, which are severe cases of gender identity
inferiority and severally unmet male emotional needs of affirmation, approval
and affection (usually from childhood).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.
<!--[endif]-->It raises the level of
self-esteem of clients, especially in terms of gender identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;">5.
<!--[endif]-->As a result, clients experience
an automatic, spontaneous reduction or dissipation of homosexual feelings. They
report relief from suicidal feelings and great hope in discovering their true
heterosexual selves and maximizing their heterosexual potential. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please review the above at <a href="http://www.narth.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.narth.com</span></a> and in the ground-breaking work
of RT creator Dr. Joseph Nicolosi as seen in his latest book: <u>Shame and
Attachment Loss: The Practical Guide to Reparative Therapy</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Please do not listen to those who do not
fairly present both sides of this issue. A hallmark of bigotry is silencing the
voices of adults and children who simply do not agree with the gay agenda. We
do not silence anyone’s voice, but our voices are about to be silenced in
Texas. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.5pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">See below for
further insight from NARTH Board President, Dr. Christopher Rosik. The letter
below is a letter of protest about these matters to the legislative committee
of state heath in the state of Washington, which was part of what helped defeat
a similar bill there just last week. You will find much more documented
evidence of truth of these issues. You will also find many, many authentic
stories of authentic therapeutic change that the media and gay lobbyists are
trying to keep from you on <a href="http://www.voices-of-change.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.voices-of-change.org</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 1.0pt 0in; padding: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l4 level1 lfo5; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Original
(long version) of the resolution – </b><i>(includes additional “whereases” intended to inform)<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resolution in
Support of the right to practice Reparative Therapy and Sexual-Orientation
Change Efforts by licensed therapists, psychologists, and counselors.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b> Laws have recently been passed in California
and New Jersey to severely restrict the free speech rights of licensed therapists
who support clients with same-sex attraction who are seeking to live lives in
accordance with their religious values and choose not to embrace a “gay”
identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
The laws passed in NJ and CA and introduced in many other states, restrict the
rights of self-motivated minors (under the age of 18) from receiving any
therapy or counseling that does not condone homosexual behavior and reinforce a
“gay” identity. The laws go to the
extreme of preventing any counseling that would be aimed at changing or
reducing any form of sexual expression or behavior.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b> The ONLY evidence cited to support claims
that Reparative Therapy and “SOCE” (Sexual-Orientation Change Efforts) could be “potentially harmful” is the
American Psychological Associations’ Task Force Report, “Appropriate
Therapeutic Responses to Sexual Orientation” (2009).<sup>1</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
The APA’s Task Force consists of only seven members and SIX of these SEVEN
members are openly gay long-time political activists.<sup>1</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
None of the seven APA Task Force members had any experience with or in-depth
knowledge of Reparative Therapy and based their recommendation on the a priori
assumption that homosexual behavior and the embrace of the “gay” identity was
the ONLY healthy choice for individuals who experience any degree of same-sex
attraction. While there are many individuals who have this belief, it is not a
scientific “fact” (as the Task Force asserted).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
In 2008, the American Psychological Association (APA) stated: “There is no
consensus among scientists about the exact reasons that an individual develops
a heterosexual, bisexual, gay, or lesbian orientation. Although much research
has examined the possible genetic, hormonal, developmental, social, and
cultural influences on sexual orientation, no findings have emerged that permit
scientists to conclude that sexual orientation is determined by any particular
factor or factors.” <sup>2</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b> Reparative Therapy and other Sexual
Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) are based on the understanding that healing
emotional wounds and reducing shame will reduce same-sex attraction and empower
individuals to live in accordance with their own faith and values.3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
SOCE and Reparative Therapy is not a separate modality, but instead uses solid
time-tested psychological therapy modalities to reduce shame and enhance
self-esteem; benefiting all clients regardless of the choices they may make in
the future.<sup> 3</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b> Persons and families affected by unwanted
same-sex attractions have the right, under the First Amendment of the United
States Constitution, to not engage in homosexual behavior because of their
religious and/or spiritual values.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
Families with children who experience unwanted same-sex attractions have the
right to seek out a mental health care provider that aligns with their values,
faith, and/or spiritual/religious affiliation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
Individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction seek alternatives to the
mainstream medical and psychological association’s scientifically
unsubstantiated opinion that they should live as LGBT-identified persons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
Scientific research has not demonstrated a simple genetic, hormonal, or
otherwise biological and/or innate pathway to homosexuality, and in fact, such
theories published in the scientific literature are seriously flawed and lack
corroboration from replicated studies. 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
The APA’s principal of self-determination applies not only to persons who
identify as LGBT but also to individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions.
Principle E of the APA’s Ethics Code’s General Principles states:
“Psychologists respect the dignity and worth of all people, and the rights of
individuals to privacy, confidentiality and self-determination.” Throughout the
code are examples of how psychologists respect their clients’ right to
self-determination. These examples include services provided to individuals
with unwanted same-sex attractions who seek to change their sexual orientation.<sup>5
</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
The APA and other allied health professional organizations agree that sexuality
is fluid, not fixed, and that a person may experience change in their sexual
orientation along a continuum during their lifespan.<sup>6</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
Psychological and spiritual counseling, have been well documented in the
scientific and psychological literature over the last 100 years to help
individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions reduce and/or eliminate their
unwanted homosexual feelings. <sup>7</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Whereas:</b>
Thousands of self-motivated individuals have benefited from Reparative Therapy
and other Sexual-Orientation Change Efforts from licensed professional
counselors in the US and across the Globe.<sup>8 and 9</sup><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED</b> that licensed therapists, psychologists
and counselors in the state of Texas cannot be forbidden or penalized by any
licensing board for practicing reparative therapy and supporting clients of any
age with sexual orientation change efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be it further
resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to the ____________ Senatorial/County Convention
Resolutions Committee form Precinct #______of the _____________County
________________Party, with the recommendation that it be passed and sent to
the State Convention Platform Committee of the _______________ Party of Texas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We further call
for a plank in the State and National Republican platforms calling for a full
repeal of the recent laws passed in California and New Jersey which have banned
SOCE for self-motivated teens and for laws to protect the right to
self-determination by those who experience Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction and
seek to live alternative lifestyles such as Chastity or restoration to
heterosexuality in accordance with their own values and religious beliefs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. See:
<a href="http://josephnicolosi.com/who-were-the-apa-task-force-me/">http://josephnicolosi.com/who-were-the-apa-task-force-me/</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. See:
<a href="http://www.apa.org/topics/sexuality/orientation.aspx?item=4">http://www.apa.org/topics/sexuality/orientation.aspx?item=4</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shame-Attachment-Loss-Practical-Reparative/dp/0830828990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1401893707&sr=8-1&keywords=Shame+and+Attachment+Loss" target="_blank"> Shame & Attachment Loss: ThePractical Work of Reparative Therapy</a> by Dr. Joseph Nicolosi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. See:
<a href="http://www.mygenes.co.nz/download.htm">http://www.mygenes.co.nz/download.htm</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. See page four at:
<a href="http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/principles.pdf">http://www.apa.org/ethics/code/principles.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. “Labels may oversimplify sexual
identity, experiences.” Greer, M. (2004).
Monitor on Psychology, 35, 9, p.28<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Journal of Human Sexuality (Vol 1):
“What Research Shows” <a href="http://www.voices-of-change.org/">http://www.voices-of-change.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. See: <a href="http://www.joel225.org/">http://www.Joel225.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">4)
Letters from therapists in Texas and California:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honorable
Washington State Legislators,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am speaking today to urge you
to vote NO on HB2451. As a licensed psychotherapist, I can inform you from
years of personal and professional experience that this bill will
unquestionably be destructive to abused
children if you do not vote down this bill. I want to give you scientific and
anecdotal evidence of the destruction this bill will cause. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I am also speaking to you
because I was a child who experienced sexual abuse by a young man when I was 5 years
old. I know the horrific experiences of this first hand. One of the abuses that
I experienced was the rise of homosexual feelings as a result of what this man
did to me. I was born a heterosexual, but when I reached puberty around 13, I
was severely repressed and confused concerning my gender and sexuality. I
didn’t have a therapist to help me deal with these issues. My sense of
masculinity was severely shamed and underdeveloped. I suffered greatly for many
years. Thankfully, later in life, I experienced the transformative power of <i>authentic </i>Reparative Therapy. I am now a
Reparative Therapist who is helping children and adults from all over the
country deal successfully with these issues. I was trained under the direction
of Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, the creator of <i>real</i>
Reparative Therapy. Please know that every detail of the harmful things this
bill calls Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE) is certainly <i>not</i> authentic Reparative Therapy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I do not believe that Gay
persons should be demeaned, discriminated against, or mistreated. In fact, it
might surprise you to know that I have Gay clients who are minors and adults,
and I do not coerce them or treat them in any other way but with unconditional
positive regard. They know what I do, and they trust me as we work on other
issues besides sexuality. I help to insure their safety as
a matter of fact.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
SOCE practitioners do NOT use aversive treatments such as shame, electric shock
or nausea inducing drugs. Aversive treatments were common for a wide variety of
psychological conditions in the 1960s and 1970s. They have not been used since,
and none of the many SOCE therapists I know would ever think of using these
methods. And if by some incredible chance they do, they should be prosecuted.
The American Psychological Association’s 2009 <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Task
Force Report on Appropriate Therapeutic Responses to SOCE will confirm this.</span>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
linking of SOCE practitioners with aversive and shock treatments is a favorite
smear of SOCE opponents, but it has not had any basis in fact for well over 30
years. That this factual inaccuracy is highlighted so prominently in HB2451
certainly lends credence to the suspicion that the primary aim of the bill’s
sponsors is to demonize SOCE, licensed clinicians, and parents whose children
need and ask for therapy that truly works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">HB2451 states that<b> </b></span>SOCE
can be harmful or carry some risk of harm and that SOCE practitioners
supposedly deny this. SOCE, as is the case with all forms of psychological
care, carries some risk of harm. No professional therapist engaged in
SOCE would deny this. The question is whether SOCE carries an exceptionally
greater risk than all other forms of psychological intervention, and the answer
is that no studies exist that can truly speak to this issue. The studies
cited by the APA <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Task Force</span></i> (2009) concerning
harm are unable to be generalized beyond their specific samples, and the Task
Force concluded, “<b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Thus, we cannot conclude how likely it is that
harm will occur from SOCE”</span></b> (p. 42). Therefore, for the sponsors
of AB2451 to use the APA as a means of casting aspersions on all SOCE is an act
of scientific dishonesty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">HB2451
</span></b><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;">c</span>laims this
bill will protect minors from the potential, harmful effects associated with
SOCE, including severe mental or emotional problems including suicide. <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">In fact, </span>there is reason to
believe that this bill will likely <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">increase</span></i> harms
to minors through its unintended consequences. Here’s how. It would appear
quite likely that the majority of parents who bring their children to
therapists for SOCE are conservatively religious. HB2451 sponsors assume
that with SOCE prohibited among licensed mental-health professionals, these
parents would then bring their children to clinicians who would only provide
care aimed at encouraging their children to embrace GLB identity and behavior.
I think the more likely scenario is that these parents, many of whom are
already suspicious of the mental health professions, will simply pursue SOCE
for their children with unlicensed, unregulated, and unaccountable religious
counselors that do not fall under the jurisdiction of this bill. The vast
majority of anecdotal accounts of harm to minors from SOCE seem attributable to
these types of counselors and to religiously oriented programs. Parents who
receive professional care by SOCE clinicians whom they sense are understanding
of and sympathetic to their worldview will be receptive to their guidance,
especially when their child is not interested in SOCE. It is highly unlikely
that the average unlicensed conservatively religious counselor will be as
sensitive to the contextual and motivational considerations licensed therapists
must assess when determining if change-oriented intervention is appropriate for
a minor client. This is a prescription for an increased risk of harm. It
would indeed be a tragic but foreseeable irony if the sponsor’s zeal to ban
SOCE for minors via SB 1172 ends up actually increasing the harm these youths
experience. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">One
wonders what the sponsors of HB2451 would say about a widespread intervention
for minors that carries the following warning: <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">[This
intervention] “… increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior
(suicidality) in short-term studies in children, adolescents, and young adults
with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.” </span></i>This
is the warning for the antidepressant Prozac. You can check out the potential
side effects for other medications at <a href="http://www.pdf.net/"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">www.pdf.net</span></a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Former APA President Dr. Nicholas Cummings observed
that while unsuccessful attempts have been made in the APA to ban SOCE, the APA
refused to take a stand on “rebirthing therapy,” which resulted in the
suffocation death of one child when the birth process was simulated with tight
blankets (Cummings, 2008). Cummings then concluded, “If the APA rushes to
judgment in the matter of sexual reorientation therapy while remaining derelict
in its silence toward proven harmful techniques, therapists will be intimidated
and patients will lose their right to choose their own treatment objectives.
The APA, not the consumer, will become the de facto determiner of therapeutic
goals” (p. 208). This sentiment is equally valid for HB2451, only in this case
Washington politicians, not the California consumer, will dictate which goals
for psychological care are acceptable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is clear that this legislation is playing fast
and loose with its assertions about SOCE. It would be a travesty of immense
proportions if the Washington legislature allows these falsehoods and
inaccuracies to be enshrined into law. It would also constitute a
manipulation of the political process by activists that certainly would invite
a legal challenge as it has in four other states. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I would further note that, to their credit, the Task
Force also acknowledged that the gay affirmative therapeutic approach “ has not
been evaluated for safety and efficacy” (p. 91). Additionally in the same APA
Task Force Report that HB2451 that sponsors claim proves SOCE causes harm and
suicide, is the same document that states there is no proof that SOCE causes
harm on pg. 82-83. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;">Considering the egregious errors
of AB2451, this bill would restrict the rights of parents to determine the
appropriate psychological care for their minor children and hinder adults’
ability to make informed choices regarding their childrens therapeutic
approach.</span></strong><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>HB2451</b><strong><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-weight: normal; padding: 0in;"> represents a usurping of the role of mental health organizations and
licensing boards to provide oversight in psychological care. </span></strong>HB2451
transfers the oversight of proper psychological care from mental health
professionals and licensing boards into the hands of politicians. In
short, the state licensing board already has ethical and legal recourse to
suspend or revoke any clinician who dares to coerce a minor into any kind of
therapy. Also, consider this, did you know there has not been one complaint to
the state board in decades of anyone who stated they were harmed by SOCE?
Additionally, did you know that there are websites in existence that you can
see for yourself the good that Reparative Therapy does? <a href="http://www.voices-of-change.org/">www.voices-of-change.org</a> and <a href="http://www.narth.com/">www.narth.com</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
needs to be pointed out that an unmistakable implication of HB2451 is that the
Washington licensing agencies and mental health associations are so derelict in
their protection of LGBT youth that politicians must step in and do their work
for them. How else should we understand the complete absence of licensure
revocations among therapists who provide SOCE when suicides and severe mental
anguish are so presumably widespread among LGBT youth and attributable to this
form of psychological care? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sincerely,
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Christopher
Rosik, PhD<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>(Below added by David Pickup, LMFT – Texas) </i></b><b><i> <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Honorable
legislators, with all due respect, you will become unintentionally complicit in
the furtherance of sexual abuse of children, especially if abused heterosexual
minors cannot receive sound, science-based, effective therapy for unwanted
homosexual feelings that have arisen because of their same-sex sexual abuse. I
am certain that the name Jerry Sandusky will familiar to all of you. I am
certain that you will recall the many cases of sexual abuse of boys by
religious clergy that have come to the nation’s attention in the past few
years. God help these boys if they ever move to the state of Washington. Can
you imagine a wonderful little boy or adolescent coming into a therapist’s
office in tears and expressing he is hurt and confused because of the
homosexual feelings he’s experiencing because of his sexual abuse? Can you
imagine that all anyone can tell him is, “I can’t help you reduce or eliminate
your homosexual feelings because it’s against the law, and you’ll just have to
try your best in life.” Can you imagine? I’m certain that many of you have
children. What if this situation came to your family, to your little girl, to
your little boy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In my opinion,
based on my years of experience, there will be no question that if you let this
bill pass into law by trying to help one group of children, another group of
children will be irreparably harmed if they are not allowed the kind of SOCE
that helps this particular population. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I can tell you
first hand that I greatly benefited from authentic Reparative Therapy. RT
helped save my life. This is what authentic RT really does: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It eliminates
any and all shame for having homosexual feelings no matter how they arose. It
allows boys and men to experience a decrease in depression and anxiety. It
allows them to grow into great self-confidence in their own genders. It raises
self-esteem. It demonstrates how boys and men can get their emotional need for
affirmation, approval and affection from other males; needs that they simply
didn’t experience in their early lives. And…this results in a spontaneous,
automatic lessening or dissipation of their homosexual feelings. In short, they
maximize their heterosexual potential. Please look at <a href="http://www.narth.com/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.narth.com</span></a> and <a href="http://www.voices-of-change.org/"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">www.voices-of-change.org</span></a>
for testimonials of authentic, therapeutic change that the media, the APA and
Gay therapists are trying to keep from you at all costs. This is not really
about helping children, especially when you consider there has not been one
ethical complaint taken before any licensing board in the past few decades
about Reparative Therapy. I’m sure there have been individual incidents of
wrongdoing just like there has been in all other forms of therapy. However,
this is a problem that is not germane to Reparative Therapy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for
your consideration. Please stop this irresponsible bill that is trying to
appear as though it saves little children. I humbly ask you to please regard
your own legacy in history when making your decision regarding this bill. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br />
<b>David Pickup, LMFT<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Articles
compiled and edited by David H. Pickup, M.A., Licensed Marriage and Family
Therapist in Dallas, Texas (SD 16, delegate)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">American Psychological Association (2009). <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Report of the APA task force on appropriate therapeutic response
to sexual orientation</span></i>. Retrieved from <a href="http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/therapeutic-response.pdf"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in;">http://www.apa.org/pi/lgbt/resources/therapeutic-response.pdf</span></a><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beckstead, A. L. (2001). Cures versus choice:
Agendas in sexual reorientation therapy.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Journal of Gay and Lesbian Psychotherapy, 5</span></em>(3/4),
87-115.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bell, A. P., Weinberg, M. S., & Hammersmith, S.
K. (1981).<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Sexual preference: Its development in men and women</span></em>.
Bloomington, IN: Indiana University Press.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 11.25pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cummings, N. A., & Donohue, W. T. (2008). Eleven
blunders that cripple psychotherapy in America: A remedial unblundering. New
York: Taylor & Francis Group. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dreger, A. (2012, April 11). How to ex an “ex-gay”
study. [Web log post]. Retrieved from <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://psychologytoday.com/blog/fetishes-i-dont-get/201204/how-ex-ex-gay-study">http://psychologytoday.com/blog/fetishes-i-dont-get/201204/how-ex-ex-gay-study</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jones, S. L., Rosik, C. H., Williams, R. N., &
Byrd, A. D. (2010). A Scientific, Conceptual, and Ethical Critique of the
Report of the APA Task Force on Sexual Orientation.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">The General Psychologist, 45</span></em>(2),
7-18. Retrieved from<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><a href="http://www.apa.org/divisions/div1/news/fall2010/Fall%202010%20TGP.pdf"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">http://www.apa.org/divisions/div1/news/fall2010/Fall%202010%20TGP.pdf</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">NARTH
Task Force on Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of Unwanted Same-Sex
Attractions and Behavior (2010). Practice Guidelines for the Treatment of
Unwanted Same-Sex Attractions and Behavior, <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Journal of Human Sexuality, 2,</span></i> 5-65.
Retrieved from <span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; color: windowtext; padding: 0in;"><a href="http://narth.com/2011/03/practice-guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-unwanted-same-sex-attractions-and-behaviors/">http://narth.com/2011/03/practice-guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-unwanted-same-sex-attractions-and-behaviors/</a> </span>Shidlo,
A., & Schroeder, M. (2002). Changing sexual orientation: A consumer’s
report. <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 33</span></i>(3),
249-259.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ryan, C., Huebner, D., Diaz, R. M., & Sanchez,
J. (2009). Family rejection as a predictor of negative health outcomes in white
and Latino lesbian, gay, and bisexual young adults. <i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Pediatrics, 123</span></i>, 346-352.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shidlo, A., & Schroeder, M. (2002). Changing
sexual orientation: A consumers’ report.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 33</span></em>,
249-259.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spitzer, R. L. (2003a). Can some gay men and
lesbians change their sexual orientation? 200 participants reporting a change
from homosexual to heterosexual orientation.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32</span></em>(5), 403-417.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spitzer, R. L. (2003b). Reply: Study results should
not be dismissed and justify further research on the efficacy of sexual
reorientation therapy.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32</span></em>(5), 469-472.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Spitzer, R. L. (2012). Spitzer reassesses his 2003
study of reparative therapy of homosexuality [Letter to the editor].<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Archives of Sexual Behavior</span></em>.
Advance online publication. doi: 10.1007/s10508-012-9966-y<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wakefield, J. C. (2003). Sexual reorientation
therapy: Is it ever ethical? Can it ever change sexual orientation?<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Archives of Sexual Behavior, 32</span></em>(5),
p. 457-459.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Vonholdt, C. R. (2001). Interview with Robert L.
Spitzer: Homosexuality and the reality of change.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Bulletin of the German
Institute for Youth and Society</span></em>, 1, 33-36. Retrieved from<a href="http://www.dijg.de/english/homosexuality-reality-of-change/"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">http://www.dijg.de/english/homosexuality-reality-of-change/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Yarhouse, M. A. (2003). HowSpitzer’s study gives a
voice to the disenfranchised within a minority group.<em><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">Archives of Sexual Behavior</span></em>, 32(5), 462-463<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5)<span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></b><!--[endif]--><b>Final
Resolution Endorsed by the Texas Republican Assembly and Eagle Forum<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">SUPPORT
REPARATIVE THERAPY
<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHEREAS</b> Reparative
therapy and other Sexual Orientation Change Efforts are based on the
understanding that healing emotional wounds and reducing shame will reduce
same-sex attraction and empower individuals to live in accordance with their
own faith and values;
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> WHEREAS</b>, psychological and spiritual counseling
have been well-documented in scientific and psychological literature to help
individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions reduce and/or eliminate their
unwanted homosexual feelings;
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>WHEREAS</b>, laws have
recently been passed in California and New Jersey severely restricting the free
speech rights of licensed therapists who support counseling/therapy to change
or reduce homosexual behavior in individuals who seek their help; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED</b>
that licensed therapists, psychologists and counselors in the state of Texas
cannot be forbidden or penalized by any licensing board for practicing
reparative therapy and supporting clients of any age with sexual orientation
change efforts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Be
it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to the ____________ Senatorial/County Convention
Resolutions Committee form Precinct #______of the _____________County
________________Party, with the recommendation that it be passed and sent to
the State Convention Platform Committee of the _______________ Party of Texas.</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">P.S.: </span>Here is a short playlist I put together of videos that will explain more about real Reparative Therapy: </b><br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwDWC93KtNY&list=PL4K_I9lo5wnovx_-vF5RCwnoP8xnVD7NF&feature=share">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwDWC93KtNY&list=PL4K_I9lo5wnovx_-vF5RCwnoP8xnVD7NF&feature=share</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-71238220866405329342014-06-01T09:20:00.000-05:002015-02-03T18:54:39.618-06:00"Born this Way" ?? hmm...<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">This should be self-evident, but unfortunately today's philosophy has caused so much confusion. </span></b><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>"Gender identity and sexual orientation are grounded in biological reality. The body tells us who we are, and we cannot 'construct' - assemble or disassemble - a different reality in which gender and sexual identity are out of synchrony with biology. We cannot have been 'created' for same-sex relationships whose very design makes biological parenthood impossible. </b></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>My clients have found homosexual behavi</b></i></span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>or to be maladaptive to their lives. Their impetus for change comes from their deep conviction that underneath it all they really are heterosexual men, and they seek a therapist who sees their inner potential. </b></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><i><b>These men have an internal conviction that homosexuality is not merely wrong but that - on yet a broader dimension - homosexuality simply isn't 'True.'"</b></i></span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 20px;"><b> - <a href="http://www.josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joseph Nicolosi</a></b></span></span></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiryCxpzQj9sP8_RdistkqXKSFu5j8HrbmVTr04VfT80q0QsCCgsW-72PwzHYgXqJ06LlaUSJOjU6lvIwpIlKqQ05RYuJ2vwIJxZUmy3lRCWUINYT9Z7nHdiYC97M-puiknjKK4qB9aVw/s1600/shameattachmentloss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiryCxpzQj9sP8_RdistkqXKSFu5j8HrbmVTr04VfT80q0QsCCgsW-72PwzHYgXqJ06LlaUSJOjU6lvIwpIlKqQ05RYuJ2vwIJxZUmy3lRCWUINYT9Z7nHdiYC97M-puiknjKK4qB9aVw/s1600/shameattachmentloss.JPG" height="200" width="125" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiryCxpzQj9sP8_RdistkqXKSFu5j8HrbmVTr04VfT80q0QsCCgsW-72PwzHYgXqJ06LlaUSJOjU6lvIwpIlKqQ05RYuJ2vwIJxZUmy3lRCWUINYT9Z7nHdiYC97M-puiknjKK4qB9aVw/s1600/shameattachmentloss.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I found this (above) while re-reading the introduction to </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shame-Attachment-Loss-Practical-Reparative/dp/0830828990/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403792235&sr=8-1&keywords=Shame+and+Attachment+Loss" target="_blank">Shame and Attachment Loss: The Practical Work of Reparative Therapy</a></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> by Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D. of the Thomas Aquinas Psychological Clinic.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>This is one of the best, most comprehensive books on understanding Same-Sex Attraction. I highly recommend it!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pax Christi,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Jeremy</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://www.joel225.org/">http://www.Joel225.org</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-29030329856086841852014-04-15T14:28:00.002-05:002014-07-01T15:18:11.969-05:00LIVE TWEETING the Holiest 72 Hours of A.D. 2014<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9885">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was a freshman at <a href="http://udallas.edu/" target="_blank">University of Dallas</a>, my friend Frank was really inspired by Jesus' words in Mark 14:36 <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9886" style="font-style: italic;">"Could you not stay awake with me for even one hour?" </span> The two of us decided to stay up all night on Holy Thursday to pray and read scripture. We kept the vigil going until 3:00pm on Good Friday (the hour of Salvation) - when we ended by praying the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. </span></div>
<div id="yiv3855480832">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9880">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9879">
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9884">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9883">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, the idea I'm writing ya'll about doesn't involve staying up all night. I've noticed that with Social Media (especially with Twitter) that a lot of "bloggers," reporters, and others will "Live Tweet" for major events - like The Royal Wedding, Presidential Debates, the Oscars, etc. - In the past, I've "followed" these more closely from time to time and was intrigued by the way they seemed captured so much detail in concise 140 character statements. Sometimes Less really is More. </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9888">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9890">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I saw a post a while back where someone said that the eye-witness accounts in <span style="font-style: italic;">"Live Tweets"</span> are <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9889" style="font-style: italic;">"just like being there!"</span> - In some ways that's a sad reflection on our society. This person was referring to a the Royal Wedding. I was thinking about the texts in the Gospels that my friend Frank and I read during our Good Friday vigil and <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9891" style="font-weight: bold;">I was wondering what it would have been like if someone were "Live Tweeting" the events of the Easter Triduum<span style="font-style: italic;"> (Last Supper through to the Resurrection and Walk to Emmaus).</span></span> </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9890">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9890">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I know at first that sounds like it would trivialize this sacred event and it WOULD if it were someone's pop-culture view tailored for a Twitter audience.<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9892" style="font-weight: bold;"> However, the events are already described moment by moment in Sacred Scripture (God's own Word) - which he promises will "not return void." </span><span style="font-style: italic;">(Isaiah 55:11)</span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9893">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9894">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A while back, I started reading and compiling the scriptural texts and selecting verses from the Gospels. I separated them into 140 character segments (the Twitter limit). I was blown away by how powerful these scriptures were when I was forced to focus on each (140 characters at a time). Each one has a powerful message on its own.</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9895">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's one that really seemed to impact me more when I was forced to focus on it:</span><br />
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9897" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9896" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"Then all the disciples deserted him and fled." - Matthew 26:56</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd read the Gospels before and knew this detail, but I hadn't really thought about or visualized it, until then. This time it really hit home.<br /><br />A friend of mine who owns a social media marketing company told me about the process for pre-scheduling Twitter posts for specific dates / times. I've been working on a timed structure for the scriptures to post. I tailored the timing so that specific moments will include multiple "tweets" - posting a few minutes apart - followed by periods of complete Silence (no tweets).<br /><br /> I found out online that on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Thursday April 17th (Holy Thursday)</span> that <span style="font-weight: bold;">Sunset will occur in Jerusalem at 7:09pm</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">(</span><span style="font-style: italic;">11:09 am our time - CDT)</span> - that's when my first "Tweet" (Mark 14:12) will post and the rest will follow in timed segments throughout the 72-hours of the Paschal Triduum. <span style="font-weight: bold;">I won't have to be logged in myself.</span> Once I upload these they will all be on a timer. There will also be groups of posts near 10:07pm CDT (which will be 6:07 AM - Sunrise on Good Friday) in Jerusalem - <b>I will be posting Peter's denials and the Rooster crow in sync.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The live feed will be on my Blog Twitter account, but also on our main Joel 2:25 Twitter account:</span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Click here to Follow: <a href="https://twitter.com/Joel_225">https://twitter.com/Joel_225</a></span></b></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9899">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Pax Christi,</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9899">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9899">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1397589360752_9899">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Isaiah 55:11 - </span><span style="font-style: italic;">"with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it." </span> </span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-29858844155074847192014-03-25T10:48:00.000-05:002014-03-25T10:48:28.925-05:00My story and the benefits of Reparative Therapy & SOCE (Sexual Orientation Change Efforts)<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">I put this playlist together along with my own video interview to help share the TRUTH about Reparative Therapy which is one of the tools God used to save my life. I am so grateful to Dr. Nicolosi for his help. I also want to spread the TRUTH to those who have heard lies an</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">d misinformation. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2D26C55B8725111F" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3b5998;"><span style="cursor: pointer; line-height: 18px;">http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2D26C55B8725111F</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"> </span></b></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><br />Those who say that Reparative Therapy is "harmful" have (in almost all cases) never tried or experienced ANY form of real Reparative Therapy. Those who did try it and who say that usually only did so for a very short while. In all cases, they are basing their accusations on politics rather than facts. Reparative Therapy uses all of the SAME modalities as any other therapy. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">The difference is that it respects the individual client's right to self-determination rather than imposing a modern pop-culture label and insisting that the individual must live an active "gay" life in order to be happy. Those of us with religious views are never going to find happiness by doing what we believe to be wrong. Only by finding truth, congruence within our faith, and self-compassion have we found real healing. THAT is the basis of Reparative Therapy.<br /><br /><br /><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/samesexattraction" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#samesexattraction</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ssa" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#SSA</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/homosexuality" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#homosexuality</a> <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/exgay" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#exgay</a> ex-gay lgbt gay ex-homosexual <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/soce" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#SOCE</a> Sexual Orientation Change Efforts<a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/narth" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;">#NARTH</a></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-32759312425094204302014-01-20T16:26:00.000-06:002014-01-20T16:28:05.731-06:00Name Change (MyExGayJourney to MySSAJourney)I recently changed the name and URL for my blog from: <b>MyExGayJourney</b> to <b>MySSAJourney.</b> I thought the URL (myexgayjourney.blogspot.com) would transfer to the new URL (<a href="http://myssajourney.blogspot.com/">MySSAJourney.Blogspot.com</a>), but I guess that didn't work.<br />
<br />
The reason for the change is NOT due to any change in my own beliefs or goals. It is just that I never intended to use the term "Ex-Gay" anyway. I don't believe any of us are created TO BE gay and this journey isn't about become "Ex" anything as much as it is about growth and healing in authenticity and assertion - releasing shame and other false identities and counter-emotions.<br />
<br />
Anway, I hope to share more here soon. I've been preoccupied with ministry work (<a href="http://www.joel225.com/">http://www.Joel225.com</a>) and my regular full-time job in the corporate world, so I haven't had much time for writing. I hope to get more prolific in the future though.<br />
<br />
Pax Christi,<br />
JeremyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-56264208629337687172014-01-10T11:41:00.003-06:002014-01-10T11:41:44.046-06:0015 Minutes a DayThis past week, a group of my friends in Joel 2:25 (<a href="http://www.joel225.com/">http://www.Joel225.com</a>) started meeting via teleconference each morning to pray Lauds (Morning Prayer: <a href="http://universalis.com/">http://universalis.com/</a>). The teleconference line is one that we set up exclusively for prayer and it's available 24/7. <br /><br />Right now, we have <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_022.htm" target="_blank">two groups</a> that meet every day: the <a href="http://universalis.com/compline.htm" target="_blank">Compline or night prayer group</a> at 10:30PM CST and the new <a href="http://universalis.com/0/i-lauds.htm" target="_blank">Morning group</a>. Both of these are traditional liturgical prayers<i> (from the Psalms)</i> and they are awesome, but they are mostly from my own <a href="http://www.vatican.va/" target="_blank">Catholic</a> tradition. Our group is very diverse and at least half of <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25</a> guys are evangelical or charismatic and many are from Orthodox traditions. <b>I would LOVE for us to get more daily groups with other forms of prayer / worship. </b><br />
<br />
Besides the obviously most important aspect of communal worship and praise for our King, there is a practical/ministry benefit. I've been reading a few different books lately on Addiction recovery. They are not specifically related to SSA, but all of them site the importance of <i>"Keystone Habits"</i> and positive community / group involvement and relationship with God as the most important factors for healing - recovery and long term sobriety.<br />
<br />
When I first started <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25</a> about a year ago, I focused exclusively on deep emotional processing. My biased judgement at the time was that this was the area most ministries neglected. I developed the protocol we currently use for our Small Groups with the intention of creating safe and "sacred" space to enable vulnerability and deep catharsis. Our Small Group leaders are all really skilled in this type of work and I think those small groups are going really well.<br />
<br />
At the same time, I'm realizing there is a LOT of value in short <b><u>DAILY</u></b> groups -<i> even if it's only 15-20 minutes. </i>It can be a huge help in developing sexual sobriety and spiritual growth. From what many therapists are telling me, this is critical for anyone to get real benefit out of the catharsis work.<br />
<br />
<b>Anyway, if anyone here would be interested in participating in or leading a daily group (15-30 minutes) for prayer, worship, scripture study, etc. - please let me know. </b><br />
<br />
<i>Pax Christi,</i><br />
JeremyAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-70107572456363343732014-01-08T10:57:00.000-06:002014-01-08T12:03:53.387-06:00Please join us in prayer or let us pray for you<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZnxoRz-SNCL__0adwIXph1x5TK8QHvXENtZpxJS6PHC31V54g_wx0D63X2h5S_tEkKtdAnSdB29O8N8_iQa82kEaUjYsXhjIwoPJKwSj_-iggrVFYHXMiV8gDNyyLDqr9_YXyUqRjoA/s1600/lightstock_1665_max_user_602763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZnxoRz-SNCL__0adwIXph1x5TK8QHvXENtZpxJS6PHC31V54g_wx0D63X2h5S_tEkKtdAnSdB29O8N8_iQa82kEaUjYsXhjIwoPJKwSj_-iggrVFYHXMiV8gDNyyLDqr9_YXyUqRjoA/s1600/lightstock_1665_max_user_602763.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; font-family: inherit;">In <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25</a>, we would like to keep </span><u style="background-color: #f0f9fd; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">YOU</u><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; font-family: inherit;"> in our prayers. In addition to the video-conference support groups, participants gather in small groups at several different times </span><u style="background-color: #f0f9fd; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">each day</u><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; font-family: inherit;"> to pray using our 24-Hour Prayer Teleconference line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Currently, we have two establish daily groups that meet at the same time each day for </span></span><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lauds (Morning Prayer) and </span><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Compline (Night Prayer). </span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The prayers we use for each day are available online at:</span><a href="http://universalis.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><u style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://universalis.com/</span></u></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our dedicated prayer line is up 24/7 so we hope we can add more daily groups soon including Charismatic, evangelical, and Greek Orthodox groups.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f0f9fd; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">If there is anything we can pray <span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">for you about or if you would like to</span> join us in one of our prayer groups, please contact us: </span></span></span><a href="http://joel225.com/joel_021.htm">http://joel225.com/joel_021.htm</a></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00814727466490635806noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-26436320541219426922014-01-04T17:28:00.000-06:002014-01-04T17:34:16.688-06:00"Becoming a Whole Man" - by David Matheson<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">Here is a great new resource which is really excellent: <a href="http://becomingawholeman.com/">http://becomingawholeman.com</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333;">Also the website for the "Center for Gender Wholeness": </span><a href="http://genderwholeness.com/">http://genderwholeness.com/</a><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">I highly recommend the book and the interactive website. The "Masculine Archetypes" that David Matheson describes are the <i><b>"King, Warrior, Magician, and Lover."</b></i> They are also referenced in many other men's programs - including the <a href="http://www.promisekeepers.org/" target="_blank">Promise Keepers</a>. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">I actually have 8 books on my shelf right now about the "Masculine Archetypes" as well as one on the </span><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">feminine</span><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;"> archetypes. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">Anyway, this website is really awesome! David Matheson is also one of the creators of the JiM weekend (<b>Journey into Manhood)</b> <a href="http://www.peoplecanchange.com/jim" target="_blank">http://www.PeopleCanChange.com/jim</a> I hope to have him come to one our Joel 2:25 meetings (<a href="http://www.joel225.com/">http://www.Joel225.com</a>) as a guest speaker later this year. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">Pax Christi,</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 13.59375px;">Jeremy</span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-16711542951303365802013-12-31T15:20:00.001-06:002013-12-31T15:20:11.579-06:002013 has been an Amazing Year!<span style="font-family: inherit;">2013 has been an amazing year!<br /><br />I have continued to be bless abundantly with opportunities to reach out, encourage, and support others who are making this same journey. I have also received more support, friendship, and real love than ever before. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The group I has started (originally in my living room) has grown to over 320 men and women from 63 countries who participate via video-conferences. We have formed a non-profit corporation with bylaws and a Board of Directors and have begun the process of becoming a 501c3. Our 15 Small Groups are doing well and I'm blessed to know so many wonderful men and women who have been willing to volunteer to help lead groups and minister to others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our nightly prayer group has been meeting every night at 10:30pm for about six months now and my dad has even started joining us. <b>That has been really AWESOME! </b> We are also starting a Morning Prayer group in January. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While <b>ALL Joel 2:25 meetings, video-conferences, and support services are FREE and ALWAYS WILL BE</b>, there are many costs that incur to support the growing needs. There are also many things we would like to be able to do to provide more help if the funds were available.</span><br />
<u><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></u>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u>IF you feel led</u>, please consider partnering with us in prayer and if possible financial support: <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_021.htm">http://joel225.com/joel_021.htm</a>. Also (regardless of whether you can help us), please let us know if there is anything we can be praying for YOU about.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Pax Christi</i> and have a blessed 2014!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Jeremy</span><br />
<a href="http://www.joel225.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.com</span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Map of Joel 2:25 Participants:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Th_Yp6d1wO4/UsMz8kxl4WI/AAAAAAAACCE/R0K9bvHgPcw/s1600/Joel225+Map+-+12-28-2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Th_Yp6d1wO4/UsMz8kxl4WI/AAAAAAAACCE/R0K9bvHgPcw/s400/Joel225+Map+-+12-28-2013.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-22775328841052216612013-11-11T11:13:00.000-06:002013-11-12T14:57:51.974-06:00Seven days of prayer/fasting for Women with Same-Sex Attraction (SSA)<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">In Joel 2:25 (<a href="http://www.joel225.com/">http://www.Joel225.com</a>), we currently have 14 small groups for guys in different languages and stages of life. We have been having men who are in other groups gather to pray while one group is meeting. (i.g. guys from the Spanish group praying for the Russian g</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 18px;">roup, English group praying for the Portuguese group, Italians, German, etc.)<br /><br />This past weekend, the men of Joel 2:25 began seven days of fasting and prayer / fasting for a major new group that we are starting for women. We've discussed in our men's groups that one of our roles as men is to wake up our Warrior archetype. In this case, we are dealing with major Spiritual warfare. This will be the first video-conference group of it's kind for Women with SSA. Our sisters will be embarking on a major journey with women from four countries already on board. It is important that we as men step up and fight for them on this battlefield by storming heaven with prayer and fasting over the next seven days.<br /><br />Anyway, I'd like to ask you to join us in praying for the women of Joel 2:25 and for all women with SSA.<br /><br />Pax Christi,<br />Jeremy</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt8ft77H-QI/UoEP-LswmBI/AAAAAAAACAM/zZYaztb5MaU/s1600/Women+of+Joel+225-Nov+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rt8ft77H-QI/UoEP-LswmBI/AAAAAAAACAM/zZYaztb5MaU/s400/Women+of+Joel+225-Nov+2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.800000190734863px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-62633244928433801492013-11-07T15:58:00.004-06:002013-11-07T16:01:03.644-06:00NEW group for PARENT's of Teens with Same-Sex Attraction<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I got another email yesterday from a 16 year old seeking help with Same-Sex Attraction (SSA). In addition to the two 15 year olds who emailed a while back, this is starting to weigh on me. All of teens who have emailed me so far have said that they're parents were aware of their SSA and willing to give their written permission for them to participate in a support group. I've sent them all the links/resources as I knew of, but had to explain we do not yet have a Joel 2:25 group for them. I think it's time I stopped stalling though on getting the Parent's group together. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;">If there are any Christian Counselors or pastoral leaders who might be willing to volunteer to help lead these, I'd love to talk with them. </span><i class="_4-k1 img sp_8bclrq sx_a69e40" style="background-color: white; background-image: url(http://static.ak.fbcdn.net/rsrc.php/v2/yS/r/UjZRTWi-pjm.png); background-position: -102px -868px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; background-size: auto; color: #333333; display: inline-block; height: 16px; line-height: 13.600000381469727px; vertical-align: -3px; width: 16px;"></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"> I'm also asking guys in our "Young Adults" Small Group (under 27yo) to volunteer to help join these video-conferences and share THEIR experiences and insights with the parents.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;">I am envisioning this as being separate groups for Fathers and Mothers of Sons and Daughters with SSA or other confusions. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URh-G54tC4w/UnwMvlP2JfI/AAAAAAAAB_8/aKN6edWna64/s1600/Families.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URh-G54tC4w/UnwMvlP2JfI/AAAAAAAAB_8/aKN6edWna64/s400/Families.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><a href="http://www.joel225.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.com</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 13.600000381469727px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-54296811991619395672013-10-29T14:06:00.000-05:002013-10-29T14:06:45.860-05:00NEW Group for WOMEN with Unwanted Same-Sex Attraction (Joel225.com)<b><span style="color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">This is EXCITING NEWS!!!!!</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9bsX7XWrRw/UnAFX0ZrmgI/AAAAAAAAB8c/hbSHmsskjFs/s1600/Women+of+Joel+225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="145" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q9bsX7XWrRw/UnAFX0ZrmgI/AAAAAAAAB8c/hbSHmsskjFs/s400/Women+of+Joel+225.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The WOMEN of Joel have tentatively scheduled their<b> <u>first</u></b> Small Group Video-Conference for <b><span style="font-size: large;">Saturday November 16th at 2:00PM CST (20:00 GMT).</span></b></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b>
<a href="http://www.joel225.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.com</span></a><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: yellow;"> If you know a woman with SSA who would be interested, please encourage them to contact Carol at: <a href="mailto:info@joel225.com" target="_blank">info@joel225.com</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here is our website with resources for Women with SSA: <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_014.htm">http://joel225.com/joel_014.htm</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We will be adding a LOT more resources and information soon. :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>P.S.: </b> Here is a link for the Time Zone conversions (Event Time Announcer) for the Women's video-conference group. This covers every major city: <a href="http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?p1=34&iso=20131116T22&msg=Women%20of%20Joel%202%3a25%20-%20Small%20Group%20Video-Conference&sort=1">http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/fixedtime.html?p1=34&iso=20131116T22&msg=Women%20of%20Joel%202%3a25%20-%20Small%20Group%20Video-Conference&sort=1</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-57837463371744463832013-10-11T11:30:00.000-05:002014-06-03T23:13:01.835-05:00National "Coming Out" Day<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today (October 11th) is supposedly "National Coming Out Day." I'm not sure WHO came up with that, but since some many people are talking this new holiday, I wanted to share a different message. This is from my friend Blake, who has been participating in our <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25 Young Adults Group</a>. Blake also has many other AWESOME videos on his YouTube channel: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/BlakeSweet1/videos">http://www.youtube.com/user/BlakeSweet1/videos</a> so I'd encourage everyone to Subscribe and check these out. They are really powerful! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZYuxbdtVH8?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><br />Also, here is a great article by Andy Comiskey about the trend in some Christian circles to encourage men and women with Same-Sex Attraction to embrace the false identity and the modern "Gay" label: </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Cultivating Gay Christians" <a href="http://andrewcomiskey.com/cultivating-gay-christians/">http://andrewcomiskey.com/cultivating-gay-christians/</a> </span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />Andy is the creator of <a href="http://www.desertstream.org/Groups/1000040175/Desert_Stream_Ministries/Who_We_Are/Affiliated_Programs/Living_Waters/Living_Waters.aspx" target="_blank">"Living Waters" </a>a program that has helped many of my friends find healing and restoration. <a href="http://www.desertstream.org/Groups/1000040175/Desert_Stream_Ministries/Who_We_Are/Affiliated_Programs/Living_Waters/Living_Waters.aspx">http://www.desertstream.org</a></span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-43127349574326178392013-10-08T11:46:00.001-05:002013-10-08T17:08:51.395-05:00To Change or Not to Change. Is that REALLY the question?<span style="font-family: inherit;">For those of us with Same-Sex Attraction who have chosen NOT to embrace a "Gay" identity or pursue gay "relationships" there often <u>appears</u> to be a great divide. This was going on long before the closing of Exodus and Alan Chamber's apologies last summer. It has also long been a source of contention with the <a href="http://www.couragerc.org/" target="_blank">Courage Apostolate</a>, the Catholic equivalent and to a certain extent with <a href="http://www.jonahweb.org/" target="_blank">JONAH</a>, the Jewish version, <a href="http://straightway.sinfree.net/" target="_blank">StraightWay,</a> the Muslim ministry, and <a href="http://www.evergreeninternational.org/" target="_blank">Evergreen </a>(LDS).</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are many of us who have strong convictions and emotions regarding one or the other "side." There are many others who would be somewhere in between these extremes and/or have not formed an opinion. I saw a blog post recently that referred to them as "Side A" and "Side B." </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I have found myself at different times on both sides and there have been times when I have felt strong emotions<i> (Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Joy)</i> at the mere mention of one or the other. I have also received strongly worded emails (10+ pages) from people who very upset with me for mentioning one or the other. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I doubt I will be able to adequately address the "arguments" in one blog post, but I'd like to examine the underlying emotional charges. I'll try my best to do this objectively, but if you see any biases or errors in my analysis, please let me know. ;)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2q87wJGTDQ/UlQzypU9aaI/AAAAAAAAB7o/STp1W8PQ4wU/s1600/Copy+(2)+of+lightstock_65743_xsmall_user_602763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I2q87wJGTDQ/UlQzypU9aaI/AAAAAAAAB7o/STp1W8PQ4wU/s200/Copy+(2)+of+lightstock_65743_xsmall_user_602763.jpg" width="122" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Past Wounds and Shame from Others</span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While society's overall attitudes toward Homosexuality and people who experience Same-Sex Attraction has changed rapidly over the last ten years, most of us have at one point in our lives still experienced significant external pressure to "change" and to become <i>"100% heterosexual." </i>This is especially the case for most of us who grew up in Conservative Christian homes where homosexual inclinations themselves <i>(not just immoral homosexual acts) </i>were seen by many churches as <i>"evidence of a reprobate mind."</i> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>I had this experience when I was 14 years old.</b> I had already been struggling with my gay thoughts and feelings for over two years and praying incessantly that God would "change me" when I came home one day to discover that my parents had found and read my journal. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next few months were hell on earth for me. My parent's view of the development of SSA (fed by the rhetoric of the preachers they listened to, like <a href="http://www.jhm.org/" target="_blank">John Hagee</a>) was that FIRST, a person sells their soul to the devil and THEN, they eventually develop SSA (Same-Sex Attraction). They could not reconcile how a Christian who <u>REALLY</u> believed could experience any SSA. It was beyond their comprehension at the time. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Z-p-xiggk/UlQ0NIlPzII/AAAAAAAAB7w/utGEqfK5G0Q/s1600/iStock_000023833550XSmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-Z-p-xiggk/UlQ0NIlPzII/AAAAAAAAB7w/utGEqfK5G0Q/s200/iStock_000023833550XSmall.jpg" width="175" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I KNEW that I had already been pouring my heart out to God and pleading with him for the previous TWO years to cure me of homosexuality, I found especially hurtful that they believed the reason I had SSA was that I obviously didn't really mean it when I had been baptized and professed Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For our family, some relief came when my parents finally talked to a real therapist who was training in <a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank">Reparative Therapy</a>. It was only then that they began to realize that my Same-Sex Attraction might have some other causes other than just ME being EVIL. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By that point though, it was too little, too late. I had completely shut down emotionally and was unable and unwillingly to even attempt to discuss the issue with them or anyone else. I managed to convince them that it had all just been "a phase" and we all agreed to not bring up the topic again. It would 19 years before I mentioned the subject to them again.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcJyr_om0Ks/UPdCon-TBFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/jO_nyKQVlQ4/s1600/queen-james-gay-bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="143" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jcJyr_om0Ks/UPdCon-TBFI/AAAAAAAAAaA/jO_nyKQVlQ4/s200/queen-james-gay-bible.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I was in my early twenties, I often tried to join <i>"Gay Churches" </i>but always soon realized they had truncated the Gospel significantly in order to make it fit their desires. This grew tiring and I would always try to find my way back to a REAL church. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The conservative Christian Churches I tried, were usually a little more tolerant than my parents had been, but they also still couldn't seem to understand how my SSA (and by that point Sexual Addiction) had not been completely CURED by my answering the altar call. When I tried to be authentic and explain where I was STILL struggling, it often caught them by surprise and they seem to insist that the answer was more prayer ("and this time REALLY mean it."). </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50C2Ztc73pM/UlQ0o_G516I/AAAAAAAAB74/h-c7E_O_eH0/s1600/Copy+of+lightstock_66085_xsmall_user_602763.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-50C2Ztc73pM/UlQ0o_G516I/AAAAAAAAB74/h-c7E_O_eH0/s200/Copy+of+lightstock_66085_xsmall_user_602763.jpg" width="154" /></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>My own experience is very different from many of my friends who were part of Exodus and/or other <a href="http://www.restoredhopenetwork.com/" target="_blank">Ex-Gay Ministries</a>.</b> Most of them never embraced the Gay identity and many of them never acted out on their homosexual inclinations. <b>They experienced positive nurturing support and love from <a href="http://www.livehope.org/" target="_blank">Church-led ministries</a> which at least understood that they did not CHOOSE to have Same-Sex Attraction and that they were not "EVIL" or "Reprobate" for having experienced SSA.</b> I probably would have had this experience myself IF I had talked with an actual Ex-Gay ministry instead of trying to find understanding and support from Christians who had never experienced Same-Sex Attraction. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I believe the attitudes of most Christians have changed over the years, but there are still many who would not really understand how SSA is different from Opposite-Sex Attraction (OSA) and cannot be controlled or channeled in the same ways. <b>It is VERY different from the OSA struggles described in the book <a href="https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&ved=0CFkQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fnewlife.com%2Femb%2F&ei=hi1UUoCWMYLt2wW46oDICQ&usg=AFQjCNFXNZpn6hyp0dISnMBB95eaqtEwEg&sig2=1_QKg2Pb0OQxjISMsS-pqw&bvm=bv.53537100,d.b2I" target="_blank">Every Man's Battle</a><i> (</i></b><i>a book that I would now recommend for OSA friends, but discourage my SSA friends from reading). </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For a long time, my own gut reaction to any Church-led or faith-focused ministry addressing SSA was that they were saying what my parents had said that I <b><i>"Chose to be this way"</i></b> and/or that I would be 100% straight IF ONLY I had really meant it when I prayed. I realize in retrospect that most faith-based programs are NOT saying this and most of them never have said anything of the sort. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Reactions to "Reorientation Therapy," "Reparative Therapy" or "Sexual Orientation Change Efforts": </b>I have often received visceral emotional reactions from my Christian SSA friends whenever I have mentioned anything regarding <i>"Orientation Change" </i>or even emotional healing programs like <a href="http://www.peoplecanchange.com/jim" target="_blank">"Journey into Manhood"</a>. <b>In almost all cases, the individuals with the biggest emotional charges have NEVER actually experienced any form of Reparative Therapy. </b>The reactions vary slightly, but the biggest emotional charge tends to be regarding the expectation of "change." It seems likely that their reactions are based on the same emotional wounding that I received (although from a different perspective). One friend of mine said it best in this sentence: <i><b>"How dare you suggest that I need therapy?!" </b></i> - In essence, most of them feel that the mention of Reparative Therapy or any form of Psychological assistance for reducing Same-Sex Attraction is <b>implying that they are Mentally Ill.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">They seem to think that the purpose of "Reparative Therapy" or other emotional healing and "change programs" are to FIX THEM or make them 100% straight. <b>While there are some people who have experienced this complete change through therapy and/or prayer, it is usually not the case that we experience 100% change instantaneously. </b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the case for every other area of life as well. Many times a drug addict will answer an Altar Call at a church and surrender their lives to Christ. <b>This is where the healing BEGINS</b>, but it is not necessarily where it ENDS. As Christ works in their heart and transformation begins to take place, they may also be able to benefit from Rehab or working through a 12-step program. That does not diminish Christ's healing power. He could choose to instantly heal them if he wanted to, but often he has benefits for us and lessens to teach us through our obedience and gradual healing process. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">With regard to<a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank"> Reparative Therapy</a> and <i><b>Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE)</b></i> there is a lot of debate about whether it really "works." Almost everyone thinks though that for it to "work" it must be an instantaneously 100% change. That is a ridiculous and impossible standard to judge anything.<b> For me, I can say that I have benefited <u>TREMENDOUSLY</u> from Reparative Therapy and everyone I know who has actually tried it would say the same. Even those I know who gave up and went back into gay relationships, say it was <i>"helpful and positive experience." </i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Pro-Gay groups often try to argue that <a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank">Reparative Therapy</a> and other forms of Reorientation are <i>"harmful"</i> because they do not produce 100% change instantaneously. If you look closely at any of their claims, ALL of them are based on the idea that people will be <i>"disappointed" </i>and therefore "depressed" if they continue to experience some aspects of homosexual inclinations. They conclude that it is therefore better to encourage someone to embrace a <i>"Gay"</i> identity and avoid getting real help. <b>That is such a ridiculous thing to say. </b>If we used the same logic, we would say that Insulin should be banned and Diabetes is <i>"Healthy and Natural."</i> - After all, Insulin has not been proven to permanently <b>CURE</b> diabetes with one shot - therefore it MUST be <i>"harmful."</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My Same-Sex Attraction has been significantly reduced over a short period of time. It is now no longer a major struggle in my life. I am grateful for that. I have studied every aspect of <a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank">Reparative Therapy</a> and there is no possible way that any aspect of it could ever be<i> "harmful."</i> Nonetheless, it is a human scientific endeavor and does not rise to the level of Infallibility that the Christian faith relies on. The Christian Faith and in fact all monotheistic religions have always acknoweledged that homosexual "relationships" are harmful to the emotional well being and spiritual lives of everyone involved. This truth is independent of the effectiveness of any particular human effort to reduce or "change" homosexuality. Diabetes was harmful to the human body even before Insulin was discovered as a treatment in 1921. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It is possible that Reparative Therapy could be replaced eventually with other therapies even more effective, just as Insulin might eventually be replaced by something else. These are tools that God has enabled us to use to enhance our lives, but they are not the focal point of the Christian life. We do not have to choose one "side" or the other. We simply need to focus on Christ, follow his will, and be open to the gifts he sends our way (which for <b>ME,</b> happened to include <a href="http://josephnicolosi.com/" target="_blank">Dr. Joseph Nicolosi,</a> <a href="http://www.narth.com/" target="_blank">Reparative Therapy</a>, <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank">Joel 2:25</a>, and <a href="http://www.peoplecanchange.com/jim" target="_blank">Journey into Manhood</a>), but most importantly prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual healing through Christ. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span></div>
<div>
<a href="http://www.joel225.com/"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.com</span></a></div>
<div>
<a href="mailto:info@joel225.com"><span style="font-family: inherit;">info@joel225.com</span></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2703894460439568059.post-12803222078563675702013-10-07T17:17:00.001-05:002013-10-07T17:17:49.439-05:00Joel 2:25 International, support & resources for overcoming Same-Sex Attraction<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2379">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's been a while since, I've posted here. </span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2373">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been really busy this past year with ministry work. I started a small group at my house two years ago. <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2375" style="font-weight: bold;">Our group is called "Joel 2:25" <a href="http://www.joel225.com/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2374" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1381183586_1">http://www.Joel225.com</span> </a></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2297">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2297">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2297">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.joel225.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img alt="Ex-Gay, Gay, ExGay, Same-Sex Attraction, SSA Recovery" border="0" height="125" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SNUN78m-wM/UlMw3nvLC9I/AAAAAAAAB7Q/cx3JsLGCGc8/s400/AAAAA+Green-blue+-+TRANSPARENT.png" title="Joel 2:25 International" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2384">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">About a year ago we expanded and started having others join our meetings through video-conference from other countries. Now, we have 12 bi-weekly <i>"Small Groups"</i> and 215 guys from 55 countries participating in one form or another each month. The group is still <span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2385">primarily Catholic, but we have also had several protestants participating and most recently several Muslims and Jews. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EbXKwTnqEs/UlMxgC0EzqI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/ZSWcRXag0-o/s1600/Map+of+Joel+225+-+Sept+24+2013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="175" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5EbXKwTnqEs/UlMxgC0EzqI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/ZSWcRXag0-o/s400/Map+of+Joel+225+-+Sept+24+2013.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_77">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2387">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">The reason I'm writing to ask for your prayers. </span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2386">We are in the process of completing the formal structure of the ministry. I've never done anything like that before, so it's a little daunting, but we are moving along pretty well so far. </span></span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are doing what we can though. We have small groups in <b>English, <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_009.htm" target="_blank">Spanish</a>, <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_010.htm" target="_blank">Portuguese</a>, Russian, <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_011.htm" target="_blank">Italian</a> and <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_012.htm" target="_blank">Polish</a></b> right now. We are working on starting groups in<b> <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_013.htm" target="_blank">Arabic</a>, German and French as well as a <a href="http://joel225.com/joel_014.htm" target="_blank">group for Women</a>.</b> I also really feel led to start a group to help teens with SSA and their families. I'll post more about that idea in my next post. It will be different from our current format.</span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2398">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2393">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, sorry for rambling. Please keep us in your prayers. Also, if you know anyone who could benefit, please let them know about our group.</span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2392">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2394">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Pax Christi,</span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2391">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Jeremy</span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2395">
<a href="http://www.joel225.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1381183586_3"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://www.Joel225.com</span></span></a></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2396">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Joel225MANS" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank"><span class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1381183586_4">http://www.facebook.com/Joel225MANS</span></a></span></div>
<div class="yiv617643040yui_3_7_2_25_1380906659847_87" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1381181876220_2390">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/Joel_225" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2862c5; outline: 0px;" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/Joel_225</a></span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0