Comments for TransFormation Ministry

Comment on Contact by Jared

Jared — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:41:42 +0000

Hi, Brent and Julie,

I am Jared. we met at the TransOhio Symposium last fall. (It was in that last seminar with Margaret Hawk).Just wanted to touch base a bit, and share some thoughts.

First, I began seeing a counselor about a month and a half ago. Moving along with getting my clearance to meet Ohio’s standards. On top of that, finding her was definitely a divine act. The providential affirmations for my transitioning are amazing.

Sometime in the next month or two (depends on the court date) I will be changing my name officially to Jared. Tired of trying to be two people. Is exciting, and a little scary. I work in a call center, so I won’t sound like a Jared for a while. lol.

Your ministry is such a breath of fresh air. My heart does hurt for those (straight, gay, trans, and queer) who have been barred from experiencing the love of the True and living God by shame based doctrinal legalists. Keep up the good fight!

Comment on A TDoR Legacy by TransFormation Ministry

TransFormation Ministry — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:54:17 +0000

I don’t necessarily think that everyone who is not actively lobbying for progressive rights and legislation is necessarily perpetuating oppression. Not everyone is an activist. But I do agree we could all stand to do more than we do. And I thank God for the activists who DO get things done. –Brent Walsh

Comment on A New God? by liz

liz — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 22:57:51 +0000

I just couldn’t understand why God made me so different. My father was a Baptist minister so it took me years of denile, then just living alone and praying to change me. Finally I heard him (I don’t recall if during a sermon, song, but He spoke to me and told me He created me as I am. To love myself as he has created me. There is a purpose a way to serve and glorify Him just as I am.I don’t know if its to teach others acceptance, love for one another in our differences. So that we may serve Him in different ways with different passions, gifts and beings. I love God and want so to serve, glorify and be welcome in the House of God.

Comment on Shifting the Spotlight by Talia Johnson

Talia Johnson — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:30:14 +0000

Another point of view that is valuable is that of a supportive former partner / spouse – if one is still friends with them, something that is far from guaranteed.

Comment on A New God? by Talia Johnson

Talia Johnson — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:26:16 +0000

I’d say my relationship with God got a wee bit rocky after I had my epiphany and began my transition, there have been many times I’ve been angry with God. I was quite fortunate to have a supportive priest, she was there right from the start. She also affirmed that it is okay and understandable to be angry. I also believe that I was steered to my epiphany – it was a gay priest and his partner talking about their own experiences coming to terms with being gay and what it did to their family relationships that triggered my epiphany.

I am now at a stage where I am actively working to get back to university to study theology and begin the process of discernment towards ordained ministry. Where that leads, God knows, and she hasn’t told me yet.

Comment on A New God? by Kim

Kim — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 05:29:12 +0000

I accept myself but do not feel close to God. He seems like an imaginary friend I used to have. Sometimes I do mourn that loss. I am agnostic and think of God as distant. If he is the God I was raised to believe in, then deep down I’m still disappointed and angry at him. And at the same time, I think he understands why.

Comment on A New God? by Bruce Roller

Bruce Roller — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 23:35:02 +0000

(Revising my previous post for typos. Sorry.)
I am moved by each of your posts. The transparency, the deep thought, the spiritual ardor with which you write makes an easily-read message pierce to the heart of your readers. Thank you for this.

When I came out as a gay ordained clergy person, I feared God’s reaction because of my childhood church’s teachings. When I realized that God had known me as I was for all of my life, it suddenly dawned that it was my church friends, not God, that chided me, that abandoned me. That was 40 years ago. I understand more about myself and life and therefore have a kinder, gentler God than I did back then.

God also moved, from somewhere up there, to be a part of me and of all else in the world. The move has been a transforming experience for me.

Comment on A New God? by Aran

Aran — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 22:14:53 +0000

My relationship with God is much, much better. By accepting my true self, I tore down the barriers that kept God and people out. Now, God enters in easily. In the process of transition, I was led to become a Quaker. The Quakers were the first group that knew me as “Aran.” They accepted me just as I am and helped me become the man that I am. I never thought that I would be able to worship in silence, but God speaks to me there and God speaks through me to other people through vocal ministry that I give.

Comment on Shifting the Spotlight by Dan

Dan — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:25:51 +0000

Julie,

Good post. I’ll have to remember this when or if I ever find a partner! I’m finding my potential dating pool to be quite limited now. How do trans people find partners?

Dan

Comment on Friends Forever? by Kim Flowers

Kim Flowers — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:45:42 +0000

I love this; I think it must be a very difficult thing to go through, and something you wouldn’t have risked friendships for unless it was absolutely best for you.