A Fork In The Road

By Kathy  Young, Trinity United Methodist Church

I was raised in the United Methodist Church to know that God is a loving God, that all people are created in His image; and that if one believed in God and led a good life, in the end, one would ascend to heaven and eternal life would be granted.
With each year, I knew that I was different.  At 16 years old, I figured out why.  I was gay.  I still subscribed to my early beliefs, but depending on what or who I consulted, the preaching seemed to change and my new reality was now troublesome.  It was the early 80s and many gay people lived “in the closet.”  I would be graduating from college soon, seeking a career in law enforcement.  How would I choose to live my life? Would I be out and open or would I attempt to live two lives, hiding the real me from others?  Would I choose light or darkness?
God created me to be gay – this was His plan.  I did not choose my sexuality any more than others chose theirs.  What was God’s purpose for me?  Was it to hide and to live in darkness – or – dare I live in the light, and follow my earlier-installed beliefs?
By 18, I chose the latter - for my God is a loving God. We must all join the battle of life to carry our own loads for our purpose is unknown.  Hiding in the darkness, doubtfully, will be a way to fulfill that purpose.  As LGBTQ individuals, we don’t have to be activists, but we can simply participate fully by serving our country, our community, and being a good neighbor.  This positive example, hopefully, will contribute to paving an easier path for others to follow and contribute to our diverse society.