To write a book on this subject is to lay bare the heart and mind to a public who may embrace or refrain from embracing the perspective of a lived experience and transformed life in Christ.
It is what some may consider as social suicide.
Not many are brave enough to document a past and present that makes a once supportive community turn its back.
It takes great conviction, courage and audacity to write out a life with such vulnerability on pages for the world to read.
In the world today, many Christians simply do not have the language and right knowledge to communicate on the topic of gayness and we see varying degrees of reactions and responses in attempts to reach out.
Sometimes, we get it right in conversations and relations, and sometimes we fail.
At other times, Christians simply do not have the words and strength of will to address this topic, especially when it hits too close to home and responses become emotional and reactive, causing even more friction.
To be torn between speaking love in truth and embracing the one who shares your blood and genes can be a burden many are usually very unprepared for.
Shock, disappointment, judgement, distress, disgust, hate, rejection, avoidance, acceptance, relief, a sense of freedom, excitement or solidarity. Just to name a few emotions and responses that often emerge with the discovery of a gay identity.
I wanted to read a book on the lived experience of one with a past, but now a present that is fully surrendered to God.
Jackie’s journey speaks to the transformative power of Christ to anyone who comes to Him and lays before God their sexuality and also all aspects of their lives in obedience to His will and what His Word says.
A life that honors Him and fully embraces Him as LORD and personal savior.
Reading “Gay Girl Good God: The story of who I was and who God has always been.” by Jackie Hill Perry (@jackiehillperry) revealed a lot about the nature of sin in all its shades and forms, and how it only leads to one thing – death.
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life for anyone who believes.
For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God – the Bible also says.
Hence, every human on earth will experience the burdens of temptations and sin. While some may be know to the public as an identity, others thrive in secrecy. Some sins may not be an identity, still, they separate us from God.
I find that in how Jackie describes repentance of sin, obedience to Christ and overcoming the temptations of being gay, the same principles actually also apply in turning away from all other expressions of sin.
For some, our sins may never be known to the world and would remain only between the created and the Creator who forgives, cleans us up and saves us. Hence, it implies that we all need the gospel and the saving love of the Father through Jesus Christ.
Still, this book isn’t about promoting a heterosexual lifestyle or means an automatic change to one by coming to Christ.
This indeed may become a part of the results of a changed and surrendered life to Christ for some. Yet, it isn’t promised.
This is because for some, a life of singleness for a season or forever would be the path to tread.
A heavy cross here on earth yes, but a saved soul. A life that is holy and full of God’s love and peace.
This book is about a life that embraces fully the love of Jesus Christ. Embracing our identity in Christ, as one made in God’s image.
A life of surrender to the will of God and total obedience to His word.
A life that points to Him.
A life without guilt and shame.
A life full of the priceless love of a Savior who loved us even while we dwelt in sin and before we ever returned His love.
It is also a life that calls for responding in love to the Lord God with our whole heart, mind, body and soul; laying asides every weight of sin.
It calls for loving God more than loving another being outside of God’s design.
It calls for loving God more than loving sin.
This book reveals her past and the life after with Christ.
She shares her candid experiences, advice and also practical steps, using her life as a testimony that is truly undeniable.
She also helps readers see that to lay aside the weight of sin requires a fight – dying to self daily, overcoming the desires of the flesh and temptations to live out the will of the Father in faith.
It isn’t an easy road, but a long journey.
One where the reward of a saved soul is eternal and full of the love of Christ here on earth.
It’s a journey that requires repentance, grace, total obedience to Christ, and getting back up again when one falls. A life of discipline and total reliance on the power of the HolySpirit.
This book also reveals the gaps on community within the body of Christ.
A family in Christ where all (married or single in spite of their past or past identity), can find solace and the intimacy of fellowship to live out a life that honors and loves God. One necessary for the journey of life, so the walk is never lonely.
“Gay Girl, Good God” is such a powerful book backed by scripture.
One that reveals the power of God’s unrelenting love, to go after any who is lost, and bring them back home.
I believe Jackie is a frontline soldier for a great movement within the body of Christ.
A battle axe for God’s end-time army.
I also consider this body of work as honest, vulnerable, and a gift of love from Jackie to all who search, seek truth and seek the one true God and Creator of the universe who loves us.
A highly recommended read for everyone.
and it’s quite easy to imagine that He is right before you in person.
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Brave Publicity Ink! 