From Exodus International

real answers by kenny warkentin

So often within the Christian community the expectation is you just "get married". If you don't there has to be something wrong with you. Whispers begin to get louder and people begin to get bolder in their comments. With all the 'other' voices aside, when do you know you are ready to pursue a serious relationship with the opposite sex? First, let's be bold enough to say that marriage in and of itself is hard work. It isn't for the faint of heart. We have idealized what it is supposed to be like and especially for someone who is or has struggled with same gender attraction we may have false notions of what attraction is supposed to be like. Solidifying who you are as a male or female is crucial before stepping out into the unknown of the 'other'. This comes from an intimate relationship with Father God, who is the only one who can call us out into the fullness of who we were created to be. In my struggle with same gender attraction, I often felt like one of the girls and out of that relating I emotionally abused them. Leading them on with my sympathetic ear, going right to their hearts. God wanted me to be grounded in who I was as a male with solidarity with other men, knowing my heart to initiate and not draw away. He wanted me to come to know the uniqueness of woman, her intrigue and desire to pursue her. Kenny is the Canadian Regional Coordinator for Exodus International and the Resource Programs Coordinator for Living Waters Central Region. He has been in full time ministry since July 2006 and has been married to Paula since August 2007. Click to read full article