Overwhelming...

I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from all of my family and friends in regards to this issue. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!!!


Many responded on Facebook and had thought-provoking things to say!!


Kerry McManus said: First of all, there's absolutely nothing you need to do to achieve closure or resolution with these people. Although they are approaching you in the name of "love" and concern, there is nothing loving about their motives or actions. They are narrow minded, fearful people. The kind of people who prop their confusion and insecurity up with a foundation of religion to fall back on. Believe me, the fact that they will not let this go tells me that on some level, they know they're full of crap. They just need you to let them off the hook so they won't feel so guilty and so they'll be "right". I'm not suggesting that you punish them, but I certainly don't think you should make this okay for them, because it isn't. Just continue to be your authentic, wonderful self, celebrate your relationship with Justin with joy and pride and don't apologize for walking your path. Walk it with even MORE love and surety. I ALWAYS believe these situations are opportunities, teaching moments, chances to grow stronger within our humanity. Your relatives have not made the choice to view this as an opportunity for growth, but WE can. And we will! Love you, dear boy!


Brian Priesman said:  Brandon, wo things that popped into my head when I read your blog. First- you KNOW you are not only loved by soooo many people, you are also a beloved child of God- no matter what title/name/etc. one might give said creator. Second- Martin Luther wrote that we are all sinners and saints. This is something I believe quite strongly. Who you choose to love and spend your life with is not a sin. Your willingness to attempt to forgive is an example of you being a saint. Your extended families unwanted and misguided judgement is an example of THEIR issues and THEIR problems- NOT YOURS. Don't apologize for who you are or who you love. And remember- YOU ARE LOVED BY SO MANY OF US!!!!


Paige Parsons said:  My favorite bible verse comes from 1 John: "God is Love, and all those who love know God". His love comes to us unconditionally; no strings, no price tags, just to love Him back, and to live as Jesus taught us to live. You, my friend, are that living example. You live, love, and give unconditionally; your everyday example of true goodness, and Grace trumps biblical tripe. One cannot spew Jesus/bible words without walking the walk. My advice is to keep loving and living; never let that bright light hide under a bushel. You are worth finding/being in/experiencing love, no matter who they are. Your happiness is so important, and it's okay to let yourself come first. Forgive and move forward so boldly that you leave lasting positive impact. In the end, your contribution to mankind will outshine any silly opinions of close-minded "Christians".


Joseph Gentry Stephens said: 1. Wow. 2. It is said that everyone in your life is here to teach you something about yourself. 3. There are two choices in this life: fear or love.
You are loved. Be love and the rest will take care of itself.


Anne Sheer included this wonderful article that was a final interview with a grandmother who truly said it best: "'Your truth will be different from my truth. Everyone’s truths are different. Don’t ever let this world mold you. You go out and you mold the world. You are perfect as you are. Don’t you dare let a single person try and make you believe that what you are is wrong.”


I love this very much and this is my intention...to close the door on this and to move forward on the course that God has set forth for me to move on towards...living a life as an example of Love and to tell the world, "I love you. Period"...with no ifs, ands, or buts.


Amen