When Homosexuality Hits Home
I first became aware of how much I despised homosexuality when I worked at a savings and loan in 1981. Don [not his real name], referred to as a "queer" in our small town, shoved his savings passbook across the counter for a large cash withdrawal. He glanced over his shoulder and spoke to his companion, a good-looking boy of about eighteen. The boy laughed and his eyes met mine, full of mockery and challenge. I swallowed hard and shuddered, then handed Don the wad of bills, and they walked out arm-in-arm.
At home that night, I described the incident to my family in a voice tinged with disgust. "Thank God there's none of that in our family." In fact, people thought our family had it all—good marriage, comfortable home, successful careers. Our oldest son, Rick, was happily married with three children. Tim, our younger son, sang with his girlfriend in the high school choir. Few people knew of my husband's chameleonlike personality.
But one night seven years later, I feared for my life in the throes of my husband's drunken rage. The next day I confronted him. I couldn't live with his drinking problem any longer, and I urged him to seek help. Instead, he moved out. Several months later, he divorced me. To pay off our debts, I sold our home, moved into an apartment, and started rebuilding my life. I'd been through hell and survived. Nothing would ever again shake me like that.
The end of our thirty-year marriage created an upheaval in my sons' lives. Rick and his wife divorced about a year later. Tim abandoned college and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, going first to San Diego, then to Saudi Arabia and Kuwait during the Persian Gulf War. I prayed for his safety, not knowing a greater battle in spiritual warfare awaited his return. After his discharge in May 1991, Tim remained in San Diego.
Then, on January 3, 1992, an emotional earthquake shattered my world. The pages of Tim's letter trembled in my hand as I read: "My sexual orientation has bothered me since I was twelve. Please, Mom, listen to me. I feel a strong attraction for men. I understand how you must feel . …"
Coffee splashed as I slammed my cup on the table and threw down the letter. No, Tim couldn't possibly understand, or he'd never have written this. I lurched up from the sofa, his words scorching my mind.
" … I am who I am, and it's taken me thirteen years to be able to accept this. … "
Thirteen years? No. No, I'd have known. What about his girlfriends in high school and college? How could he be gay? What happened? Where had I failed?
I fell to my knees sobbing. Then pulling myself off the floor, I grabbed my keys, snatched up Tim's letter, and ran to my car, taking off in the winter night.
As the speedometer reached 80 mph, a snow-covered guardrail suddenly rushed toward me. Terrified, I twisted the steering wheel. The car skidded, then held on the graveled shoulder. Peering into the darkness, I searched for familiar landmarks. Finally, I recognized a farmhouse. I'd gone more than fifty miles from home.
Originally published in: Today's Christian Woman, 1997, November/December, Vol. 19, Issue 6, Page 46
Related Topics:
Coping, Exodus International, Family, Gay, Grief, Homosexuality, Outreach, Son
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Linda
With the names changed and a few of the details altered, this could be my story. I love my youngest son and the situations are very similiar except he told me his " orientation" after graduating from college. I too found the group Exodus and alot of information from a book :"coming out straight" by Richard Cohen, which has such insite regarding those thinking they were "born like this". There is Hope; God is faithful. I have more compassion for those who are in my son's situation and I love them. I know they are someone's son or daughter. People forget that sin is sin and we in the christian community catagorize and attach labels to acceptable and unacceptable sin. Proverbs 6:16-19 There are 6 things the Lord hates: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false withness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers. Hope in Michigan!
Jonathan
It is individuals such as Ms. Rorvik who give Christians and Christianity a bad name. As the son of God, Jesus accepted our inherent humanity, and preached tolerance and forgiveness for all--the fear, paranoia and hatred which have come to typify many sects of our religion are a result of Paul's propagandizing, not of Christ's teachings.
Rationalist
I feel very sorry for your son. Ma'am with all do respect until your God proves himself to the world, your book is just one of hundreds that claim to know the only true word of the creator of the universe. Ma'am Religion is a mental disorder, It's sad that we live in a world where you can justify bigotry and ignorance by bronze age dogma that claims your God is All-Loving. I urge you to think critically about your religious preferences. I too was indoctrinated into Christianity as a child and I found my way through the cloud of lies. Please support your son in his life. -That little logical voice in the back of your mind
Brian
I found the writer's attitude at the start offensive and very typical of the face of American Christians. I'm glad God made her realise that we are called to hate the SIN but lover the sinner. Homosexuality is a sin, but lecturing someone on it and being openly disapproving actually pushes someone away from God. Jesus accepted Mary Magdelene BEFORE telling her to go and sin no more. Today's church tries doing the opposite and ends up just showing hatred. Between a church that hates (that is the same as murder according to Jesus) and homosexuals, I wonder who will receive the greater judgement?
brooke
The bottom line is love eachother. The author does that and shows love unconditionally. You might not agree with her, but she is being consistent and loving.