Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Think about that...

Like a test how? 

Quote from: Andy8715 on August 26, 2011, 01:00:14 PM
Like a test how?

A test of our faith to see if we truly believe.

I don't really see what you are getting at here.  Are you saying if you "truly believed" you would overcome your "unnatural sickness of transsexualism" or something like that? 

Quote from: xxScarletxx on August 26, 2011, 12:54:36 PM
Think about that...

No, i do not find it a test.

I find it to be a gift.  And a gift can come in all shapes and sizes. You can also hate a gift or throw it away. Some may embrace the gift.

I find it to be a gift and I embrace it.

I can also honestly say that not many people have experienced both Genders. I have experienced both. No one can ever tell me that was not a gift.

Full disclosure, I'm not a person of faith but I was raised in a very devout family.

The Bible never addresses the matter, and where it gets close, you have to do some pretty creative linguistic gymnastics to apply it. The closest it gets for trans women is eunuchs, but there is no concept of treating them as women so it's tough to see how one would interpret it, and which also means it is 100% silent on the topic of trans men because women were either virgins, wives, or whores, and any other qualities (like particularly masculine inclinations) were too trivial to mention.

Rather than spend any time pointing out the inconsistencies in the morality of the Bible to an unreceptive audience, I'll at least point out that there is one leader of a congregation who makes a case for being supportive:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-rich-rose/transgendered-sister-christ_b_934102.html (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rev-rich-rose/transgendered-sister-christ_b_934102.html)

Also, as an ex-Catholic, I know that the position of the church (that they really don't mention unless they absolutely have to) is that if you have a moral conviction that the chuch got something wrong, you should not follow the church doctrine because it was made by man (and thus by their reasoning it very well could be wrong). So if you're "right with God" on being trans, it doesn't matter if the church says it's wrong. It may cause issues with the local bishop, which is just annoying as hell(as anyone who has tangled with a bishop knows), but it shouldn't cause a crisis of faith.

I think so.

How can God/dess trust us to be true to him/her if we can not even be true to ourselves?

Is transsexualism a test from God?
a) true/false, multiple choice, or essay?
b) when is it due?
c) what a passing grade?
d) can I retake the test if I do poorly on it?


A test of our faith to see if we truly believe.
Why then would it strike atheists, agnostics, and people who believe in completely different religions?

yes its a test. A test to see if OTHER people can still love the person and not just the outer shell.

1 Samuel 16 which begins with the story of God instructing the prophet to go to Jesse's house to find the man who would replace Saul as king. Quickly I scanned the familiar story to find verses 6 and 7.



When they came, he looked on Eliab and thought, "Surely the Lord's anointed is now before the Lord." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart." (New Revised Standard Version)

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+16&version=NIV (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+16&version=NIV)


7 But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart."

Quote from: tekla on August 26, 2011, 03:55:12 PM
Is transsexualism a test from God?
a) true/false, multiple choice, or essay?
b) when is it due?
c) what a passing grade?
d) can I retake the test if I do poorly on it?


A test of our faith to see if we truly believe.
Why then would it strike atheists, agnostics, and people who believe in completely different religions?

a) Hmmm more like a physical challenge
b) Well you have  agood 70 or 80 years to study, take, and turn it in.
c) a passing grade is learning to accept yourself as a transsexual
d) noppers

It's OK, I'm only auditing the course.  And if it's not till I'm 80, then I might never have to worry about it at all.

Kia Ora,

::) Is transsexualism a test from God?

::) Yes and we all must "pass"  ;) ;D

Metta Zenda :)

Quote from: Zenda on August 26, 2011, 04:38:54 PM
Kia Ora,

::) Is transsexualism a test from God?

::) Yes and we all must "pass"  ;) ;D

Metta Zenda :)

+1

Quote from: xxScarletxx on August 26, 2011, 01:09:39 PM
A test of our faith to see if we truly believe.

Then I would have to say no. Not for me. I don't have any religious/spiritual faith in the first place.

Since I probably don't have quite the same religious position, it isn't for me. I might consider it a call from the goddess though...

Quote from: grrl1nside on August 26, 2011, 10:08:38 PM
Since I probably don't have quite the same religious position, it isn't for me. I might consider it a call from the goddess though...

:)

you have heard the call of Cybele...

:)

I still don't understand this.  How could it be a test of belief?  I'm interested. 

i think everyone gets tested everyday, just in different ways. whether it is man vs self, man vs society, or man vs nature. if you think about it, if we were all born into a life where everything is perfect in everyway, and nothing needs to be changed, life wouldn't have too much of a meaning. the life where everything is perfect in everyway and nothing needs to be changed, where nature is all perfectly balanced is after death.

I've thought about this exact thing.  And then I think, If I had been born a biological male, growing up with the family I had....I would be the biggest douchbag around.  I'd either be in jail or dead.  So, I don't see this as a test.  I see this as God's way of making me a good man....giving me understanding.  Allowing me to be a different man from my family.  God works in mysterious ways.  He uses the foolish things to comfound the wise.  And, I am just one of those foolish things. 

It's kinda cute the way people seem to think that the god of the entire universe through all time and space has nothing better to do than test you.


Test me, test me
Why don't you arrest me?
Throw me in the jail house
Until the sun goes down
Till it go down
I had to move
Really had to move
That's why if you please
I am on my bended knees
Bertha don't you come around here anymore

Being trans is who we are. It's a gift because we can be a witness to others. Testing comes in many forms and at many times in our lives. To me, it's are we willing to trust God during the testing? Are we going to let him guide us? 

Ya right - why not ask him?

Which brings to mind one of my fav songs (Partial)

The people sat waiting
Out on their blankets in the garden
But God said nothing
So someone asked him: "I beg your pardon:
I'm not quite clear about what you just spoke
Was that a parable, or a very subtle joke?"

  It is.

  It is as well as the other challenges in life given everyone.

  It is what we do about it and how we keep our faith when we do. 

  It is personal.  Nobody can dictate anything to you to do with your personal challenges the Lord has given you.  They may guide ot teach if you ask them.
 
  Joelene

There  was a similar post to this a while ago, and my answer is that I see it as a test, but not for us.
For society it is a test of people's compassion and charity.
Some places do better than others, but all their report cards should be marked, "could do better. Needs to put in more effort." There are a fair number of religious establishments that would likely get failing grade too.

Karen.

It could be a test for those who are not trans.

QuoteThe Bible never addresses the matter...

While not a bible person, I do find it interesting that Jesus kinda did address the matter...in the book of Thomas, which was omitted from the final draft. This guy so many claim to follow (no offense to those who actually do) seemed pretty intolerant of intolerant people. He himself appeared to test a large number of folks.

Kobayashi Maru.

i find it proof a god doesn't exist and if a god exists then its as imperfect as the human race because what god would curse its  creations for no reason ? my opinion :) no need to get offened i was just saying how i take it :)

Quote from: xxScarletxx on August 26, 2011, 12:54:36 PM
Think about that...

Yes, it's a test from God for Christians to see if they really follow "love your neighbor as yourself."

Not a test as much as a cross to bear like any medical, physical or mental/emotional condition. Like other conditions it is a sign of Humankinds imperfection or frailty. Do I curse God (I do believe in Jesus), no I don't.

I feel like its more God telling me to accept what I am and not be afraid.

Noticed that some of you feel its more of a test of "the others", how do they treat us. The test is not always for the person afflicted.

Quote from: LilKittyCatZoey on August 30, 2011, 04:40:01 PM
i find it proof a god doesn't exist and if a god exists then its as imperfect as the human race because what god would curse its  creations for no reason ? my opinion :) no need to get offened i was just saying how i take it :)

I agree

Considering the fact that the Bible is whole list of tests that people got forced into taking, with varied results, and a whole lot of stuff being written about them, no I don't think that God is testing us any more than He has challenged political entities, clergymen (with their rate of flunk-outs its a surprise that religion is still around) bank presidents, physicists, farmers, ditch diggers etc. 

When I came out to my priest (Episcopal Church) several months ago, she did point out that Trans Folk go through a Transfiguration experience, Mark 9 and Luke 9 when we realize our true selves and they begin to show outwardly, in her case referring to the fact that I have become a much different person in many ways since I began my hormones.   I was on hormones for 18 months before I came out there at church, but people had seen and noticed positive changes in me and my relations with them and were wondering what was up.  Some had even come to the right conclusion but were not asking me about it.  All of them enjoyed it immensely.  There is also an element of a Resurrection experience to it, in that we must put aside (kill) elements of our persons that were constructed for us by other people, and must take on a whole new body that has the potential for making life better for all around us. 

Test no!!  I agree wholly with Annah, its a gift.

Kia Ora,

::) But why do some Christian trans-people not see it as a "gift" as such...Many view it as more of a curse...

Metta Zenda :)

They already believe in invisible sky gods, you want logical thought out of them?

Kia Ora,

::) To answer my own question...I guess it could be seen as a heavenly gift, and this gift could also be in the form of a 'test'...

When it comes to a person's belief in a god, Tis said  "Faith should[or must] be tempered by reason" ...

Metta Zenda :)

Faith should[or must] be tempered by reason

I doubt that real people of faith would believe it, any more than people of logic and reason would buy the reverse.

Quote from: Zenda on September 09, 2011, 12:13:53 AM
Kia Ora,

::) But why do some Christian trans-people not see it as a "gift" as such...Many view it as more of a curse...

Metta Zenda :)

The most possible answer to taking it as a curse is from those who have a literal view of the Christian Scriptures, and in those, we do not fit the "guide book" profile of God's favor.  The thing to this is that it is not US who make it a curse, but those who are frightened by things not in their scriptural confines.  In other words, it is our fellow Christians that make life miserable for us.

I am not one who is confined to the literality of the Bible, and can see the symbolism and metaphor that is in it.  My form of Christianity involves a large helping of personal responsibility in living the teaching of my faith.  I can derive my own wisdom from the teachings and do not have to rely on the superior teachings of others, and if I do derive it by myself, then I am responsible for sharing that wisdom and using it for the good of others and myself. 

The idea of taking our lives as "a cross to bear" is for some people a positive thing, in that we are emulating Christ.  The Cross is a paradoxical gift in that in its simplest terms, its the beginning of the end of life, but the end is in fact a new beginning.  Or the beginning of the greatest reality  was in the ending of another reality.   

Well said Vicky! I believe "The Scriptures" to be Inspired as to Inerrant (never could understand that concept), and to each Believer a right and responsibility to study and interpet. Thankfully I learned to study myself apart from "The Preacherman" telling me what to believe. The Scriptures are something put together by people, it didn't drop out of the sky and say here I am! The Council of Nicaea put together what we now call our Christian Bible, and over the centuries it has been paid for in blood by Believers  (ex., John Wycliffe) in objection to other "Believers".

Also looking upon a "Cross to Bear" as gift had not occurred to me,  I can see your point.

Although we must strive for action in our individual day to day lives in bearing witness to our faith, a Pastor once told me that there's a point where we as Humans can go no further, and it is God working in us that goes the distance from there.

So yeah ( :laugh:), a gift can come in any size or shape.

As a straight cisgender Christian that does not agree with transgender ideas I find it a test on whether or not I will still love my neighbor as myself.
Reckon that's why I came back.
Most straight cisgender people sicken me.
Most of them seem to take the Lord for granted and appear judgmental, condemning and many times wicked as defined by scripture in Psalms.
Having said that, For me it is a test and I can only hope that I will please the Lord in not being judgmental or thinking so highly of myself that you need to convert and be like me.
Hope that helps from one cisgender view.
Even though the wording is terrible.

Quote from: Del on October 06, 2011, 12:43:20 AM
As a straight cisgender Christian that does not agree with transgender ideas I find it a test on whether or not I will still love my neighbor as myself.
Reckon that's why I came back.
Most straight cisgender people sicken me.
Most of them seem to take the Lord for granted and appear judgmental, condemning and many times wicked as defined by scripture in Psalms.
Having said that, For me it is a test and I can only hope that I will please the Lord in not being judgmental or thinking so highly of myself that you need to convert and be like me.
Hope that helps from one cisgender view.
Even though the wording is terrible.

ok sorry i read this 5 times but all i see her is you are saying you find transgender wrong and we should all be like you to get gods grace ? i am atheist so don't care but that's some pretty dictator styled beliefs but tell me if i am misunderstanding this

LilKittyCatZoey,
Yep, you're interpreting it wrong.
What does not help is poor wording on my behalf.
Let me try to clarify.
I am cisgender and straight. I have views that many here would hate. I do not share those views because this is a safe haven for transgender people.
I do not bash the views of other Christians here because their faith may be their only safe haven between them and suicide.
Having said this.
Many straight and cisgender people sin and still point a finger at transgender.
The ones who do this disgust me as no where are we to pass judgment.
Transgenders are a test for me(in my eyes) that I won't bash but welcome.
Part of that test is that I see transgenders that love the word of God which straight and cisgender people hate. So, how can I be judgmental against those who love the word of God and happen to be transgender when many of the straight and cisgender people I see hate the word of God?
I am in no way bashing transgenders.
In like manner I would hope that other transgenders would keep in mind that to attempt to bash a transgender Christians views on a Christian forum would be the equivalent of a cisgender like me bashing your psychological theories and saying you all were going to hell.
I do care about transgender Christians and from what I have read from some in opposition to these Christians (on the Christian forum) they may wish to think again how they treat them as their faith may be what keeps them alive from day to day.
In conclusion.
I am not bashing transgenders.
If I gave that view then I am sorry.

I did want to add one more thing as I do not want anyone to think that I am posting anti-trans postings.
The Bible says Can two walk together except they be agreed?
It also says The Lord looks on the heart and not the outward countenance.
I see many cisgender and straight people that appear "right" according to the traditional morals and such. Yet the things they speak in reference to Christianity repulses me. Money. Cars. Greed. Ego. Pride.
On the other hand I see some transgender people whom by the outward appearance go against the traditional morals and such. Yet some of them post of mercy, truth, hope in Christ and other things of which the gospel is really about.
When I forget the outward appearance and look on that which comes from the heart and is posted I am more in agreement with them than the straight cisgenders that down those who don't appear right by traditional views and such.
Hope this helps clarify what I wrote.

Del,

This is my first time to encounter you, have only been a member since July. I too am a Christian MTF TG/TS going down the path of transition. I've read your recent posts and appreciate your honesty and forthrightness. Yeah it can be a confusing but it is good to know a cs-Christian that cares about the Transgendered.

I agree with you about the "prosperity or word truth gospel", brings back visions of Elmer Gantry!

Thanks for the courage to care.

Peace be with You,


SandraJane

I told an amish neighbor that i am a test from God for him. He then thought about it and walked off.  He said i always have something different going on and am not like the many other english (non amish people) around here.

Is this really the place for some non-TG, non-SO, non-anything we are to be preaching to the rest of us?  Really?  Don't they have churches for that?

This is the Christianity section.
I think it is very appropriate to share the word of God and one's faith here if it will help other Christians.
It's a shame when those who do not believe try to ruin what might be a TG or SO's only hope.
I may not be trans but there is one thing I am. That is one who cares enough about those transgenders who love the Lord to share the gospel. There may be some that read about the Lord as a hope to survive another day in this lousy screwed up world.
And, as a cisgender I don't go into forums where people share psychological advice from therapists and tell them psychology is of the devil those quacks are leading them to hell. The reason is because I care enough about those who use psychologist and therapists to attempt to ruin what might be their way of coping and keeping them from suicide.
I sorry if the gospel or issues of faith some may lean on trouble you.
Have a good day.

You know how many posts I've read in here about people praying for things to be different, and how many of those prayers came true? None.

You know how many people have been helped by science, the application of medical surgery, of hormone treatments, by treatments of psychology?  Lots.

Pardon me while I choose the path that works.

For what it is worth there may be some here that use this section to live another day.
They may never tell you or post it on the boards that their faith keeps them going.
So the path that works for some you may never see.
The path that works many may never see.

Of course a sane, rational, realistic, and reasonable approach would be to think that so many people don't see it, is because (like gnomes, leprechauns, and witches on broomsticks) it's not really there.  Do you ever consider that point of view?

I have considered it but put it aside.
I have seen miracles that have been documented in hospitals as well as those in my own life.
That is why I care enough to attempt to help Christian transgenders in areas where non Christian transgender try to hinder.
I really couldn't care less about science and psychology.
I do care about Christianity and those who are truly Christians whether cisgender or transgender.
Like I said I don't go into other areas and hinder or try to tear down that which some may utilize to keep from committing suicide.
The Christianity forum is just as important for Christian transgenders.

I care about them a lot, as I'm one of them.  That's why I try to advocate paths that work for their lives, and not for other people's lives.

Quote from: Amazon D on August 26, 2011, 04:13:44 PM
yes its a test. A test to see if OTHER people can still love the person and not just the outer shell.

When I read the title, that's exactly what I thought.  And we aren't the only ones testing society.  Every person who is deemed "different" tests society on a regular basis.  And society almost always fails the test.  As to who is giving the test, I don't know nor do I care.  It's more important that society knows it needs to study harder and pay attention in class.

Yet society never asks what's it's score was, ain't worrying about it's GPA, and it's for sure not sweating the outcome - only individuals do.

Quote from: Julie Marie on October 07, 2011, 05:03:09 AM

Quoteyes its a test. A test to see if OTHER people can still love the person and not just the outer shell.

When I read the title, that's exactly what I thought.  And we aren't the only ones testing society.  Every person who is deemed "different" tests society on a regular basis.

When I've looked at it through a Western/Abrahamic religion lens, I've thought the same thing, but didn't stop there. I also saw it as a test of faith for each of us...that the deep inner voice was like the voice of god telling you who you really are in your soul, and you are challenged to live true to that god-given soul despite all the rejection, marginalization, fear, and hatred.

In full disclosure, that thinking was mostly a philosophical exercise for me, since I don't follow/believe Abrahamic religion's concept of god.

Del forgive tekla she doesn't know that many who pray do get the help they need to transition. She thinks of it in straight terms and not terms that maybe God leads them here to be able to find help. Many were lost out there and came to places like this by the grace of God. I know i did. I also know people who feel they are the other gender from what they were designated at birth are still that other gender even if they don't transition by doing one thing. Some here think you have to get surgery and take HRT to be the other gender, but those who once were like that they too thought the same even though they never started at that point.

Keep coming back Del

Also tekla your attitude about someone coming here who isn't Trans or a SO is the same prejudice that people have when they discriminate against trans people in general. I am sure you know many of us get that "your not like us so stay away" crap in the world and it isn't nice. I happen to appreciate Del for coming here and sharing.

Well said Amazon D!

It is like asking: is blindness, paralysis, cancer, stupidity, ignorance, cruelty, and all the other psychological, physiological, and sociological maladies that afflict human kind, a test from god.

These type of test will presuppose a cruel, capricious, and not Omnipotent god. What happen if you fail the test. What scenario could cause more torment than GID.

Why would god make a test that cause afflicted people to kill themselves? There is no human affliction with a higher rate of suicide !

IMO GID is but due to a biological mishap, and like many human affiction the product of random and/or chaotic effects, nothing less or more. God has nothing to do with it.

Jen61

Quote from: Jen61 on October 07, 2011, 06:47:43 PM
It is like asking: is blindness, paralysis, cancer, stupidity, ignorance, cruelty, and all the other psychological, physiological, and sociological maladies that afflict human kind, a test from god.

These type of test will presuppose a cruel, capricious, and not Omnipotent god. What happen if you fail the test. What scenario could cause more torment than GID.

Why would god make a test that cause afflicted people to kill themselves? There is no human affliction with a higher rate of suicide !

IMO GID is but due to a biological mishap, and like many human affiction the product of random and/or chaotic effects, nothing less or more. God has nothing to do with it.

Jen61

Why you ask.. because God knows there is more to our existence than our short term here on earth.. worry not for all things here.. Life here on earth is but a dream of the true spiritual world from whence we came and to where we will return..

yes there is more than just here so please know that taking your life still leaves you here until you can come back in another body and get it right..

Yes we are but a drop in the bucket of our existence here in these shells we call bodies..

Quote from: SandraJane on August 31, 2011, 01:25:43 AM
Not a test as much as a cross to bear like any medical, physical or mental/emotional condition. Like other conditions it is a sign of Humankinds imperfection or frailty. Do I curse God (I do believe in Jesus), no I don't.

I feel like its more God telling me to accept what I am and not be afraid.

Noticed that some of you feel its more of a test of "the others", how do they treat us. The test is not always for the person afflicted.

No not a test, being human is being imperfect and that includes the body. And there are worse medical/physical conditions.

Amazon D,
To start, better name than the last time I was here. Easier to spell and remember.

Thank you for your kind words. It's always a blessing for anyone to feel welcome or appreciated.

I did forgive Tekla. Even if it wasn't appreciated. That's part of being a Christian.

As for why I tend to take faith so seriously. It's for a couple of reasons.

The Bible says life and death is in the power of the tongue. Jesus also said by thy words thou shall be justified and by thy words thou shall be condemned.
He also said the words he spake were Spirit and life.

Speaking amiss can bring forth a spiritual death if one blasphemies the Holy Ghost.
Speaking right can confess the faith in one's heart towards him and bring everlasting life.

But, in the natural. Life and death are in the power of the tongue as well.
I have seen a young man that went to church and leaned on his faith in Christ. His life wasn't a bed of roses but he survived.
His parents decided to move and take him out of church. He warned them that his faith in Jesus was all that kept him going.
Shortly after we received news that he put the barrel of a nine millimeter in his mouth and ended his life. The note left behind said he couldn't take it anymore.
Needless to say his parents wished they had never moved.

The reason I post this is because you never know what one lurking might be on the verge of doing. If the words any Christian posts here gives a person on the brink of suicide the strength to make it  through another day.

Why come in and ruin it for them?

I understand many here rely on therapists. That is why I do not voice my views. I have to care enough to withhold my views that they might make it through another day. Even though I am in opposition.

I am sorry if I posted too hotly towards Tekla but I do take this very seriously and since I know that life can be ended with a post on a website or something else as simple as moving away from a church I won't go to any forum where my views may cause them to harm or kill themselves.

That is why I personally wish (even though I am cisgender and some feel I shouldn't be here anyway) that those who do not believe would refrain from posting negatively on the Christianity board. There are cisgender Christian sites were they can bash till their little heart's content without stealing what may be the only hope some have.

In like manner I wouldn't post on an Islam board, Hindu board or any of the boards where psychology or therapy is or any other form of help is discussed.

Respectfully,
Del

Del,

what more appropriate post  to turn the counter to 667! :laugh: No you I don't think you were harsh to Tekla, it does take some by surprise your coming to Susan's, but you're sincere and forthright (from my point of view). I ask myself what God has put on your heart to visit with us, is the incident with the young man's suicide what is also on your heart? Was he Transgendered or dealing with other issues?

SJ

Quote from: tekla on October 07, 2011, 04:39:43 AM
Of course a sane, rational, realistic, and reasonable approach would be to think that so many people don't see it, is because (like gnomes, leprechauns, and witches on broomsticks) it's not really there.  Do you ever consider that point of view?

The world according to Tekla. Everyone is wrong if they believe in any vestiges of spirituality. Tekla is right because she got it all figured out.

It would be nice if it was that simple, but it is not.

Even tho, I am sure Del and I would disagree with about 99% of anything relating to Christian Theology, I still appreciate Del's sincerity and convictions. Del is approaching things in a respectable manner and that is to be commended.

We have some students in our Seminary who came in who was against homosexuality. So many of them are beginning to rethink some issues.

Had one conservative christian man hug me right after our class, "Ministering in Matters of Sexuality" and told me he is blessed for coming to this Seminary and saw how LGBT christians are just as real and genuine as any other Christian. The man is cute as all get out.

I whispered in his ear "but I am also a witch."

He smiled and said..."well, it's just more things I have to work through."

Now, that is conviction that moves me.

Quote from: Annah on October 08, 2011, 01:19:50 AM

I whispered in his ear "but I am also a witch."

Annah...Pleasseee don't fly on your broom over NYC on Halloween, they might shoot you down with a STINGER! :laugh:

Quote from: SandraJane on October 08, 2011, 01:38:04 AM
Annah...Pleasseee don't fly on your broom over NYC on Halloween, they might shoot you down with a STINGER! :laugh:

Oh but she is the GOOD witch "Glenda" (Annah)  not the bad one

Quote from: Amazon D on October 08, 2011, 08:01:41 AM
Oh but she is the GOOD witch "Glenda" (Annah)  not the bad one

lol. im technically in the middle. I go by the rede, "harm none, do as ye will." ;)

Whether one is a believer or not this life tests us in many ways. Transsexualism is just a minor part of things.

If we believe then we strive for what is right to hopefully attain paradise and improve this world for others. If we don't believe there is just as much reason to make the most of our time here and to try and make things better for our fellow humans and those who will follow us.

The struggle is the same and rightfully so.

I use to think so. Kinda like the "thron" that was with Paul all his life. Which is why I never contemplated transitioning for so many years.

Now I feel I've given so much to god this is something I need to do for myself and you know what? I think has no problem with it.  It's a shell that will taste death one day transitioned or not. The spirit and heart is what needs to pass the test. IMO

~Gadg

Quote from: Amazon D on October 08, 2011, 08:01:41 AM
Oh but she is the GOOD witch "Glenda" (Annah)  not the bad one

I wasn't inferring she's a "Bad" witch, just that there are certain things to avoid when you travel in the skies these days... :laugh:

SandraJane,

  The young man in question was a good friend of my son. He was a straight cisgender kid like my son. The individual that did him harm was a pedophile.

  While they lived here my son and the local preachers tried to tell him the Lord loved him and that what happened to him wasn't his fault. That reassurance helped and he was dealing with it.

  When they moved the reassurance stopped and thus he ended his life. Those Christians friends and ministers made the difference in his life for a season that his parents never recognized until it was too late and they were looking at a coffin ready to be lowered into the ground.

  I remember that I felt blessed that he never did anything with my son. For a long time I wondered and just lately my son talked to me about the individual and why he still hated the guy for what he did to his friend.

  I hated the man myself and the last time he came to my house I wanted to kill him.

  I'll never forget the way the Lord spoke to me.

  I went to the bedroom and took out a pistol with the intent on blowing his head off. When I flipped the cylinder out to make sure it was loaded the Lord spoke to me in an audible voice. What the old time preachers refer to as a direct word.
  He said Put the gun down.
  I turned to see if the man had followed me.
  Then the Lord spoke again and said I said put the gun down! Vengeance is mine!
  I went back out and told the guy to get out of my house. That was the last time I ever saw him until about 2 years ago when both his parents died the same weekend.
  The word of God says pray for those who are your enemies so I forgave the man and prayed for him that the Lord would comfort him in his time of loss.

  Many people don't stop to thin about the way many are stereotyped and all put under one blanket term. To many all transgenders are either gay, filthy or evil. To many the GLBT community is just a den of iniquity.

  Sadly most websites and story sites agree. I have done many studies since then and have found that most of the sites and such I come across when doing a search on transgender lead to porn sites loaded with he-she filth and such. If I was transgender I would be offended by that.

  When I think about the kid I knew and the way a pedophile might as well have handed him a loaded pistol after sexually abusing him it makes me sick. Still it isn't right to lump everyone together.

  Straight and cisgender Christians think the unbelievers are going to hell. They lump all GLBT members together with them.

  I believe that the non-believers will go to hell as the Lord is no liar. He said he is the only way to God and I am just foolish enough for Christ to believe him.
  Where I differ is in my belief that if some straight people will be saved and others damned it just may be that some gay people may be saved and others damned. In like manner some transgenders saved and others damned.

  The same Lord that said to love and healed the sick is the same one who made a whip and drove the moneychangers out of the temple.

  The same Lord that preached love and who is blessed is the same one that said that we are to fear him whom after he has killed can destroy both body and soul in hell.

  The same word that says that all scripture is given by God and is suitable for reproof, doctrine and instruction in righteousness is the same word that says that the word of God is sharper than any two edged sword and the same Jesus that said the words he spake were spirit and life is the same Jesus that said we cannot pick and choose but must live by every word that came forth from God.

  When I came here originally it was to learn how to treat a MtF co-worker. Since that time I have lost that job due to disability and no longer need worry about that.
  I do know however that one never knows who shall come to a church service. For that reason the things I have learned are still valuable. I would never want to judge a person or allow my views or pet peeves hinder or influence a sermon.

  I posted some of my views and such to answer your question of who this young man was but plan to keep from posting any more in the future.
  I do believe in being honest and that is why I said from the beginning that I probably have views many would hate and have heard from ministers in times past. No need for me to repeat them. Some of my views would probably enrage some here.

  Still in all. I remember how that young man would still be alive had his parents understood the depth of his pain and kept him in the neighborhood where Christian friends and ministers were showing him that the Lord loved him and that the things which befell him were not his fault.

  Those same words and reassurances can be posted on the Christianity forum to give strength to some that may have their faith as their only hope.
  It would be a shame for anyone to cut that hope off with a bunch of negative remarks about Christianity.

  You just never know the heart of those who dwell with you on a website.

  You just never know whom may lurk.

Del

You should watch the documentary called "Constantine's Sword." It's on netflix streaming.

God bless you Del.  Being a born again christian and also transgender, it is so uplifting to have someone like yourself, to be willing, to understand the hardships and help those that need help.  And, you are right.  this is a Christian forum.  If you don't believe in God...if you don't believe in John 3:16, you should'nt be posting your hate mail.  Go hate someplace else.  I know that God is my strength...and i know He is also your strength.  And, again, I thank you being a part of this forum.

Thank You Del,

even in LGBT Churches/Congregations/Sessions, I think there is an ignorance about TG/TS issues.

Quote from: Del on October 08, 2011, 12:28:18 PM
  I believe that the non-believers will go to hell as the Lord is no liar. He said he is the only way to God and I am just foolish enough for Christ to believe him.
  Where I differ is in my belief that if some straight people will be saved and others damned it just may be that some gay people may be saved and others damned. In like manner some transgenders saved and others damned.

I believe in 3 eternal destinies and so those who don't know God but are rightous will be saved.

http://www.3eternaldestinies.org/ (http://www.3eternaldestinies.org/)

I also believe there are 37000 varieties of christianity. TO ME, Christianity got distorted after constantine got involved and changed the sabbath from sat to sun.

But i also know many christians are good Jesus / Yahshua loving people.

This paper
is written in
the hope that
it will liberate
people to
know the true character of the Creator of
mankind. Almost everyone has heard of
“heaven and hell,” but the good news we
have come to know is that there are not just
two, but three eternal destinies for
mankind.1
Even the terms “heaven” and “hell”
(as eternal destinies) are misleading. It
has been a stumbling block to many people
that no matter what kind of person you are,
no matter what good you have done or how
sincere or conscientious you may be, “if
you don’t believe in Jesus, you are
automatically doomed to hell, or a place of
torment.” This “man-made” doctrine has
repulsed thousands upon thousands of
people from the “supposed” God of the
Bible for almost two thousand years. The
Creator of the human race has been
misrepresented, accused, blamed and His
name maligned – most often by those who
“claim” to know Him.

The Three Eternal Destinies
of Man... justifies God’s heart toward
mankind. The following articles describe
what the three eternal destinies are and
how a person chooses his own destiny. It
will confirm that the God of Creation is not
a God of wrath and damnation, but on the
contrary, a God who loves beyond our
greatest imagination, whose whole intent is
for the absolute good of His highest
creation – MAN. Ever since the very
beginning, He has sought a means to both
reward and restore mankind.
The integrity of the Bible has been
corrupted through the hands of imposters,
evil men3 who throughout the centuries
were motivated by their own selfish gain
and self-glory. This has continued to the
present day. They devise doctrines and
teachings in order to gain an advantage
over people, deceiving them with a bit of
truth mixed with error — a lethal poison.
They do so to their own destruction.4 Their
eternal destiny is sealed.
Destiny is a BIG word. There is a
universal quest 5 (like question) within the
conscience of all of mankind concerning it.
The ancient writings say that eternity has
been SET in every person’s heart.


If anyone or group pushes people away from God by condemning them for not believing

God says... he will say... I NEVER KNEW YOU

Quote from: Amazon D on October 07, 2011, 07:06:00 PM
Why you ask.. because God knows there is more to our existence than our short term here on earth.. worry not for all things here.. Life here on earth is but a dream of the true spiritual world from whence we came and to where we will return..

yes there is more than just here so please know that taking your life still leaves you here until you can come back in another body and get it right..

Yes we are but a drop in the bucket of our existence here in these shells we call bodies..

That was but a rhetoric question. I do not preach, and usually do not post on religious threads as more often than not it leads to one party or both getting offended and or offensive.

It is all a matter of faith, so anybody can believe anything. I believe my God has nothing to do with any of the human maladies, or anything to do with anything that happans in this universe. I do not believe that any book was written by  God at all. I believe all religious beliefs are Man-made wishful illusions  so as to be able to handle the fact that after we died there may be nothing, just 18th seconds to oblivion.

Jen61

Quote from: Annah on October 08, 2011, 01:19:50 AM
We have some students in our Seminary who came in who was against homosexuality. So many of them are beginning to rethink some issues.

Had one conservative christian man hug me right after our class, "Ministering in Matters of Sexuality" and told me he is blessed for coming to this Seminary and saw how LGBT christians are just as real and genuine as any other Christian. The man is cute as all get out.

I whispered in his ear "but I am also a witch."

He smiled and said..."well, it's just more things I have to work through."

Now, that is conviction that moves me.

That man is the real deal, a true Christian. I salute him for his devotion to reason, compassion, honesty, and good. May he succeed at seminary, because the world needs more clerics like him.

Now, on the topic at hand. I don't know if this experience is a test, and I've really begun not to care. All I am interested in is attaining my happiness. I no longer care WHY I've suffered up to this point, I just want to stop suffering. I no longer care to what purpose I've been trapped in a male body, I just want my female body. So consider me the student who shreds her test, brings the confetti up to the teacher, and lays out the terms nice and clear:

"Teacher, I am looking to get a female body, not to be a sage. All these things about compassion, understanding, kindness, I get it as much (and more) than most of my cis-gendered counterparts. No further testing is needed. Message received. Let's move ON already."

It's okay. God already knows I'm like that. It'll take my lack of patience in stride, probably pop me on the head, and tell me to sit back down and keep reading my textbook. I'll grunt, go back to my desk, glare while I'm reading my book, then promptly calm down until next time.

Del,

ONe thing I've learned is that there are good Christians and bad Christians. Good Christians try to understand and help accordingly. Bad cristians quote you a bible verse to validate why they are allowed to hate you.

Who knows, maybe if I had experience with a few good Christians I would have never left the church. But I didn't so I have found theories on God that I believe are a bit more accurate and explain a lot more than Christianity ever could. But GBY for being one of the good ones.

Gadgett,
I try to be one who uses the word right as intended.

The law points out sin but all have sinned according to it. Therefore I choose to use it to help and not hinder. I have too many shortcomings to point my finger at others.

If there are any here that believe I think it is more important to try to strengthen their faith than attempt to destroy it.

Take care and God bless.
Del