Write A Note - Help A Teen

I don't know who might be interested in doing this, but I hope some of you will.

A gay friend of mine received a plea for help from a pastor friend of his. The pastor is working with gay teens and their families in an area of Florida that he describes as "the deep scary south".

I will let his letter tell you the rest.

If you want to send them a note of encouragement just post it here and I will forward it to them.

"My wife and I are starting an LGBTQ support group here in the deep scary south. Kids are killing themselves around here because they have nowhere to turn.

We had a mom of a precious 15 year old gay son sit in my office and say over and over through tears, "I can't believe I am sitting in a church, talking to a pastor and not being condemned."

We could use your help.

Our first meeting is set for this Sunday and we (did I mention these are underground because of the fear these families have to be open around these parts) are trying to get a whole bunch of notes of encouragement (they don't have to be long--just a few words will work) to demonstrate how many people support and love them.

Would you be willing to write a note and also encourage anyone else you know who might be interested in helping to write one.

Peace and Love,
Pastor Michael"

 

Not exactly going to be eloquent but there is nothing wrong with being what you choose to be. One should always stand up and be proud of their choices no matter what others may think or say. I may not be gay myself but I have been down the road of shunning and dealt with the feelings of abandonment by my peers. Just remember that you are not alone in dealing with social tension. Many people out there have your back. You are beautiful and amazing just as you are. Always remember that.

Peace and Love

 

Thanks, Indy!

 

Life gets better. A lot of people when they are younger are more simple minded and make fun of what they don't understand. Oftentimes those people end up growing up and changing their views and feeling bad about the things they did when they were younger. If anyone else has a problem with something they don't understand, that is THEIR problem. Do not borrow other people's problems. Focus on the positive things in life and know that things DO get easier.
Peace, T

 

Thank You, T.

 

Anybody else want to give these kids a kind word?

 

People are going to think what they will and they have every right to do so. They have no right to make you feel what they think. They have no right to make you live through and be judged by whatever is going through their heads. You have a right to be who you are. You have a right to be happy with who you are. When people belittle you for being yourself, it's because they feel inadequate with themselves and threatened by your confidence. You may feel like life is hard for you right now because you're gay or bi. But here's a secret.....life is hard for everyone your age. If you weren't gay, life might be hard because you're shy or not doing well in school or from a broken home....or for any other reason people want to give themselves to not pick themselves up, be proud of who they are and move forward fighting the daily battles that most people have to deal with.

People do what they know. You may be very wise right now but one day you will hopefully be even wiser and when that day comes, you will do even better than you're doing. When you know better, you do better. One day you will look back and wonder why you ever cared what certain other people thought. You will know better than to judge yourself against their yardstick. By then, hopefully they will be wise enough to realize that their yardstick only matters to them. You have to love yourself before you can worry about what others think. Once you love yourself, you won't care what they think.

Good luck. Be strong.

 

Thank you, Wizard.

These are very cool messages.

 

I made it through my teen years by reading books by LGBT artists and writers. It was nice to discover I was not alone. Also, I started keeping a journal at the age of 13. Writing is a healthy way to overcome fear, isolation, feelings of rejection, etc.

Also, I began writing and publishing essays and poems about being gay in a straight world. Some folks didn't like it, but many people appreciated what I had to say. I suddenly felt more connected to the world.

Don't give up. Life is worth fighting for. You deserve love and respect. Never forget that.

QP

 

Thank you, QP!

 

Don't let the bastards get you down.....quote from Kris Kristofferson, in one of his songs. I forget which one right now, but hang tough....and shine as who you are!

 

Thank you, Moonglow!

 

Accept yourself for who you are and allow that person to grow and become a light for others. There are always going to be those who judge and while you can not stop them you can stop the negative they give by not accepting their judgement and living well.

 

Aerianne, I'm not good at this kind of thing. I'd like to try though.

The only thing in the entire world that is wrong is the suffering of a living being - nothing else. There are many in the world who already love you as you are - until you meet them along the way, give yourself the love that you would give another. You are perfect the way you are. There really is only one thing in the world that is wrong.

 

Thank you, Heather; and thank you, wcw!!!

These are going to help them so much!

 

Focus on the positive in life. Dwelling on the negative energy people send your way only gives them validation for what they're doing. The best way to combat hate is with love, it will drive the bigots mad if you deflect their negativity. I'm 23, so it wasn't too long ago that I was your age and remember feeling hopeless and alone. But I promise you it isn't forever, there is plenty of people in the world that love you just the way you are. There is plenty of people that care about you. Best wishes.

- Matt

 

Thank you, Matt!