Hi, I’m David and this is my story

My religious exploration started early. My mom was Baptist and my grandma was church of Christ. If you know anything about those two. They don’t always get along. I remember having to pick and choose and as a kid this was a very hard decision. I decided to focus on what I wanted to within the bible. I knew I loved bible stories so I focused on those. I grew up trying to learn myself and around 12 I started to realize I had more attraction to guys. So, of course, I went to ask my pastor about it. He said it was okay to have male companionship because even Jesus had 12 male disciples. Then he said “however it is against the Lords plan and will to do anything with them in an intimate way. I knew at that moment I couldn’t affiliate myself with that church anymore. I just played the act and sang the songs to please my grandmother. 

I went on to graduate at a church of Christ school in Nashville. They focused on a much more forward and loving God.  I still knew my sexuality was unwelcome however so I still just focused on those bible stories. I got my first boyfriend 4 years ago which would go on to be my husband. I knew I wanted him to experience the love and wonder that is spiritual growth but to my knowledge no churches would accept us like we are. It was 2016 on election day I came to vote at this church. I saw the rainbow flags and thought it was some PR stunt to get more people to come and vote. I didn’t show back up for another 6 months but I always remembered that. 

I convinced my friends and my then husband to go. He enjoyed it a bit but he kinda fell asleep during it. I got much more out of it than he did. So I came back whenever I could regardless if he came with me. Then I got a divorce in October last year. I had such a “perfect” family image within the church. Everyone supports my kind of loving and full relationship. They were proud of us for making it. So, when we divorced, I hid out of shame and embarrassment. 

It was pride festival of this year that I went to go volunteer at the church booth. There Ellen, Rhonda, and Hope all talked to me. They made me realize how silly I was being and that the church is my family. I am now back here and I am trying to build this community as strong as anyone else. This is my home and this is my family. Thank you for accepting me like I am. I will never forget what this church has done and will continue to do for the LGBTQ people in this world. Thank you for giving hope, community, and a future to everyone here.