Wow MissC... you certainly do speak your mind! Or type it, as in this case. You do make some excellent points and there is a lot to think about in what you have said.
Kari, we both joined the forum about the same time. You've certainly gone farther down the path than I have. Still we share a faith that is likely very unusual among the other members of this forum, and that has, in a small way, bound us together.
One difference is the size of our churches. Mine is small (about 250 on any given Sunday) vs. yours which most would call a "mega-church". Still, I can honestly say that it's not my faith that keeps me from seriously considering transition, nor is it the fact that I attend a small church.
I can only imagine the conflicts you must be dealing with. My genuine hope is that the reactions of some won't ultimately cause you to question your faith -- that would be (in my view) the worst possible of outcomes. The modest advice I can give, and it is small, is to stay humble. By that I mean be gentle, be kind, and be yourself. I find most of the objection to TS/TG among Christians is not the actual subject but the vocal, militant, and obnoxious tone that some in the LGBT community bring to the conversation.
May you and your family have a most wonderful and Merry Christmas! I will be earnestly praying that it will be so.
Misty
Kari, we both joined the forum about the same time. You've certainly gone farther down the path than I have. Still we share a faith that is likely very unusual among the other members of this forum, and that has, in a small way, bound us together.
One difference is the size of our churches. Mine is small (about 250 on any given Sunday) vs. yours which most would call a "mega-church". Still, I can honestly say that it's not my faith that keeps me from seriously considering transition, nor is it the fact that I attend a small church.
I can only imagine the conflicts you must be dealing with. My genuine hope is that the reactions of some won't ultimately cause you to question your faith -- that would be (in my view) the worst possible of outcomes. The modest advice I can give, and it is small, is to stay humble. By that I mean be gentle, be kind, and be yourself. I find most of the objection to TS/TG among Christians is not the actual subject but the vocal, militant, and obnoxious tone that some in the LGBT community bring to the conversation.
May you and your family have a most wonderful and Merry Christmas! I will be earnestly praying that it will be so.
Misty