Another Point Of View

Once in a while someone comes along to challenge all you have ever thought you believed! What a disguised blessing that can turn out to be!

When I told my pastor the other day that I was writing a book intended to inspire young gay and lesbian people to seek a spiritual connection, her immediate retort was "Great! So who is helping to keep your message real?" That person is pictured above, my cousin and dear friend, Shawn Stout.

It is true that in order to share your beliefs with others you have to be convinced of their validity. Beliefs and values are nothing if they are not authentic and real, if they are not proven in your experience. Hypocrisy is rampant in our culture as people hide who they really are in order to support an image. I have spent the majority of my life hiding the truth about me from various parties important to my life, most notably my parents and my daughter. It seemed easier to put on a false front than to live the truth about myself with honesty.

Shawn has given me the greatest of gifts, something that I can never repay. He has given me myself! As I have opened up and listened to him; as I have struggled with perceived rejection and distance; as I have given time, hope, support and encouragement - I have learned about love. I have learned that unconditional love has always been there for me from my family - I was just too fearful to accept it. I have learned that acceptance was mine from the beginning - I was just afraid to embrace it. I learned these things by not giving up, by believing in Shawn when I could not believe in myself. By accepting his weaknesses without judgement even while I was unable to accept my own, and by examining and reclaiming my own spiritual faith while sharing openly without shame. This process has liberated and set me free.

The end result has been astounding. My relationship with my family, especially my mum, dad and brother has never been more satisfying. The connection I have with my daughter is now on par with my dreams! I am a grateful and happy man. The key to all of this has been the chance that I have had to walk some miles in another's shoes! My perspective has been enlarged, I have seen my life from another point of view, I am truly on purpose!

It is said so often that we grow through adversity. If this relationship has been adversity then I say bring it on again! Yes there have been sacrifices and cost, but the growth that Shawn and I have experienced in our lives is worth more than anything, absolutely anything! I do not wish to consider where I might be today if Shawn had not come into my life. Things may happen for a reason, but it takes being aware of that fact for any value to come out of it! I am now richer in spirit than at any time in my life. I am back on track and I can't wait for tomorrow! Thanks to you all for walking beside me through these days!

Love and Peace - Geoff