Take it slowly, then bungy jump

[The Beast]

I am one of the longer in tooth around these parts although NOM 2.0 no longer gives our "joined" date. My faith crisis began around a decade ago when a good gaggle of questions I had carried for a while got amplified through the lens of all the weirdness of being in a bishopric again. I joined here in 2008 after being thoroughly ruined by FAIR and MADB, but took it exceptionally slowly. Still went to church until a year ago, but at that point, DW, who had by then passed me on the lack of belief in TSCC scale decided that the Beast fam should not waste it's time in church on Sundays anymore. The beastlings were overjoyed. None of them wanted to keep going (3). So, move ahead to last June, the parental units come for a visit and intend to stay and attend church with us and then return home. Hmm. The cat bag's containment system is looking pretty weak at that point. If we fake it and go, chances are someone will, as the old folks say, pull a boner, and say "gosh how we've missed you" which leads to either lies or full disclosure. Either way it's awkward. DW and the beastlings are all clamoring for me to just disclose. So I did in this video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_ke6E8EFBw

The sunglasses and hats are just me being a dork...well the sunglasses help hide eye movement that would show me reading. Anyway, aftermath apparently included crying by some, disgust by others, and I'm sure lots of praying for our souls, but family has been pretty good about not treating us like pariah, although there's always just a tad of awkward in the air at family gatherings. Coming out has been somewhat liberating though. It's easier not having to pretend. Anyway, there's an update for where my taking of it all slowly has now arrived at. Peace to you all.

[wtfluff]

Awesome.



I love the video idea. Something I could envision doing myself. How has the reception of the video gone?

Now, go and make a video playing all of those instruments in the background.

[The Beast]

Awesome.



I love the video idea. Something I could envision doing myself. How has the reception of the video gone?

Now, go and make a video playing all of those instruments in the background.

Oh, but I have fluffster. I've made much awful racket. Here's my latest little cover song:

https://youtu.be/kA5pCB2R_oc

BTW, I love your Ed head jack-o'-lantern and the Disturbed song you've linked. Many thumbs up...well at least two. The video, as billed, is what it is. Family are not ostracizing me in any way, but I'm sure they just think I'm deceived. I was told one sibling wouldn't watch till the end, and one either didn't read the links or chose to ignore them and did exactly what the rational faiths article says not to. Oh well. I love 'em anyway.

[GoodBoy]

I watched it and thought you did a good job. You have given the church every opportunity. It hasn't been for want of trying on your part. Highest respect to you Beast.

I'm glad you and your wife and your children are all on the same page.

Anyonghi Kyeshipshiyo
(Stay in peace).

[sirensong]

beast... my dear friend... this past year was made easier by the sounding board you provided to me. thank you for helping me as i initially floundered around after my eyes began to open. i always thought highly of you back in the day the lord's university, but that pales in comparison to how i think about you now. thanks for befriending this insignificant country girl. you can be my neighbor in hell any day...

[Silver Girl]

This is so articulate and beautifully stated! I like that you were so calm, so even-toned, and so open but also firm (in a confident way, not in a rigid way). This could be a model for many of us to implement.

[w2mz]

Beast, my virtual friend, this was very well done. You present your position clearly, articulately, and unapologetically. I’m sorry this initially caused your family some angst. I hope they continue to love and support you regardless.

So awesome that you can now be authentic and open.

It’s also fantastic that you and Mrs. Beast are lockstep in the journey. (I’m jealous!)

I also really enjoyed your cover/video. Well done!

[The Beast]

Beast, my virtual friend, this was very well done. You present your position clearly, articulately, and unapologetically. I’m sorry this initially caused your family some angst. I hope they continue to love and support you regardless.

So awesome that you can now be authentic and open.

It’s also fantastic that you and Mrs. Beast are lockstep in the journey. (I’m jealous!)

I also really enjoyed your cover/video. Well done!

Thanks w2mz. Much appreciated from someone I hold in highest regard on this board.

[Hagoth]

Thanks Beast! The BYU magic hat change trick was a nice touch. Loooooved the REM cover too!

[The Beast]

Thanks Hagoth. Glad you liked it.