Mental Health
“Mom, isn’t it amazing that in every “body” is an entire universe of life?” – Ben Wood in “Changing the Message”* Believe Out Loud sat down with LGBT activist and author Julie Wood to discuss how the loss of her son, Ben, to suicide in 2013 led her to dedicate her life to LGBT advocacy…
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Life goes on. The world will eventually resume its normal practices, but with a new perspective in mind. There have been terrible pandemics in human history, but we continue to survive, adapt and thrive with new know-how and ambition. During this period, we will face new challenges, make adjustments in our regular actions and grow…
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Rarely have these words by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., resonated as strongly as in these days of globally experienced fear, trauma and despair: “We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny.” In our individual isolation, we – the Believe Out Loud team – want to…
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Being confined to a space for an indefinite amount of time can take its toll on one’s perception and spirit. The days blend together; the mind loses track of time. What day is it? I’m not sure, but the sun has gone down at least 14 times now. pngitem.com Along with quarantine’s blur of time…
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Our outlook may seem dark at times and feelings of sorrow and regret may set in. It may look as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel, but know that the Lord is with you. There are no problems too big for God. Continue to have hope and keep faith. Last…
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The Creator. Holy Spirit. Great Spirit. Elohim. We abound in gratitude for all gifts of the earth. Thank you for all the love that surrounds us. Thank you for giving us what we need. In everything, in all circumstances, we give thanks for it is the will of the creator concerning us. One mind, one heart,…
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Trigger Warning: Discussion of suicide and depression
As our collective consciousness was recently focused on the themes of depression, suicide and suicide prevention, I wish to express what many of us in our community know: LGBTQ+ people are at an increased risk for dying by suicide. Here’s my story of self-destruction, spiritual obedience and renewal.
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MLP News Please pray for the friends and family of 14-year-old Kenneth James Weishuhn of Primghar, Iowa. Kenneth took his life on Saturday after being bullied for coming out as a gay teen a few months ago. Kenneth’s friends and family describe him as a happy young man, handsome and full of life. After coming…
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Holiday seasons, including Holy Week and Easter, are generally tough for everyone. For many of us in the LGBTQ+ community, holiday seasons can be even tougher, but on the other side of our deepest heartache lies our deepest breakthrough. This is because what we cannot hold alone forces us to either go mad, or go…
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Several years ago, I was pastor of a welcoming and affirming church. As a queer clergywoman, one would think that such a place would be the perfect place to flourish and thrive as a pastor. And yet, because of heterosexist and sexist microaggressions, I found myself anxious, depressed, and in need of physical, emotional, psychological,…
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