What It's Like to Leave the Life (and Get Real Life)

The National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality has a great interview with Michael Glatze, a former homosexual activist who left homosexuality behind.

But it's not just about his life in "the life," but about how he found "the new life":

M.G. There you go. So I found out I didn’t have this heart condition, and I thanked God. This was the first moment in my entire life when literally every concept that my mind had ever entertained—my whole existence—was completely reevaluated.

J.N. So it was first fear, then gratitude, and then “metanoia”…an awakening to your true identity.

M.G. That was the moment. There was no more doubt. And on a fundamental level, it was the end of an intense war between myself and God.

J.N. You made peace?

M.G. It was instant peace.

J.N. Wonderful. Absolutely fantastic.

M.G. And in that experience, all of a sudden, I kind of rejoined all the other parts of humanity that I had been fighting with.

J.N. You rejoined the living.

M.G. Yes, but at that time, I didn’t fully understand it as such. I just felt I had rejoined something so primal. This gave me a sense of autonomy, so that slowly, I grew to further understand what it all meant.

Though he mentions some Buddhist meditation influence during the interview, he makes it very clear that he gives credit for this great change to Christ. (When I was getting serious about my faith 15 years ago, I was bolstered by some material that I wouldn't really suggest to someone in the same position because part of it contained serious errors--the point being that sometimes God can use unlikely things to bring good).

When I read the passage above, I was struck by how similar it was for me, being "born again." If you're saved when you're young, it might not be so profound, but I suspect that for anyone who is born again when they're older, or if they've "backslidden" and lived the way of the world and then come back, it's a lot like this. The truth of who you are, who God is, and the Ultimate Truth hits you like a ton of bricks...but a sweet ton of bricks that ironically makes you feel set-free instead of crushed.

And the great thing about this new life, this end of the war with God, this peace, is that anyone can have it...if you'll just admit that you need it.

Britain Says Parents Butt out of Daughter's Pregnancy

From LifeNews.com:

A British medical panel has devised new guidelines regarding the doctor-patient relationship when it comes to children. The General Medical Council says doctors should treat children confidentially, without a parent's involvement, and that the treatment includes counseling regarding abortion.

The GMC has ordered doctors in Britain to respect the privacy rights of minor children and inform them of their ability to be treated without the involvement of Mom or Dad.

Wow! This is definitely a bold new step in state control in Britain. This essentially emancipates children when it comes to medical matters (especially abortion).

This means if the mechanic down the street impregnates your daughter, you have no right to know about it, or the termination of your grandchild.

This means if your daughter's math teacher gets her pregnant and takes her down to the local abortuary to kill your grandchild (and eliminate the proof of his molestation), you have no right to know about it.

This means if your family doctor strikes up a secret relationship with your daughter, gets her pregnant and takes her to an abortuary, you have no right to know about it.

Why? Informing the parents in these situations would violate the privacy of the girl.

Apparently the function of a parent is to provide food, clothing and shelter for the children of the state, nothing more.

And socialists in this country say we need to be like Europe...

Major Dems Approve Teaching Homosexual 'Marriage' to 2nd Graders

The Institute for Marriage and Public Policy features part of a transcript from the New York Times of last night's Democrat debate at Dartmouth College.

In it, two of the three major Democrats (Obama and Edwards) said yes, they would be comfortable having a story about homosexual "marriage" being read to their second grade children in school. Hillary gave implied approval to the idea, though she dodged the question without giving a clear answer, and of course the moderator gave her a pass.

MR. EDWARDS: Yes, absolutely.

SENATOR OBAMA: You know, I feel very similar to John: that -- you know, the fact is, my 9-year-old and my 6-year-old's -- I think, are already aware that there are same-sex couples. And my wife and I have talked about it.

As you consider who to vote for next year and who most closely reflects your values, go read IMAPP's partial transcript or the whole thing at the NY Times.

Senator Johnson Invokes the Thought Police

Today the U.S. Senate voted to approve hate crime legislation to provide special rights to homosexuals.

Senator John Thune voted against the measure and Senator Tim Johnson, who says he will be running for re-election next year, voted for the hate crimes law. This bill was an amendment to a defense spending bill.

You can watch a video of what "hate crime" legislation has wrought in Europe, or read more information about hate crimes here.

By the way, can anybody point me to a love crime (and I'm not talking "crimes of passion," wiseguys)?

Senator Johson: Says 'Determined' to Run Again

From the Argus Leader, Senator Tim Johnson has sent out a fundraising letter in which he states he will definitely run again next year for the senate:

“I am more determined than ever to run for re-election and continue serving the people of South Dakota in the United States Senate,” he wrote in an email sent out by his campaign.

Maybe...but I'm still not completely convinced. Johnson has come a long way since his brain injury last December, and as positive as his recent South Dakota press conference was, it also illustrated that he still has a tough road ahead in his recovery.

If he does decide to run again, that's all fine and well, I'm just saying I'm not 100% convinced he will.