Let the Journey Begin!
The Journey to Take Back Our "Hoods"

It’s time to take back your hood.  The word “hood” in this instance is not
the street slang for neighborhood. It is referring to your manhood,
brotherhood, and fatherhood for men, and your womanhood, sisterhood,
and motherhood for women.  These “hoods” are precious in God’s sight,
and any thing that is precious to God is a target for the enemy.

As you begin this journey you must remember your goal is to
recapture your "hood," and your destination is to become a man
or woman of God.  So stay focused, motivated, and confident.
Maybe you’re coming to the Lord with your hands lifted asking Him to please
take away your same-sex attractions and/or homosexual behavior, and you
wonder why He hasn't answered your prayer.

God’s main concern is you, that is ALL of you (spirit, body and soul).  His
intention for you is to make you like His son, Jesus Christ.  Not in part, but
wholly and completely.  In the process of making you whole, God will supply all
the need(s) that you didn't get fulfilled as a child.  Whether it is same-gender
affirmation or healing from a childhood trauma, GOD IS ABLE!
To prepare you for the journey, let’s start with changing your ideas about sex.  God created
sex in the beginning and it was good, VERY Good.  Gen 4:1a And Adam knew Eve his wife;
and she conceived (KJV).  That sounds like sex to me.

So your sexuality is NOT a bad thing, but now it is time to renew your mind to conform to
God’s purposes for sex:
  1. To replenish the earth.
  2. To seal the marriage covenant.
  3. As a physical expression of love between husband and wife.

If your participation in sex (whether fantasy or action) is outside of God’s purposes, then it is
sin; however, don’t be offended by the word “sin.”  Sin is understandable, forgivable and
correctable.  Submitting your sexuality in obedience to God will allow Him to change it to
conform to His purposes.  

Remember, commit your ENTIRE life to Jesus Christ, not just your sexuality.
Second, God created 2 genders:  Male and Female.
  • Gen 1:27 So God created man in his own image, in
    the image of God created he him; male and female
    created he them.
  • Gen 5:2a  male and female created he them; and
    blessed them,
As you journey along, it is best to have realistic expectations.  We believe you can expect
God to help you:
  • Regain self-control over your words, thoughts, actions and attitudes.
  • Manage your needs and your weaknesses in godly, healthy ways
  • Resolve both emotional and relational conflicts that block your growth.
  • Achieve "abundant life" in spite of your past.
Next, let’s talk about some criteria you will need for this journey:
  • Be Flexible – The journey to manhood, womanhood, etc. is not going to happen on
    your terms or in your time.  Demanding God to operate in a certain way will end up
    hurting you.
  • Bounce back from Failure – Failure can happen in word, thought, deed, or
    attitude.  Failure is an event; not a person.  That means YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE.  
    The best rebound for failure is to get up quickly and get back on track.
  • Focus on the Big Picture – Contentment, satisfaction and purpose in the midst of
    imperfections is what you are striving for (Phil 4:11).  Remember the big picture:  
    God wants YOU to love HIM with all your heart, with all your mind, and with all your
    strength, and HE wants you to love your neighbor as yourself. (Mrk 12:33)  Keep
    everything else in perspective.
  • Be Diligent - NEVER GIVE UP!! – endure until the end.  Perseverance is key!!
In conclusion,  Bridge of Hope can make no guarantees or predictions about your
particular journey.  However, we offer some points that will facilitate your change process:

  1. Rely on intervention & revelation from God – through His word and His Son, by
    the Holy Spirit and amidst His people.
  2. Respond to God with determination, obedience and perseverance – born
    out of a fear of God and a need for His love.
  3. Enjoy healthy relationships in the family of faith – a real sense of intimacy and
    community within the body of Christ, the church.
  4. Serve others who are in need – take the focus off of your self-centeredness.

Therefore, your journey must be focused on continual growth in your relationship with
Jesus Christ.   "God" must replace "Me" as the center of your universe.
BEFORE
  • Self-centered
  • Loves self first
  • Uses others for self-gratification
  • Seeks self-indulging power
  • Motivated by sin/fallen world
  • Polluted Motives
AFTER
  • GOD-centered
  • Loves GOD first
  • Loves others as self
  • Yields to God's sovereign authority
  • Motivated by righteousness
  • Pure Motives
Don't think that this journey is just for men and women who want to change their same-sex
attraction and/or homosexual behavior.  This journey is a process that ALL Christians must
embark upon.  

God has only one plan of salvation.  Jesus died for everyone.  There is NO separate
plan of redemption for people dealing with homosexuality

You are now prepared to embark upon your life changing journey.  You know where you are,
what you need and where you're going.  So, let the journey begin, and remember:

Jeremiah 29:11  For I have known the thoughts that I am thinking towards you -- an affirmation of
Jehovah; thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give to you posterity and hope.
ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!
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