Are you or someone you love wrestling with faith and LGBTQIA questions? Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has a God-given need for ties with those of one's own sex. Karl W. Beckstrand (M.A., conflict resolution) says there are more kinds of connection than we know, happier than the sparse paths the world often signals.
"Definitive...honest reflection.... Readers will be gratified by its conclusions and novel assertions...particularly relating to meaningful relationships...which lends it distinction and is refreshing." ? The BookLife Prize (Publisher's Weekly)
Beckstrand shares scriptural keys to seeing ourselves as God sees us, seeing beyond ourselves, and transforming how we relate with others. He offers insights to bolster confidence in God's love for each person and His designs for differences.
Has anything taken God by Surprise? God can make anything a blessing. He doesn't simply tolerate "queerness," it is?expressed attentively?part of His plan for our joy. Emotional needs can manifest as sexual desire, like feeling hungry when you're dehydrated. By neglecting true emotional connection, the feeling of neediness persists. God can help us fulfill our needs while honoring His will.
Meeting emotional needs healthfully can make us more loving and resilient and reduce discouragement, isolation, even addictive behavior. These principles apply to gays, heterosexuals, married people, singles, women, and men. Chapters include:
• Either/Or?
• Is It All about Sex?
• What's Good About Attraction to Your Own Sex?
• Is Fluidity Real?
• Are Competing Desires Healthful?
• Is Mixed Orientation Marriage a Happy Option for Some?
• Authentic Identity ? The Key to Happiness
• How to Not Miss Out
• Close Beyond Imagination
A former chaplaincy volunteer at Stanford University Hospital, Beckstrand is the award-winning author of 30 books and winner of a 2016 International Book Award (reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal). "I hope all who feel attraction to their own sex?or any potentially isolating distinction?can learn its positive purpose and most fulfilling expressions, that each person can feel self-love, God's love, and true connection with others."
Don't miss these concise concepts plus information on relating with a gay loved one, suggestions for coming out (or not), how to support families of LGBTQIA people?and anyone who might be questioning God's love for them?plus online bonus material. A secular version of this book is titled, Abundant Paths (ISBN: 9781951599201). Get Men Need Men: How Rewarding Relationships Can Replace Poor Habits (2025).
No AI. 55,000 words, 260 pages, 8.5"x5.5" hard/soft cover, ebook, and audiobook, Paths Press (Premio Publishing, worldwide rights © Sept. 2022) and major book distributors. LCCN: 2022937790; FAM056000, FAM051000, SEL046000, FAM021000, YAN032000, YAN048010, YAN051110, HEA042000, FAM029000, BIO031000, BIO018000, BIO026000, FAM030000, OCC011020, SEL032000, SEL041040, YAN051240, SEL008000, FAM006000, OCC019000, FAM038000; JBSJ, 5PS, VFVG, YXHL, VS, QRVP7, YXBD; Hard ISBN: 978-1951599409, soft ISBN: 978-1951599225 (eISBN: 978-1005507831, Audio ISBN: 979-8368942278)
