Dear Mr. President,
Thank you for your courageous leadership over the past 4 years. My family and I are better off today than we were before you became Commander in Chief. It will be our pleasure to affirm your excellent leadership on November 2 when we vote to make you our President once again; I honestly believe that the majority of American voters will do the same.
My purpose in writing today is two fold: one, I want to address a specific question brought up in last night's debate and two, I want to encourage you to meet with me.
First the question. Bob Sheafer asked you and Senator Kerry if you believe homosexuality is a choice. I appreciated your sincere answer and your compassionate call to treat all people with dignity and respect. Everytime you mention homosexual people I believe you honestly care about them and want others to treat them as fellow human beings. The liberal media will never give you any credit for this because simple dignity isn't their desire, a no holds barred sexual revolution is what they are after.
And while I believe you to be sincere and earnest in your desire to serve all people I also think that you could know more about the issues surrounding homosexuality than you do--that is why I think you need to meet me and others like me.
I am, for political and news clip purposes, what others call 'ex-gay'. I prefer to reference myself by what defines me: my faith in Jesus Christ, the fact that I am a husband and expectant father, a loving son, brother and human being, a man. However, in this sex-defined culture I am pigeon holed by many on both sides of the debate by what I used to do.
I was involved in homosexuality for a number of years starting in puberty and extending through about age 20. I had numerous sexual encounters and emotionally volatile relationships, attended a gay church, went to pride rallies and parades, worked on the AIDS quilt, volunteered at AIDS organizations and tried desperately to reconcile my faith with my sexuality. I could not.
When I was still a teenager I was referred to a Christian ministry that helped those struggling with homosexuality. This local ministry was a member of Exodus International, the world's leading outreach to men, women, youth and families affected by unwanted homosexuality. And even though I dabbled for two years after finding out about Exodus, I did faithfully attend meetings, counseling and seek to make a change in my life. Because of my faith in God and His unending grace, change won out.
As I inferred above, I am married today; a benefit not cause of my healing. Since 2001 I have been the President of Exodus International because I believe the world needs to know not only that change is possible, but that hundreds of thousands of men and women have sought and made that change. I lived as a homosexual and the world, especially young people and parents, need to know that it is not a healthy path or the optimal option. Which brings me back to last night's question.
Homosexuality is and isn't a choice. I did not wake up one morning and choose to 'feel' gay. At that time I would have rather died then felt what I felt. However, at a time when I was old enough to make wise decisions I did choose to act on my feelings. For those who say they have no choice, that is not true. We all have a choice to do what is best and with regard to acting on my homosexual feelings and inclinations, I did not choose God's best for me or for society when I chose to act upon them. However, I did finally choose to live beyond those feelings and today I am not a homosexual nor am I tempted to be one.
Mr. President, it is my sincere hope that you will choose to meet me, along with my wife Leslie. In fact, I think it would benefit you to meet the many men, women, youth and families that have been personally affected by this issue. I am sure you both know and regularly meet people actively pursuing a homosexual path--a path that they have every right to walk. However, how often do you meet people that made the very difficult choice to pursue the harder road and more unpopular path in today's society? Please take me up on this and choose to meet someone that has found freedom from homosexuality.
Again, it is my sincere pleasure to support you and to pray for you regularly. I believe you are an honest man and an honorable man. I look forward to being led by you for four more years.
Most Sincerely,
Alan Chambers
407-599-6872