Perhaps one of the greatest– no, really the greatest — struggles in my life was reconciling my faith tradition with my life long same – sex orientation.  I am happy to report that that is no longer a struggle, and I have been blessed with a loving partner.  In three short months, she and I will celebrate 14 years of  committed, monogamous, covenant relationship.  This poem written in 1998 reflects a portion of that struggle and journey.

THIS LOVE

She walked into my life and knocked upon my door. 
She came into the light, and how my heart did soar.
I said this cannot be, yet it was reality.
This woman, this light, this love within my heart.

I said she’s just a friend, and my heart knew she was more.
I said this cannot be.  Go away and come no more.
My heart, oh how it ached to see her walk out the door.
This woman, this light, this love within my heart.

I said this cannot be for my Lord it would not please.
I struggled with my heart ’til it broke in agony.
Then I rested in His Love for comfort and for strength
And heard the truth of His heart, my Lord and my strength.

“I look into your heart in Spirit and in Truth.
I see how it breaks, and I feel every ache.
Know that I love you, and I love her, too.
I know the truth that you both love me, too.

What I ask of you is this.  Live a life that is true
In commitment and faith as you receive my Grace.
Oh, yes it can be.  She is more that just a friend.
This woman, this light, this love within your heart.

I give you courage and strength to live your life that is true
In commitment and faith by receiving my Grace.
Oh yes, it surely is.  She is more than just a friend,
This woman, the light, My Love within your heart.”