LOVE LIFTED ME: In Spite Of The Church
ISBN: 0-9719604-0-2
Publication Date: May. 2002
Pages: 216
LOVE LIFTED ME: IN SPITE OF THE CHURCH offers a wealth of insight to Christian pastors, teachers, ministers and spiritual activists who outreach to Same-Gender-Attracted individuals or attempt to address the highly controversial topic of homosexuality publicly. However, Godfrey states of his first work,”The person who authored this book was convinced that being gay is no sin, to the extent that he would have happily given his life in defense of gay-Christian validity. Thanks to Wisdom, I am no longer that person.”
For your added reading enjoyment, visitors can immediately download a copy of Godfrey’s first effort, LOVE LIFTED ME: IN SPITE OF THE CHURCH, for a minimum donation to this ministry of just $5.00. By reading his first book you’ll become better acquainted with the author, gain keener insight into the everyday thought life of the average gay-Christian, while also helping this ministry remain easily accessible to all passers by. Before publicly repenting from the gay life and promoting gay pride across America, Godfrey wrote it after being a committed gay advocate for over two decades. Then after finishing book #1 prepare to read its exact opposite. Visitors downloading a copy of his first book will be automatically notified by email on October 1, 2008, when the Internet-based copy of OPPOSITES is officially launched.
Book Cover Commentary:
LOVE LIFTED ME: IN SPITE Of The CHURCH, written by K. Godfrey Easter, is an inspirational read of an openly gay man’s triumphant journey through the guilt, shame, and condemnation brought on by his Christian upbringing. It chronicles events from his youth and throughout his young adulthood describing a vivid, moving, and sometimes comical portrait of how seemingly insurmountable social and spiritual challenges guided him to his own Damascus Road. “Within my own private valley of the shadow of death” is where his deeply rooted, yet abandoned faith in the unconditional loving God of All was forever restored, and his unique, human orientation eternally validated by God.
The author writes: “But be not dismayed. We’ll eventually reach the other side of the pharisaical Christian’s hell, where a smoother ride exists.” Easter exposes the ambiguity lodged deep within the roots of organized religion, as he’s experienced it. With this literary rendering he describes how his faith in God brought him over. “If Christ has set me free, why should I be bound, especially by my Christian church?” he boldly declares.
K. Godfrey Easter is currently the director of Finance for a youth and family counseling agency located Seattle’s inner city. He also proudly participates as the openly gay minister of music for Evangelistic Center Church of God In Christ, a mainstream yet openly loving Pentecostal church located in Tacoma, Washington.
A key participant in gay social organizations since the early 1990’s, Easter is becoming an important figure pertaining to equal social rights and spiritual liberties, especially for same-gender-loving individuals of color. He currently holds a seat on the Seattle Police Department Sexual Minority Advisory Committee and has served on the board of the People of Color Against AIDS Network. Former social affiliations include Seattle’s PFLAG Chapter, Northwest AIDS Foundation, and the People With AIDS Coalition in Houston, Texas.
Come join one man’s journey of discovery and the power of God’s Love.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1 – V. Deeply Stained Was His Name
CHAPTER 2 – Take Me Back – Take Me Back Dear Lord
CHAPTER 3 – Misguided, Confused, And Feeling Alone
CHAPTER 4 – Searching For Love In All The Wrong Places
CHAPTER 5 – Living From Inside A Bag With Holes
CHAPTER 6 -Realizing My Anchor In The Midst Of The Storm
CHAPTER 7 – Who Am I That Thou Are Mindful Of Me
CHAPTER 8 – My Personal Damascus Road Experience
CHAPTER 9 – As I Pilgrim Through This Barren Land
CHAPTER 10 – Refusing To Be Called The Son Of Pharaoh’s Daughter
CHAPTER 11 – Guide Me, Oh!…Thou, Great Jehovah
CHAPTER 12 – God Did Create Adam And Steve
EPILOGUE
