Preface – The 20’s

As the pages of “Early Teens” come to a close, the journey through self-discovery, faith, and acceptance does not end but rather evolves into the next chapter of my life—my twenties. This period, marked by profound challenges, deep introspection, and divine intervention, serves as the canvas for “The 20’s.” The narrative that unfolds is one of resilience, hope, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of adversity.

The aftermath of coming out, with its myriad reactions, set the stage for a tumultuous decade. The lines drawn around me, demarcating those who stood with me and those who stood against, became the battleground for my soul. It was a time when my faith was tested in the fire of public opinion, personal despair, and the search for a place within a world that seemed all too ready to cast me aside.

Yet, it was also a period marked by the incredible manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s protection, guidance, and unwavering presence. In moments of utter despair, when the darkness seemed insurmountable, the light of His love broke through, dispelling the shadows with the promise of hope and renewal. Through two harrowing attempts to end my pain, it was the Lord’s hand that pulled me back from the brink, reaffirming His plan for my life—a plan not for harm but for a future filled with His glory.

This book is a journey through the valleys of shadow and the mountaintops of revelation. It’s a testament to the power of the living Word to heal, to save, and to transform. Each chapter, each story, is a thread in the tapestry of God’s grace in my life, a narrative account woven with the emotions, the trials, and the victories that have shaped me.

In sharing this story, my hope is to reach out to those walking through their valleys, those questioning their worth and their place in God’s kingdom. It’s a reminder that you are not alone, that the darkness does not have the final say, and that with Jesus, rebirth and redemption are always within reach.

“The 20’s” is more than a recounting of events; it’s an invitation to witness how, even in our deepest despair, the Lord is working, unraveling the lies we’ve believed and knitting us back together in His image. It’s a narrative of falling and rising, of dying to self and being reborn in Christ—a journey I now invite you to walk with me.

As we turn the page to this next chapter, let us hold fast to the truth of the living Word, keeping our relationship with Jesus at the forefront of our hearts and minds. For in Him, we find the strength to overcome, the grace to heal, and the love that casts out all fear.

Welcome to “The 20’s.”