Love’s Challenge to Parents

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Katie Martinez, and my husband is Jose. We are the parents of a daughter in her twenties who is living in the lesbian lifestyle. She confessed this to me in November of 2003, but in my heart I had known for a long time. At first I was devastated and wondered, “How could this happen to my family?” Then as I prayed, I decided with God’s help I was going to help her any way I could. I found out about CrossOver from a local church and that began my journey with CrossOver.

So, as I write this letter, I reflect back on that confession that Angela made on that dreadful day. I think of all the emotions that went through me at that time-- the same emotions you may be experiencing now. I was angry at Angela, and at God. I kept asking, “Why?” and “How could this happen?” I cried out to God in anger and desperation. Somehow God gave me the strength to get through that day. As much as I wanted to scream at Angela and walk away, the Holy Spirit would not let me. I hugged her goodbye and told her I loved her. I then went to the most supportive and loving place I knew and that was my church. As I walked in the doors I was welcomed with open and loving arms. And, I will never forget the words of a dear friend when she said, “Angela is the same person she was yesterday, and all you can do is just love her”.

“….Just love her.” Those words keep repeating in my mind. And now, as I continue on this journey, those are the words that I know that I not only have to say, but they are words I know I must put into action.

Until I was faced with this problem I didn’t know that groups like Cross Over even existed. But now I realize there are a lot of hurting and lonely people out there who need support with this issue. It is my prayer that God will use us to help some of these people. I know without Him I can do nothing but, “with God all things are possible”. And it is that promise that keeps me going.