Dear Ellen, I’ve been asked to share my testimony about my experience with same-sex attraction in front of a group of young adults. I’m excited, but also nervous about being so vulnerable. How can I know if I’m ready for something like this? Do you have any advice for navigating this process? Sincerely, Nervous but Willing
Dear Nervous but Willing,
What an incredible opportunity! I know firsthand how thrilling it can be to share about God’s presence and providence in your life—yet how exposing it can feel at the same time. The fact that you’re even considering doing this speaks volumes about your humility, vulnerability, and devotion to the Lord. It also reflects the strength and safety of your marriage and family that you have their support as you navigate this.
First, I want to encourage you to only share when you feel truly ready. Sometimes, in our eagerness to meet a need, we push ourselves into sharing before we’re emotionally prepared. This can leave us feeling raw and exposed, which isn’t helpful to ourselves or our audience. Trust that God will make it clear if this is the right time for you—and if it is, He will guide you on the themes, tone, and timing through His Spirit.
The good news is that your testimony has the potential to speak deeply to this generation. Younger generations are drawn to authenticity and vulnerability more than any before them. It’s not just what we say—it’s the humility and obedience reflected in how we tell our stories that can leave a lasting impact. Sharing your journey with openness will normalize conversations about same-sex attraction in God’s Kingdom and create space for others to connect with God more deeply.
I find comfort in praying before I speak, asking God to make me a vessel for His story—letting whatever He wants to be said flow through me and trusting that anything unnecessary will be kept at bay. Our brains are wired for story, and your testimony can help others see God’s faithfulness in new and transformative ways.
The younger people in our churches are hungry for real conversations about real things. By using words like “same-sex attraction,” “gay,” or “sexual identity,” you’ll be opening doors that have too often been closed or ignored in Christian spaces. This kind of honesty will do so much to foster trust, safety, and connection between those young hearts and God.
I’ll be praying for you as you prepare for this task. God has equipped you for this moment, and I believe He will use your story in powerful ways.
