"Normal"

As I've discussed personal issues with several friends, I find that everyone has that one thing that makes them not "normal." With most people I meet, there is one thing that makes them different, whether it be race, gender, sex, orientation, disabilities, disorders, home-life, income, etc. It's interesting, though, that our society so often compares itself to this idea of "normal," which typically means a white, middle-class, straight male born in a happy nuclear family with a mom and a dad that are forever in love, or married to a wonderful wife, and they never argue and have 2 wonderful children with no disabilities. Everyone has something that makes them stray from this "normal."

This idea of "normal" really hit when a good friend explained some of the struggles with having epilepsy. Much of her life changed and even some of her goals changed because of this disorder that has now forever embedded itself into her life and thinking. Things like having her own children (or having children in general) and getting a license are difficult, whereas others things like drinking alcohol or caffeinated beverages are no longer done with care-free action. Even being alone for extended periods of time give concern.

As for myself, there are some things that I realize I can never do because I'm gay. I can never have a wife and kids (unless I miraculously become straight, which doesn't happen no matter your ideas on ex-gay therapy and ministries). I will never be fully accepted by many Christians because of their interpretations of the bible. People will forever judge me based on my orientation and not on my character.

A few things that I remind myself of when such ideas intrude my thoughts are:
*my sexuality only defines a part of me, as does anyone's difference only defines a part of them
*everyone has one thing that diverts them from the "normal," and so everyone struggles with something, which kind of normalizes us all because we all have our struggles
*God will always love me, not matter what other people say

If you feel up to sharing, leave a comment (anonymous or not) explaining one of your struggles and how you cope.