"Definitive...honest reflection.... Readers will be gratified by its conclusions and novel assertions...particularly relating to meaningful relationships...which lends it distinction and is refreshing." - The BookLife...

"Definitive...honest reflection.... Readers will be gratified by its conclusions and novel assertions...particularly relating to meaningful relationships...which lends it distinction and is refreshing." - The BookLife Prize (Publisher's Weekly)

College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand has lived a full life (including abroad--visiting four continents). He earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in conflict resolution, and interned for Congress in D.C. He was a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley, a Stanford Hospital chaplain, and a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit). But his relationships were far from satisfying. Today, Beckstrand enjoys profound lasting ties.

Are you or someone you love wrestling with faith and LGBTQIA questions or conflicts? Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has God-given needs for love and true union, including connection with those of one's own sex. But, long-term relating bliss can be elusive for just about anyone.

Still, has anything taken God by Surprise? God not only accepts queerness, it is--expressed attentively--part of His plan for our happiness. There are more kinds of connection than we know, happier than the sparse paths the world often signals. God can help us fulfill our needs while honoring His will; and generous feelings can replace discouragement, isolation, lust, even addiction.

Beckstrand shares scriptural keys for transforming relationships and creating deep, lasting same-sex bonds. He offers insights to bolster confidence in God's love for each person and His purposes and plans for all differences. "I hope all who feel attraction to their own sex--or any isolating difference--can learn its positive purpose and its most fulfilling expressions. I hope that each person can feel self-love, God's love, and profound love with others." These principles apply to heterosexuals, married people, singles, women, and men. Chapters include:

• Beyond Either/or Thinking
• Is It All about Sex?
• What's Good About Attraction to Your Own Sex?
• Is Fluidity Real?
• Are Competing Desires Healthful?
• Is Mixed Orientation Marriage a Happy Option for Some?
• Authentic Identity - The Key to Happiness
• How to Not Miss Out
• Close Beyond Imagination

Get these concise concepts plus information on relating with a gay loved one, suggestions for coming out (or not), tips for supporting families of LGBTQIA people--and anyone who might be questioning God's love for them--plus online extras and bonus material. The soft cover version of this book is titles, God Adores You. A secular version of this book is titled, Abundant Paths.

Beckstrand is the best-selling author of 26 books and winner of a 2016 International Book Award (reviews by Publisher's Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal). 55,000 words, 260 pages, 8.5"x5.5" hard/soft cover, ebook and audiobook (in Oct.), PathsPress (worldwide rights (c) Sept. 2022), libraries, and all major distributors. FAM056000, FAM051000, SEL046000, FAM021000, YAN032000, YAN048010, YAN051110, HEA042000, FAM029000, BIO031000, BIO018000, BIO026000, FAM030000, OCC011020, SEL032000, SEL041040, YAN051240, SEL008000, FAM006000, OCC019000, FAM038000; LCCN: 2022937790, hard ISBN: 978-1951599157, soft ISBN: 978-1951599164, e-ISBN: 9781005507831

Author: Karl W. Beckstrand
Publisher: Paths Press
Published: 09/01/2022
Pages: 266
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.07lbs
Size: 8.50h x 5.50w x 0.75d
ISBN: 9781951599157