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I've been a minister of God since I was 18 years old. I married young, at age 15. When I was 16, Jesus blessed
me with twin boys. I had to learn how to trust God at an early age. He taught me back then, that He always has a purpose for
everything He allows in our life, and it's only for our good. I was baptized at when I was 17 years old and I came up out
of the water speaking in tongues. The Holy Ghost had filled me to prepare me for the call He had on my life to preach the
Gospel. I had many struggles, but God always made a way. I preached the Word in a time when I didn't know any other women
preachers. I wrestled with God after He called me for three months. I kept reminding Him of the Apostle Paul's admonition
in 1st Corinthians 14 for "women to remain silent in the church..." He let me get away with this for a short while, but one
day while I was praying, He showed me the verse right under it. "What? Came the Word of God out from you? Or came it unto
you only?" God spoke to me right then and said "I didn't just call the man, I've called you also."
I accepted God's
call right then, and said "Yes Lord." I told my Pastor, and he was thrilled! He had already been encouraging me, because he
knew God was calling me. You see, God always sends someone to encourage you. As a matter of fact, that is the Desire of my
heart. I want to encourage others as I minister the Word of God. I want to let them know that Jesus loves them no matter who
they are. It doesn't matter if you feel worthy. It doesn't even matter if others tell you that you're not worthy. Jesus said
"WHOSOEVER will, let them come..."
About 12 years ago, I was at work, meditating on God's Word. I had quoted the Scripture
"I am the Lord, I change not." When I quoted this verse, I had it in my mind that this meant, since I was called to be like
God, I was not supposed to change . The Lord, knew what I was thinking, and He stopped me in my tracks! He said, "I am omnipotent,
I never change, but you're going to!" I had no idea at that moment just how much I was going to change. I went through many
things after that. God was teaching me not to put my judgment on anyone. I felt that the way I judged someone, is the way
God sees me and judges me. Here again, he was opening my heart and my mind to His Word, and preparing me for what was ahead.
One day, one of my sons handed me a letter. I was concerned for him, because he just went through a divorce. I opened the
letter, and began to read. "Mama, I just couldn't tell you this face to face. I tried, but I just can't. Mama, I'm not "normal",
I'm not like others.. I'm different... I'm gay. He said more, but it seems like all I read was "I'm gay." Deep down, I already
knew the truth. I had suppressed the truth in the hopes that I was wrong. If you are the parent of a gay child you know what
I'm talking about. You know, but you don't know. I thought back to my son's childhood, to the very day he was born. You're
going to think this is funny, but the first thought I had was "Lord was it because I was praying for him to be a girl?" He
and his twin brother were born 4 hours apart. After his brother came, I began to pray for the other one to be a girl. I realized
then that I needed to get a grip. God doesn't answer prayer half way, and He doesn't make ANY junk! I continued thinking back
into his childhood, and I came to realize that he was born this way, and I had to except it I remembered back to when my son
was first saved, and how much he loved the Lord. I remembered how he served the Lord and sang for the Lord. As soon as I saw
him again, I told him that I loved him, and that he was normal, and that I was proud of him. Our relationship grew after that,
and we became very close. Soon after coming out to me, he met a nice man. He brought him home to meet me, and I wasn't really
sure how I would react seeing them together. How would I feel seeing them hold hands? They spent the day with me, and it didn't
bother me at all. They took me out for dinner later, and to many other places so I could spend time with them. They introduced
me to their friends. I always felt so excepted and loved. The main thing I began to see in my son, is that he was MUCH HAPPIER.
He actually loved himself! Before he came out, he always had so much pent up frustration and anger. After he came out, he
was much happier with himself and others, and life.
It doesn't end there! As it turned out, my his twin brother was gay
as well. He wasn't as forthcoming as his brother, but after he went through a divorce, he eventually came out to me too. It
was over a cup of coffee. I had to flat out ask him, but he told me the truth. We had a very good day together. He started
going to church with his brother and his Partner, and it wasn't long until God brought someone into his life. They are happy
and they serve the Lord together. Telling you this story makes me so thankful for my own husband. He is not just my husband,
but he is also my friend. He is understanding, accepting, and he loves my children. He also has a deep love for God. His support
helps me to keep going. We share so much together. I also have a daughter who has three beautiful children. One of my sons
also has a daughter. In all, I have four grandchildren. God's blessings are so rich. He loves us and knew us in the womb.
Before we were born, He had a good plan for our life. He wants to prosper us. We are the apple of His eye. He sent His Son
to die for WHOSOEVER. All we have to do is believe on Jesus!
Your sister in Christ,
Minister Judy Tatum
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