This week in our series on same-sex attraction, Jake and Bob speak with Andrew Comiskey, founder of Desert Stream Ministries. Desert Stream helps people of all every sexual orientation begin to heal areas of sexual brokenness. Andrew brings his humor, passion, faith and care to this conversation. Andrew desires to offer a safe space within the Church to those who are seeking integration, wholeness and healing in areas of sexuality and we hope you experience the Father’s merciful heart through him in this episode.

Key Quote:

The heart is our hidden center, beyond the grasp of our reason and of others; only the Spirit of God can fathom the human heart and know it fully. - CCC 2563

Key Points:

• Andrew introduces himself and his ministry
• The common ground of sexual healing no matter your sexual orientation and/or brokenness
• Why small groups at Living Waters are made up of women and men working through a variety of brokenness toward greater integration
• Andrew expresses his desire to see the Church be known for being a place that is safe, merciful and healing
• Andrew shares his testimony of experiencing same-sex attraction and encountering evangelical Christianity in his youth which set him on a path to reconcile his desires to Christ
• Andrew and Bob discuss some formative writings on this subject, especially those of Leanne Payne - they address why she’s sometimes seen as controversial
• Andrew addresses some cultural shifts that have occurred in our view of homosexuality as well as enduring truths
• Jake and Bob summarize their conversation with Andrew and offer further clarification and explanation of what was discussed

Practical Application:

1. Look into the work of Desert Stream Ministries and Living Waters small groups.
2. Reflect on your own relationship with your masculinity or femininity.
3. Explore one of the resources below.

Resources:

• Andrew Comiskey
• Desert Stream Living Waters
• Theology of the Body, Pope John Paull II (writings)
• Theology of the Body Institute (ministry from Christopher West)
• Leanne Payne
• Crisis in Masculinity, Leanne Payne (book)
• Broken Image, Leanne Payne (book)
• The Healing Presence, Leanne Payne (book)
• Restoring the Christian Soul, Leanne Payne (book)

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Audio editing by Forte Catholic