It seems as though everyone around me assumes that, simply because someone else struggles with their sexuality, I will become friends with them without any trouble. Friendships take a lot of work. Sexuality -- that is just one minor aspect of a relationship.

By the end of the conference, I felt rejuvenated and refreshed. All the messages were so powerful and challenging, like God had opened my heart for a heart and soul operation. My best friend and I returned home, and I thought this would strengthen our friendship in the months to come.

What started that night was three years of an unchecked porn addiction. I never felt guilty. I don't know why. Perhaps because I felt like I wasn't hurting anyone?

At times, it's been emotionally and even physically painful to be this alpha male's friend. But also enormously rewarding and well worth it! I refer to James as an "alpha male" because he is a natural leader who many others, especially straight men, gladly follow.

Most of these cuddling experiences transcend the physical and begin to feel more spiritual. We aren’t just touching bodies; we’re touching souls.

People who do know me, who do know my past, do they still question my attractions? Honestly, I kind of want people to ask me if I'm still attracted to men.

I think it's ironic, but I really believe our stories may be better received by unbelievers than some churches. Fortunately, my story is different. Most people have patiently heard me out and graciously extended loving support.

Why is it whenever we get so comfortable with our good lives, there's always something that shakes things up?

I felt comforted. Assured. Confident. My pastor's hand on my shoulder gave me a shot of strength.

Some of the happiest periods of my life took place during college and grad school. I lived with a group of eight guys, and they were the greatest friends one could ask for. As their dating relationships grew more serious, I felt myself going down on their list of priorities. Some of those friends got married. And our friendships effectively ended.

As my childhood entered a big transition phase, I started dealing with it through unhealthy self-reliance. This created a sort of double life.

God has promised to never leave me or forsake me. He promised that my hope in Him will never put me to shame. I am fully known and fully loved.

I'm always thankful for God leading my friends closer to Him; sometimes, though, I wish that didn't mean actually moving them.

The shame over my SSA made me feel that I was something evil, repulsive, and unlovable. My loneliness and lack of friends seemed to prove it.

I was honestly lonely then, but I pretended like I wasn't. Self-reliance unconsciously became my norm.

Knowing I'm still loved and accepted when I bare the deepest parts of me has meant so much. Through these friendships, I've grown more confident in myself.

As addicts often do, Jake used my older friend Jeremy's sexuality to manipulate him.

"Maybe God brought me here just to meet you," my new friend, Henry, said plainly. "I mean, it's probably not just for that reason, but who knows?"

I never sought out pornography; it found me. With technology these days, it was practically inevitable. It all started with soft-core pornography.

I've talked to a lot of people about this rejection and they've all said they don't quite understand the rejection and couldn't see anything I'd done wrong.