During Saturday morning’s program for the WAVES, Betty asked one WAVE to share his or her personal story about how Embraced by the Light influenced his or her life, and why he or she decided to become a WAVE. Here is what Dave shared about his experience with EBTL:

I was born and raised in a small town in upstate New York where I was raised Catholic and where I attended a Catholic grade school. As a child, God was probably the most important thing in my life, and I remember making altars in my bedroom with statues of Jesus and the Virgin Mary. I even lit candles to complete my little shrine until my parents found out and replaced them with electric votive candles. I remember as a child wanting to grow up and be a priest or missionary, but I knew at a very young age that I was different from all of the other boys in school. I realized that I was gay and life suddenly became a much more difficult journey for me. I didn't know anyone else who felt as I did and didn't have anyone I could confide in. Becoming a member of the clergy or performing any type of missionary work was out of the question since I was taught emphatically that God considered gay people (and therefore me) an abomination and that I would suffer eternity in hell for the person I (supposedly) chose to be. Feelings of guilt and shame overcame me, and at times I felt so alone.

Many young teens of today find it difficult to grow up with such isolation and many contemplate the idea of suicide. Although I felt helpless and alone with nowhere to turn, I often heard a small voice in my head telling me that, though I would not become a priest or missionary, God had a very special plan for me. I didn't know what that plan was, but I heard that message repeated often.

When I turned 25, I was hired by a major airline in New York City, where I reside today. I was actually running away from my home, family and friends for fear that everyone would find out about my secret life. Fear of abandonment and rejection engulfed me and sent me into isolation and depression, but I still felt that there was a purpose for me in life.

One day I was given a copy of Embraced by the Light to read and it altered my life forever. All of the beliefs that I found to be true in my childhood were written in that book and my spirit jumped for joy. I discovered that I was not the crazy person I thought I was and that I needed to share these truths with likeminded people. When I saw that a new W.A.V.E.S group was being formed where other likeminded spirits would gather and make a difference in the world, I knew I needed to be a part of it. I was welcomed with open arms by my Embraced family, and some of these people have turned out to be my wisest and dearest friends.

With the truths that were shared with me I became more understanding of the saying, "The truth shall set you free." I decided I needed to stop running from my problems and face my family and friends head on. After making this decision, I must say the fear of rejection was more overwhelming than ever, but I decided to move on. No matter what the outcome was going to be, positive or negative, I knew that my spirit would be set free.

I wanted to tell my father but didn't know how, and so one day I sat down and wrote him a letter advising him about my life and also of my deep love for him. I waited with anticipation for his response, and it was something I never expected. My father told me that he knew all about my situation, and that he loved me no matter what and would support me. I can't describe the instant relief and the absolute joy I felt in knowing I had the love and acceptance of my father.

Embraced by the Light has helped me to gain self esteem, something I never had much of. Now, I not only have the love and support of our Father in Heaven, but I also have the love and support of my father here on this earth.

As far as that special purpose that God has chosen for me, it seems to be becoming clearer each day. Because of my pain and suffering, I was able to grow in a way that I never thought possible. Was it unbearable at times? You bet it was, but I made it through, and I'll make it through tough times again. I hope that through my suffering and pain I may help other gay people, their parents and other family members understand that being gay is not a sin as many of us have been forced to believe. God loves all of his children unconditionally. The process of self-acceptance and acceptance of our gay children can be a painful one, but through acceptance and understanding, tremendous growth and change are possible. Our country has come such a long way in reducing prejudice against races and religions, so I know it is possible for us to become more accepting of those with a different sexual orientation as well. I hope that somehow I can be a part of transforming this world from one of suffering for gay people into one where we can all learn to love each other as completely as our Father loves us.

I’d like to thank Betty for choosing to come back here to Earth to share God’s message of unconditional love. It is so needed in our world today.

Dave Colleli
New York