Why Did I Write This Book?

The Equality House is a rainbow-colored house situated across the street from Westboro Baptist Church, an anti-LGBTQ+ hate group in Topeka, Kansas.

Good question. In short, I wrote the book I needed to read.

There are days when I wish we were all labeled with one identity. How many online surveys do we entertain in order to be sorted into categories? (I’m a Ravenclaw, Sanguine, Wind, Otter, Phoebe, Cheese Pizza, Pisces.) We want all the best parts of us to be labeled so we can be filed appropriately and live fully in our assigned place in the world. But that’s not real life, is it? We are complex creatures with many gifts, habits, neurosis, and curiosities. What is completely annoying is when all those different parts of us don’t play well together. Hell, I cannot even give myself a single letter in the LGBTQ+ acronym. I’m more than one.

I was married for 35 years, but I’m also a card-carrying member of the LGBTQ+ tribe. (They don’t really have cards… more like tattoos). I’m also a Christian, a mom, an advocate, a writer, a teacher, and a mediocre guitar player. What would that acronym be? MLGBTQ+CMAWTMGP? That’s not a pretty tattoo.

Here’s the thing. I have successfully accepted all those parts of myself, but it wasn’t without some crisis, regrettable choices, and a thousand hours of therapy. However, my biggest identity hurdle to jump over was spiritual.

I am not alone in this. Some LGBTQ+ folks find themselves at an impossible decision. Much like a highway exit that appears unexpectedly, you only have seconds to consider if it’s the right course. The sign above the exit reads: Love Jesus or Love Self. (Insert panic, rapid steering, screeching tires)

There is a battle going on. You’ve seen it. Bible verses are thrown like bombs and caustic voices demanding respect from both sides. I would argue that the Bible is not a weapon to hurl. But as long as authority is given to it, the battle of ideas must be waged—more intelligent men and women than I engage in these things. Culture, language, interpretation, context, and time period, all are relevant discussion points when arguing LGBTQ+ inclusion and acceptance in the Kingdom. But that is not my war and not my point.

Please join me, and let’s step off the battlefield, away from the bombs. I encourage those who feel rejected and dejected to have an experiential version of God’s love. The strongest doctrine can fail unless we have real personal knowledge of Him.

I’m fifty-six. I’ve known and loved Jesus my entire life, and having an identity crisis is not part of how He loves. Making people hate themselves is not part of His love. Making us choose between living your truth and being in a relationship with Him is not part of His love. So my book is a love letter to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s not for the Pharisee; it’s for my family.

Oh, and it’s a hell of a ride—a spell-binding, nail-biting, jaw-dropping thriller. I hope you’ll join me.

 

 

 

10 Comments

  1. Tawny Shell Navarro on June 7, 2022 at 6:26 pm

    Well stated Kellie! Life throws many curves and just when you think you’ve got it here comes the change up.

    Keep making the world better!
    Tawny

    • Kellie Woolf on August 11, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you, Tawny!

  2. LeeAnn Langan on June 8, 2022 at 12:45 pm

    Can’t wait to read this book!

  3. Marilyn on July 1, 2022 at 10:49 am

    So courageous Kellie. I can’t put down the book. Thank you.

  4. Stark on July 2, 2022 at 1:25 pm

    So well said! I have many times questioned why! The way you explained it here makes sense. We were created to be a vessel to spread His word. It doesn’t matter what or who you associate with as long as you spread His word. I have been blessed to know Kellie and have seen her in her daily life. She speaks the truth and stands for the unheard, the unseen, and the underdog. She will always stand for what is correct even if she is standing alone! Thank you for writing this book for so many people!

    • Kellie Woolf on August 11, 2022 at 9:40 pm

      Thank you for your endless devotion and encouragement. You inspire me!

  5. Diana Horning (OH friend) on July 13, 2022 at 2:37 pm

    Kellie,
    Such an amazing way with words. You just described my world since my daughter came out 6+ years ago. I can’t wait to read your book!

    • Kellie Woolf on August 11, 2022 at 9:38 pm

      Thank you for your encouragement, friend. Let me know what you think. I hope it speaks healing and love into you and your daughter.

  6. Gary Koeppen (uncle Gary) on August 6, 2022 at 10:57 am

    Kellie your book and your writing is a gift that I am glad that you have decided to share with anyone who picks it up.When reading a fiction novel two important qualities must happen,one to conjure up a image that paints this picture in your mind as if you are in the view of what is happening.Next I would say that to be moved emotionally ,sadness,joy,uplifted,etc.These would be the goal of these a writer. Kellie you have done this in your book. Since I have retired I have read over a hundred books and I count yours as one of the best. Kellie you are a writer and a wordsmith.Will look forward to your next effort .

    • Kellie Woolf on August 11, 2022 at 9:37 pm

      Thank you! I appreciate your generous opinion and I feel honored that you read my work. Thank you for your encouragement. Love you, Kellie

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply