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Beauty on the Backroads

Stories of grace for life's unexpected turns

coming out stories

The outcome might surprise you

June 6, 2011

A gay son comes out to his parents. His mother responds by planning to kill herself.

The drama starts high and never stops in Christopher Yuan and Angela Yuan’s “Out of a Far Country.” It is the true story of Christopher’s life of homosexuality, promiscuity and drugs and Angela’s unconditional love and faithfulness toward a son who rejected her.

The journey isn’t pretty — in fact, it’s heart-wrenching at times — but the outcome is praise-worthy. And somewhat surprising.

This is not a gay-guy-turns-straight kind of story, but one that offers a godly and biblical perspective on sexuality in general. It’s a challenging concept but necessary if Christians want to be heard in the homosexual community.

I was also moved by Angela’s faith and commitment to Christ. She prayed daily and fasted weekly for her son. She loved him when he rejected and insulted her. I was particularly moved by the compassion she and her husband exhibited at the bedside of one of Christopher’s gay friends.

Her love in action was personally convicting for me.

Overall, this is a great and quick read. If you’re looking for help in ministering to homosexuals, or for hope for a son or daughter who has lost their way, or for encouragement that God indeed brings people back from the brink of death, then get a copy of this book. (Keep reading to find out how you can win one FREE on this blog!)

For a sample, click here to download chapter 1.

Or listen in below as mother and son talk about the journey.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnnVSfBlhro&feature=player_embedded]

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For posting this review, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group sent me a free copy of the book. Actually, due to a warehouse error, they sent me two copies. So, leave a comment on the blog, and on Sunday, June 12, I’ll use Random.org to pick a winner of a FREE copy of this book.

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Would you take a moment to rate my review? Click the graphic below and give me 1-5 stars. Thanks!

Filed Under: faith & spirituality, Non-fiction, The Weekly Read Tagged With: book giveaway, coming out stories, forgiveness, holy sexuality, homosexuality and Christianity, prodigal son stories, redemption

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Photo by Rachel Lynn Photography

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Hi. I’m Lisa, and I’m glad you’re here. If we were meeting in real life, I’d offer you something to eat or drink while we sat on the porch letting the conversation wander as it does. That’s a little bit what this space is like. We talk about books and family and travel and food and running, whatever I might encounter in world. I’m looking for the beauty in the midst of it all, even the tough stuff. (You’ll find a lot of that here, too.) Thanks for stopping by. Stay as long as you like.

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Lisa Bartelt is a participant in the Bluehost Affiliate Program.

Occasionally, I review books in exchange for a free copy. Opinions are my own and are not guaranteed positive simply due to the receipt of a free copy.

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