I have a friend...

[Saturnfulcrum]

who is struggling with homosexuality. I try and be there for her whenever I can, but lately it seems like she is having an extremely hard time with it. She is a member of the church and she has a testimony that the gospel is true. She says she will never leave, but she also says its extremely hard to go to church because she feels different and alone.

I don't know what to do. I really want to help her, but it seems like a tough trial to overcome.

Has anyone on here been in my position before? What do I do?

[talisyn]

She has a very tough challenge! The natural man (or woman) is one of the hardest things we are called upon to fight in this mortal realm, but it is also incredibly important. When she wins this battle (and she will!) she will be able to look back and see how much stronger she is and how much Heavenly Father loves her. I can't tell you anything other than what the prophets have said, just help her grow closer to God, rely on Christ, and always follow the Spirit, especially when it's hard.

[rameumptom]

As with any weakness (drug or sexual addiction, for instance) this is a very tough trial she has. Yet with the trial comes a blessing as she obeys the commandments. Tell her to not focus on sexual issues, but on spiritual growth. Whether she overcomes this trial in this life or not isn't the issue. It is enduring to the end that is most important. If she stays chaste and obedient, she can be worthy of attending the temple and being a worthy member her entire life, receiving many blessings in this life and receive all of God's blessings in the hereafter.

We all have temptations and weaknesses to overcome. Hers is a difficult one, as most sexual weaknesses are, because the world makes such a noise regarding it. The temptation is not a sin. Giving in to the temptation is the sin. Remind her that she is as precious to God as any other child is. This temptation was given to her as an experience that she can turn into a stumbling block or a stepping stone. Focus on her strengths, develop her virtues, and let the weaknesses lie quietly in the chest of future hopes - when God will heal all of us.

[Misshalfway]

Let her know you are her friend and then really be one so she knows she's not alone. There is no need for any of us to be alone really. But tell her too that most of our hardest struggling is done alone as not even the best of friends can do our growing for us. And that's ok cuz that's how its suppose to be.

I like how Ram refers to focusing on spiritual growth. It's more fulfilling that seeking only to get our needs met.