College media instructor Karl W. Beckstrand has lived a full life (including abroad—visiting four continents). He earned a B.A. in journalism and an M.A. in conflict resolution. He was a technical recruiter in Silicon Valley, a Stanford Hospital chaplain, and a Spanish interpreter for Angel Flight (aviator nonprofit). But his relationships were far from satisfying. Today, Beckstrand enjoys profound lasting bonds.

Regardless of marital status or sexual orientation, every person has God-given needs for love and true union, including connection with those of one’s own sex. Yet, long-term relationship bliss can be elusive for just about anyone. But has anything taken God by Surprise? God not only accepts queerness—it is, expressed in His way, part of His plan for our happiness. There are more kinds of connection than we know—happier than the sparse paths the world often signals. God can help us fulfill our needs while honoring His will; and generous feelings can replace discouragement, isolation, lust, even addiction.

Are you or someone you love wrestling with faith and LGBTQIA+ questions or conflicts? This book offers insights to bolster confidence in God’s love for each person and His purposes for all our differences. Know a gay couple that’s floundering? Beckstrand shares scriptural keys to transforming relationships and creating deep lasting same-sex bonds. Yet, what he’s learned applies to women, men, gay, straight, single, and married people. Chapters include:

Beyond Either/or Thinking

Is It All about Sex?

What’s Good About Attraction to Your Own Sex?

Is Fluidity Real?

Are Competing Desires Healthful?

Is Mixed Orientation Marriage a Happy Option for Some?

What Does Authenticity Look Like?

How to Not Miss Out

Close Beyond Imagination

Get these concise insights for yourself or for someone you love. Beckstrand is the best-selling author of 26 books and winner of a 2016 International Book Award (reviews by Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, and School Library Journal). 56,000 words, 220 pages, 8.5”x5.5” hard/soft cover, ebook and audiobook, Paths Press (PathsPress worldwide rights © Sept. 2022), libraries, and all major distributors. FAM056000, FAM051000, SEL046000, FAM021000, YAN032000, YAN048010, YAN051110, HEA042000, FAM029000, BIO031000, BIO018000, BIO026000, FAM030000, OCC011020, SEL032000, SEL041040, YAN051240, SEL008000, FAM006000, OCC019000, FAM038000; LCCN: 2022937790, hard ISBN: 978-1951599157 (soft 978-1951599164, Sept. 12, 2022) eISBN: 9781005507831