Our good friend, Nancy, has just published a book, "The Truth Comes Out" subtitled "the Story of My Heart's Transformation." We received a copy from her the other day, and I have been unable to put it down since. Nancy and her family have experienced more heartache and loss than most could ever imagine. Nancy is one of the most beautiful, humble, and sincere people I have ever known. She has been a dear friend and counselor, as well as one of the officiants at our wedding. I am blessed to know her and to learn from her. I know from reading other blogs, especially related to her daughter, Anne, there is much controversy surrounding what Nancy is now doing with regards to homosexuality. She is one of the core speakers at the "Love Won Out" conferences by Focus on the Family. Homosexuality is a deeply complicated issue and one that I cannot claim to understand. I know several that have been touched by struggles with homosexuality and have gone both ways in how they have dealt with it. I am proud of Nancy, and others who seek deeper understanding into this issue. I am not proud of how this issue is sometimes handled by some Christians, with judgement and condemnation. I do think there is frequently deep pain or wounding that has occurred in those who are bent towards same-sex attraction. I also know several who have been healed from some of their past wounds and have gone on to be happily married to those of the opposite sex. This is probably opening a big can of worms, and I am certainly not qualified to go deep on this issue. I recommend that anyone who is interested in this issue to read Nancy's book. It gives great insight into one who has herself experienced deep pain, and has begun the journey to healing only through the strength and grace of her faith in God. The most remarkable part of it all is that she now holds no bitterness or resentment towards all that has happened to her or the people that have wounded her. Knowing her personally, I can say this is true. This is one of the greatest miracles of all.
Here are some excerpts from the back and inside cover:
From the Back Cover
This is the beginning of a beautiful love story, Nancy wrote in her diary after meeting Don Heche, the man she was to marry. Five children and 25 years of marriage later, it seemed as if they were the perfect family. Then Don was diagnosed with AIDS-the shocking discovery of his homosexual secret. This was only the beginning of loss and heartache. Shortly after Don's death, their 18-year-old son, Nathan, died in a car crash and Nancy fell into years of personal darkness. Eventually, as she was drawn into a long journey of growth and healing, her youngest daughter, Anne, began a very public lesbian love affair. Despite Nancy's life circumstances, she held on to what she knew of God's promises from Scripture and is discovering how to look at people and the world with God's perspective through eyes full of love and blessing. Her inspiring story of faith and courage will offer hope to anyone who has ever been on the brink of despair, or wondered how to respond with love to someone in a same-sex relationship.
About the Author
DR. NANCY HECHE brings a compassionate and practical approach to some sensitive and painful life issues. After her husband's death from AIDS, Nancy experienced the international media rush when her daughter began a highly publicized lesbian affair. Nancy is an instructor at Loyola University and Judson College in Illinois, and has earned a master's and doctorate in Pastoral Counseling. She has a private practice in psychotherapy where she specializes in communication and relationship issues, and is a popular Bible-study teacher.
