Gregory Coles is a writer whose work explores themes of alienation and the search for belonging in the contemporary world. His writing is characterized by a deep examination of personal faith and identity, often from the perspective of finding one's place in society. Coles focuses on connecting spiritual and personal experiences in his work, offering readers reflection on the complexity of human relationships and faith.
Belonging has never come easy to me. But the way Jesus tells it, if we give up on belonging in order to follow him, we'll find ourselves belonging anyway- we'll belong like aliens. Maybe you're caught in the same tension as me, wanting to fit somewhere even as you're permanently out of place. Maybe you feel like an alien. If so, let's be aliens together.
In an age where society and the church struggle with the existence of gay Christians, Greg Coles shares his personal journey. He invites readers to a mutual promise: he will reveal his entire story. He recounts his experience as a boy deeply in love with Jesus, who, upon reaching puberty, realized his exclusive attractions were toward other boys. Coles reflects on the moments of self-acceptance, recalling the countless times he whispered, "I'm gay." He paints a vivid picture of feeling like he belongs nowhere, facing rejection from parts of his Christian family who view him as unnatural, while also feeling misunderstood by some in the LGBTQ community who disagree with his interpretation of faith. Yet, his narrative isn’t solely about struggle; it includes moments of joy, humor, and hope, such as the time he accidentally came out to his best friend at a bachelor party. He shares the profound impact of being told, "You are not a mistake," and emphasizes that joy and sorrow can coexist, revealing that his life is most beautiful when it is at its most brokenhearted. Through his story, he invites readers to form their own beliefs about him.