What Are You Reading?: McKenzi Martin

What book are you reading currently? (don’t worry—no spoilers!)

I am currently reading Gay Girl, Good God by Jackie Hill Perry. The book is about Perry’s life before becoming Christian and her struggle with same sex attraction through her conversion.

What has been your favorite thing about the book?

I love the way that Perry clearly and beautifully weaves the Gospel into her testimony. Perry makes it clear that her story is not her own, but instead only a fragment of the greatest story in the world, the gospel of Jesus Christ. It’s incredible how Perry’s testimony sounds like all of ours; not because we all have struggled with same sex attraction, but because we are all sinners who have seen the light of the Truth.

How has this book challenged you?

Perry shares her testimony with a rawness that often made me uncomfortable; not because it was bad, but because it was everything I struggled to practice. I have always found it difficult to be transparent about the dark parts of my life, so reading how openly Perry addresses her own was discomforting at times, but in the best way possible. The depths of the darkness of our sins is not something we should try to hide, because God has made us new creations. Being open about our struggles brings glory to God by showing just how much He has brought us out of.

Do you relate to any of the characters/if so why? Or Do you relate to the author? If so, why?

While I do not struggle with same sex attraction, I relate to Perry’s guardedness when it comes to love more than I can express. Because my past, my heart is often weary to form deep connections and relationships due to fear of being hurt. I felt for her as she struggled to form attachments to the people God placed in her life. It was deeply encouraging to see that I am not alone in that struggle, and to see how God has delivered her from it.

Would you recommend this to your friends?

Absolutely. This is definitely not just a book for those who struggle with same sex attraction, but for all believers. I would even suggest this book to non-believers because of its clear presentation of the gospel and the transparency with which she shared her testimony. Not only is it an extremely useful resource for understanding same sex attraction in regards to the gospel, but it is also a beautifully written story that will captivate anyone who reads it. It is very clear that Perry is a talented poet by the way she paints a vivid picture with her words.

My name is McKenzi Martin and I am an 18 year old college student at the College at Southeastern. I am majoring in Christian Counseling with a minor in ESL. I have a heart for those who have suffered from sexual abuse as well as the orphan crisis, and I hope to work specifically with these groups of people through counseling. I love stories, whether it’s in the form of movies, tv shows, books, or simply the kind you tell between laughs with the people you love. I live in Gastonia, North Carolina, but my heart has been left in all of the countries I’ve visited over the years.