Kevin Wright's Testimony

Given at the 2009 Annual Conference of Evergreen International

My dear friends,

My name is Kevin Wright, and I consider it a privilege and an honor to be here with you today. How well I remember my first Evergreen conference when the spirit of love and understanding was so strong I was often left speechless. For the few of you who know me and how much I like to talk, that says a lot! There is just something about being around other people who deal with similar issues, who understand a lot about you before you ever say anything. That kind of connection doesn’t come along very often, but when it does, I treasure it.

Everyone experiences challenges in this life, which sometimes come in the form of a debilitating illness, the death of loved one, financial hardship, abuse, discouragement, or any one of a million other things that are difficult to handle. It just so happens that I deal with same sex attraction, or SSA. But this challenge does not define me. I am first and foremost a son of God, created in his image, and I have been given the wonderful gift of mortality to learn how to become more like Him.

I do not claim to be the poster boy for Evergreen. I am not perfect by any means. And though I try hard to be a good husband and father, I often fall short of what my heavenly Father expects of me. But in my 40+ years on this earth, I have learned a few things, and I sincerely hope and pray that something I share may be helpful to you.

My message is one of love and hope. Whenever I am asked to speak, I ask Heavenly Father what He would like me to say. The first answer to that question is always the same, “Tell them that I love them.” I stand here today as a firm witness that your heavenly Father loves you! He loves you! Why do we sometimes doubt that essential truth? I assure you that He knows you individually, He understands your personal struggles, and He cares about you more than you know. As a parent of 3 wonderful children, I understand that principle to some extent, and yet I know His love is deeper and more profound than I can comprehend. His love is full, constant, unequivocal, and unconditional. I always tell my kids, “You can never mess up so badly that He will stop loving you.”

To the casual observer, the challenge of SSA may be invisible. While I once suffered in silence, secretly wishing that I could trade my burden for one that was more obvious, like a broken leg, I reluctantly went to my first Evergreen meeting and there found someone who not only dealt with SSA but who had also lost both of his legs and was in a wheelchair. Then I felt really stupid for thinking that my lot was hard. This great and noble spirit became my mentor and is today one of my closest friends.

My dear friends, SSA will not be our challenge throughout the eternities! It is a mortal trial just like any other, and I bear witness that one day it will be removed by a loving and merciful heavenly Father, whether in this life or in the next. If you desire to change the thoughts and actions that lead to unhappiness and grief, I invite you to reach out and break the cycle of isolation in which evil thrives. For many souls change happens gradually as we find positive ways to meet our unmet but legitimate emotional needs. Attending this conference is a great start. When you leave here continue your journey by reading informative literature, joining a support group, working with a caring therapist, speaking with loving family members & friends, or confiding in a priesthood leader. But do not suffer in silence! There are many available resources and many individuals eager to help you along your way.

The most important of these individuals is the Savior, Jesus Christ. His healing balm is more powerful than all the philosophies of men. I bear witness that seeking the Savior’s guidance and submitting to His will is the most powerful way to move away from the behaviors that lead to self-destruction and unhappiness. His power is the only one that has the capacity to change our hearts, and to make of us new creatures.

Life is vibrant and good! There is so much to enjoy and appreciate. Take time to thank your heavenly Father each day for the blessings that he offers, and I promise that life will become sweeter and more enjoyable.

In closing, I would like to share the lyrics of the song “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” penned by Henry William Baker as my testimony:

The King of love my Shepherd is,
Whose goodness faileth never,
I nothing lack if I am His
And He is mine forever.

Where streams of living water flow
My ransomed soul He leadeth,
And where the verdant pastures grow,
With food celestial feedeth.

Perverse and foolish oft I strayed,
But yet in love He sought me,
And on His shoulder gently laid,
And home, rejoicing, brought me.

In death’s dark vale I fear no ill
With Thee, dear Lord, beside me;
Thy rod and staff my comfort still,
Thy cross before to guide me.

Thou spread’st a table in my sight;
Thy unction grace bestoweth;
And O what transport of delight
With which my cup o’erfloweth!

And so through all the length of days
Thy goodness faileth never;
Good Shepherd, may I sing Thy praise
Within Thy house forever!