"People only see what is visible, measurable. God sees into the heart. He not only forgives our failures, He sees successes where no one else does - not even ourselves. Only God can give us credit for the angry words we did not speak, the temptations we resisted, the patience and gentleness little noticed and long forgotten by those around us. Just being human gives us value in His eyes, and trying to live with integrity makes us successful before Him. God redeems us from the sense and fear of failure because He sees us as no human eyes can see us. Some religions teach that God sees so clearly that He knows all our shameful thoughts and nasty secrets. I prefer to believe that God sees us so clearly that He knows better than anyone else our wounds and sorrows, the scars on our hearts from having wanted to do more and do better, and being told by the world that we never would." ~Rabbi Harold Kushner

06 September 2011

(not)Sam(really)Brooke

As some of you may notice, my name has suddenly changed.  For those who have JUST started reading let me explain.

When I first started this blog it was not for anyone.  It was for me.  A place to let out frustration, thoughts, steam, excitement, questions, confusion, etc...about liking girls and being an active member of the LDS church.  But like most things in life, my blog has evolved and changed.  I still think I do those same things, but perhaps to a wider audience, and more than that...I have evolved and changed.  I am continuing to do so...I hope.  Anyway...for a long time revealing my identity was something I was not prepared to do.  At first, for my sake, then for the sake of those in my life...but the other day...I don't know what happened.  I suddenly changed my mind.  I didn't care anymore if anyone knew I fall somewhere between a 4 and 5 on the Kinsey scale.  I realize this may come as a shock to some people...if they find the blog.  But to most...to those who really know me, who I am closest to, who mean the most to me...they shouldn't be surprised...at least not about the fact that I prefer the ladies...perhaps some things I write will be surprising...or uncomfortable...but here is the deal...I am using my blog, not to convince anyone to choose any specific path, nor am I hear to judge the paths that others are taking...I am here, writing as a way to work out who I am, work out my salvation...so there you have it.
My name is Brooke Lee Russell.  I love the water. I love to travel the U.S. I love the ladies and 
I'm a Mormon.