Wife of Former Homosexual Alan Chambers Says She Never Doubted Marrying Him
Leslie Chambers says she never doubted whether it was the right decision to marry Alan Chambers, who formerly engaged in homosexual relationships.
In a recent blog post, Leslie Chambers admitted that on her wedding day in 1998, she asked God to interfere if she had "missed the mark." But after they said their "I do's," she never looked back.
"Because the day proceeded with only minor hiccups (like our hired Roles Royce not showing up to take us from the church to the reception and a lit candle flying out of a candelabra), I married Alan and have never doubted whether it was the right thing to do. I trusted God and my relationship with God," the mother of two wrote.
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Her husband, Alan, may be most well-known for leading Exodus International, a ministry that closed last summer. It was considered the world's largest ministry to those struggling with same-sex attraction but Chambers and the board of directors decided to shut down the organization. Chambers also issued an apology to the gay community (namely "ex-gay survivors") for the "trauma" they experienced.
Before the ministry closed, Chambers drew controversy over statements he made about homosexuals going to heaven and over the decision to distance himself and the ministry from reparative therapy, as it had caused more harm than good, he believed.
Today, Alan Chambers - who affirms that homosexual behavior is a sin - identifies himself as neither heterosexual nor homosexual. He has admitted that he still struggles with same-sex attraction but said they are not the same as they were 20 years ago. He maintains that he fell madly in love with Leslie on their first date and that he is attracted to his wife. She is not simply a "surrogate for sexual acting out."
"I have Leslie attractions. I have opposite sex attractions towards my wife," he told journalist Lisa Ling in 2012.
Recalling that first date on March 10, 1997, Leslie wrote on her blog that Alan "leaned over the table and looked me straight in the eye and asked, 'So when are we getting married?'"
She responded to him without hesitation, "January 3rd is a Saturday."
Alan, she said, was the only person who met her two qualifications for a husband: him liking her first and being someone who could tell her "no."
Reflecting on her Christian faith, Leslie noted that believers are the bridegroom of Jesus. "I am so thankful that He liked me first. He saw me, knew me, wanted me, loved me, and made a way for me to be in relationship with Him and His Good Father.
"[A]s a bride of Christ, we get so much more than we think or imagine we deserve. It's like me ending up spending my life with someone who is incredibly handsome (especially with the beard, rrr!), exhaustingly funny, and who not only believes but also lives his faith."
