Quasi-Indefatigable Xenolith

The Goal of Transcendence

Enthroning Inborn Temptations

Everyone comes into mortality with problems and hang-ups. The hallmark of a fulfilling life is how we overcome our handicaps and often how we wrench out accomplishment in spite of the things with which we struggle.

The "Natural Man"

It's always something.

For instance, expressions of same-sex attraction should not be praised or honored. Such things are an inborn temptation and need to be managed, not celebrated. It's part of an individualized “natural man” who faces a trial rather than an overpowering attribute that forever lies between you and your celestial destiny. Don't let “being true to yourself” ruin your divine potential - leave such impediments to exaltation behind you.

Too often, we let external things, either inborn or in the control of others, have far more sway in our lives than such things should. It is convenient to say that “I was born this way” or “that's the way my parents raised me” and place the responsibility for our behaviors on anyone but ourselves. To varying degrees, all of us have attributes that were foisted on us and are not our fault. However, it is no one else's job but ours to fix our own lives and regulate our own behaviors. No one should be more influential in your life than yourself and God.

There are many stories of exemplary and successful people who faced hardships such as disabilities and terrible childhoods, usually far more challenging than issues of sexual frustration, infatuations, or “misgendering”. For instance, Helen Keller, who was rendered blind and deaf from an illness at 19 months old, was ultimately educated and became a prolific writer and lecturer. She could have easily excused herself from doing much of anything and living off family and society, but she chose to work as an advocate for the disabled instead. She is justly praised and respected for her accomplished life alongside her limitations. I learned about Helen as a boy at school, alongside other notable people from whom I was meant to draw inspiration toward personal betterment and my future contribution to a better society and world.

Instead of looking at people as delicate “snowflakes” who demand that society or parents or others must provide financial support or special protections, we could view inborn temptations for exemption from life and righteousness as metaphorical mountains that need climbing, requiring necessary effort to build each of us into accomplished souls worthy of God's greatest blessings.