Undivided : Coming Out, Becoming Whole, and Living Free from Shame
Author(s): Vicky Beeching
"Arguably the most influential Christian of her generation" (The Guardian) Vicky Beeching chronicles her rise at the heights of Christian music and her brave decision to come out as gay—leading to self-acceptance and acknowledgment which changed her relationship with God and the practice of her faith.
From a young age, Vicky Beeching loved to write songs and lead worship in church. In singing, she experienced the fullest expression of herself, what God had uniquely blessed her to do. After college, Vicky quickly achieved stardom, touring with some of Christian music’s biggest names.
But Vicky’s success was threatened by a terrifying secret. She was gay. There was no room in Christian music for a gay worship leader. For ten years, Vicky rejected who she really was—a denial that damaged her in body and soul. After leaving music behind to enroll in a theology program at Oxford University, Vicky discovered that she could not worship God with a pure heart if she did not accept who she was. When she courageously came out publically in 2014, Vicky lost the support of her Christian community. But she gained much more: the truth had set her free.
Focusing on her speaking and writing instead of music, Vicky leads worship in a new way now, emphasizing God’s inclusive love and faithfulness. Undivided is the story of her transformation, a joyous tale of God’s love, and a call for all Christians to worship God in authentic ways.
Review(s):
“A touching, inviting and inspiring journey of faith and self-acceptance. In particular, her chapter on her acceptance of her own sexuality, based on an experience with a passage from the New Testament, was surprising, beautifully written and deeply moving.”
“A heartfelt, honest debut. Christian young adults with questions about sexual identity in relation to their faith will find Beeching’s memoir illuminating, and all readers will relate to her earnest struggle against the pressure to conform to impossible expectations.”
“This is why Vicky Beeching is so inspiring - she’s not just commentating, or offering theological perspectives, or timely opinions here, she’s showing us in flesh and blood what hope looks like.”
“Undivided is a profoundly important memoir. Vicky shares her story with such grace, empathy and power that many Christians who do not affirm same-sex relationships will be moved to reconsider their views.”
“If the prize of Christianity is the testimony of those who know abundant life, then we are compelled to let Vicky Beeching sing light into our hearts!”
“Get ready. This book will pull you in, shake you up, pierce your heart, and leave you changed. A stunner of a debut memoir, Undivided is vulnerable and unflinching, tender and brave.”
“Beeching has experienced a struggle, a persecution, that few of us will ever know. Powerful, moving, and compelling, this book makes the reader extremely angry about intolerance, but provides hope to those of us who believe that genuine Christian love knows no boundaries. A vital book.”
“UNDIVIDED radiates warmth, humanity, vulnerability, honesty, and love on every page. It will help all who read it to see they don’t need to pretend or hide.”
“This powerful, moving memoir is the story of Vicky’s journey from fragmented to undivided. It’s a journey we all need to make, gay and straight alike, and Vicky gives us a roadmap.”
“There is so much vulnerability in Vicky’s writing. Her story - of pain, longing, and hope - is equal parts a love story to the church and an intervention.”
ISBN: 9780062439918