Coloring Outside the Lines: One gay man's journey to self-acceptance and spiritual awakening

By Mark D. Hyde

Why are we afraid to be who we really are? Why do we seek to measure up to other's expectations instead of our own? Why do we so freely hand our power over to someone else? In the process of coming to... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 097893010X
• ISBN13: 9780978930103
• Release Date: November 2006
• Publisher: Regal Press
• Length: 172 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.0" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

An excellent read!

Conscious readers, hopefully parents, teachers, clergy and others entrusted with our children, will see the struggles Mr. Hyde reveals, and extend more compassion to a kid struggling with identity and seeking spiritual connection. Regardless of background, sexual orientation, or religious path, there is something in this book for every reader. Mr. Hyde's voice is real. I wish I had owned this book when I was 14.

Great read!

Mark Hyde's book, Coloring Outside The Lines, is a tour de force. On the surface, the story is about a gay man having the courage to follow his heart and celebrate who he is. But like all good reads, Coloring Outside The Lines is multi-faceted and reveals its secrets slowly and with deft precision. The more one ponders the soul-searching questions the author explores, the more one discovers this story has relevance for anyone who has ever questioned the role society has asked them to play. Mr. Hyde takes us on a spiritual journey that culminates in one unassailable truth: although there are differences among us, we are all equally worthy in the eyes of God. Coloring Outside The Lines is one of those rare books that has the power to transform the reader to a higher level of consciousness by showing that real love is not selfish or judgmental, it is pure and it is noble. For a real feast for the soul, buy this book.

This is an amazing book

This is a heartwarming, wonderful book. Anyone can relate to Mark's struggles: straight, gay, Southern Baptist, Catholic, any denomination, race, and age. It is a wonderful reminder that we are all here in this world for a reason. We are all unique and we should all cherish this attribute. We should praise it, admire it, and rejoice in it. And most of all share it with friends, family, co-workers, and strangers. I strongly recommend this book. Everyone will get the great message that this book provides.

Great Book!

Although the title says "One gay man's journey to self-acceptance," you don't have to be gay to enjoy the book...I am a heterosexual female and I found there to be many inspirtional quotes and thoughts that helped me on my own journey to find my sense of self and accept myself....my favorite quote was "You cannot be lonely if you like the person you are with." This is so true if you think about it...you can only truly love others when you truly understand, love and accept yourself. If you are on a journey to greater self-awareness and acceptance (and we all are) this book will be a useful tool and provide you with meaningful inspiration. Enjoy!

How DO we get to that place?

It is easier to "play the game" and live up to the expectations that others have for you . . . or so it would seem. Mark Hyde played these games for many years of his life. Growing up with a conservative religous background came with many secret heartaches and burdens. His life was not an easy one. Although there is sadness in the re-telling of many of his childhood memories, this is actually a book of hope. Mark candidly shares his winding journey to self-actualization with us. Part memoir, part "self-help" . . . this is a fascinating read. Others, who have struggled with their own similar journey, will relate to Mark's experiences. Still others, who are currently in the battle over whether or not to come out, will also find this a helpful book. This is not merely a book about struggling with one's sexual identity . . . this is definitely a book about the quest for spiritual awakening.