Love Him Well: My Journey Towards God, Truth, and Self-Acceptance

by Tyler Krumland

In many ways my story is not much different than anyone else’s. The oldest of three boys, I grew up in the shadow of Mount Rainier with two parents who loved me. They took us on trips, to church on Sundays, and they made sure we had a wonderful childhood. There wasn’t much to complain about, except one I had a secret that I worried would ruin my life if exposed. Not wanting to lose everything—and wanting to honor God like the good Christian boy I was raised to be—I stuffed the secret down and did everything in my power to be someone I wasn’t. In Love Him Well, I recount what it was like to grow up in a conservative Christian world while being gay and closeted. I detail the many efforts I made to keep that secret hidden, with the aim of one day succeeding in changing my orientation. It is my sincere hope that sharing this story will open the hearts of those who have been close-minded to the idea that people can be both gay and Christian. My journey proves that it’s possible.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 1, 2020

About the author

Tyler Krumland was raised in Olympia, Washington in the shadow of Mt.Rainier. Tyler holds a BA in communications from North Park University and a MA in Christian Formation from North Park Theological Seminary. He is a writer, occasional speaker, and artist. He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his two dogs.

Tyler’s greatest love is being with people and hearing their stories. Whether it’s walking with them through times of pain or celebrating, he is passionate about investing in relationship with others.

Follow along with Tyler at
Instagram: @TyKrumland & @TylerKrumlandart
Twitter: @TylerKrumland

Reviews

[Caitlin Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up going to the same church as Tyler. And when I say "same church," I'm not talking denomination, I mean the actual building. I went to the same summer camp he speaks of and still find myself humming "Pharoah, Pharoah" at the most random times. (IYKYK)

He was a few years older and much cooler than me. (I can still him with his puka shell necklace and frosted tips, making jokes at some Youth Group event.) I thought he was the coolest. Everyone did.

I had no idea what was really going on inside his mind and his heart, as you will read in his beautiful memoir. It is so well-written and honest. You will not be disappointed.

Tyler, I am so freaking happy for you and so proud of you. Thank you for being vulnerable with the world. This took courage and grit and you delivered with so much grace.

And yes, I still think you are the coolest.

"I'm no longer ashamed of my story and neither is God; God never was."

[Doug Houck · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be very thin. The author's story, albeit painful, is repetitive. His resolution can be summarized as Psalm 139, you are frearfully and wonderfully made. He expresses repeated desire to marry throughout the book, but only spends 2-3 paragraphs on meeting and marrying his husband.
I feel that this author has so much more to offer, and short changed himself and his audience.

[Sam Pullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly great book for allies who need a glimpse of what life in the closet is like. It shines a light on what straight people take for granted and illuminates our ignorance. I think this would also be great for gay, closeted Christians in need of encouragement and reassurance that they are good.