Christian radio & websites urged to play inspirational song 'Rise Up' by Dennis Jernigan

Contact: Regina Griggs, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays, 804-453-4737, pfoxmom@pfox.org

WASHINGTON, Oct. 8, 2013 /Standard Newswire/ -- "In a video that debuted at last week's first Ex-Gay Dinner in honor of September's Ex-Gay Awareness Month, the song Rise Up was chosen as the new ex-gay anthem," said Regina Griggs, the executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX).

"Written and sung by Christian singer Dennis Jernigan, Rise Up inspires the ex-gay community, churches, and Christians to speak out about change and hope for unwanted same-sex attractions. People deserve to know the truth about the many men, women, and children who made the decision to change their lives. Recovering from unwanted same-sex desires is no different from overcoming other temptations. People deserve to know there is hope for change."

Listen to Rise Up, the ex-gay anthem, and be inspired:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=jExF1U_ZXm4&feature=youtu.be

"We urge Christian radio stations and websites to play Rise Up," said Griggs. "Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! Let us never be ashamed of what God has done in our lives and is doing for the ex-gay community. Let us proclaim it loud and proud so everyone can witness our testimony of hope and change."

"I once identified as homosexual," said song writer and singer Dennis Jernigan. "Through an encounter with Jesus Christ, I was given a brand new identity. I am tired of feeling like I have to be quiet about it in today's culture. My story is my story...and the more I share it, the more I find a great number of men and women who once thought they were homosexual as well. It is time to rise up and declare who and whose we are."

Jernigan, a former homosexual and now a husband and father to nine children, has composed numerous popular Christian songs, including the worldwide hit You Are My All in All.

"Our opponents deny that change is possible, thus they deny that we exist," said Griggs. "Our opponents believe in exclusion, censorship, and allowing only one side of the story to be told. PFOX offers a place for help, a place for truth, and a voice in the conversation."

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) is the nation's leading advocacy organization for love, support, and positive life change for the ex-gay community, their families, and individuals with unwanted same-sex attractions.