Whether it is the effects of the 2020 elections or the far-reaching impact of COVID-19, LGBTQ+ individuals are coming out at a record pace. We are grateful that so many conservative Christian parents trust us with their stories. Being part of the healing process is an incredible privilege for our team. We routinely see parents and their LGBTQ+ child grow deeper in their relationship with each other and vertically with God. "The fruit" is unmistakable!

Must watch video

Recently the Parent Connect ministry of North Point Community Church here in Atlanta, Georgia, hosted a parent meeting where our friends Linda and Rob Robertson were guest speakers for the evening.

Parent Connect helps connect parents with LGBTQ+ children where mentor-led groups discuss faith, grief, purpose, and other topics that parents with LGBTQ+ children navigate.

In this compelling 90-minute video, Rob and Linda tell their candid story, a must-watch 90-minute video for conservative, evangelical parents, and pastors alike. Linda is a Seattle-area mom of four who wrote a blog titled, Just Because He Breathes that went viral in 2013. It describes how God taught the two of them, conservative, evangelical parents, to love their gay son unconditionally. That blog gave birth to several online Facebook groups for Christian moms with LGBTQ+ kids. Their heart wrenching story is full of great learnings that will help you on your journey.

Team Spotlight

We want to introduce you to Dr's. Lane and Laura Smothers who are physicians in Casper, Wyoming.

In 2018, they were caught flat-footed when their youngest child, then 17 years old, came out as being transgender. Reconciling their faith with their son's transgender identity was quite a struggle, yet God turned their struggle into a ministry opportunity. Today they are part of the Embracing the Journey leadership team, where they coach, counsel, and lead a virtual parent support group for Christian parents with LGBTQ+ children.

In June, the Smothers set up an Embracing the Journey booth on the Casper Pride parade route. They gave out skittles and water bottles, copies of the book Embracing the Journey but mostly gave of themselves. Nothing warms our hearts more than seeing how their “Free Mom and Dad Hugs” moved people to tears. 

Parents In Process

October 28, 2021

Embracing the Journey team members Shauna and Doug Habel are organizing the Parents in Process event, which will be part of The Reformation Project’s annual conference this October in Phoenix, Arizona. Are you a Christian parent who has an LGBTQ+ child and lots of questions? Are you wrestling with what it means to honor God and continue to love and embrace your child after they’ve come out?

If so, you are not alone on this journey. The Reformation Project is offering Parents in Process for parents just like you during their annual conference scheduled for October 28–30, 2021. There will be outstanding teaching, a Parent Panel Discussion with Christian parents who have LGBTQ+ children, an LGBTQ+ panel discussion, and a special time of Q & A with Greg and Lynn.

Support • You Are Not Alone

Our team is here to walk with you and help guide you through the uncharted and choppy waters of having an LGBTQ+ loved one. If you or a loved one are interested in joining one of our virtual parent support groups or seeking counsel to help you process the myriad of emotions you are experiencing, we are here for you. Write us at mail@embracingthejourney.org, and we will schedule a time to talk in person. We do not charge for our services.

Until next month,
Your friends, Greg and Lynn

If our ministry has blessed you, please consider partnering with us by making a one-time or reoccurring monthly tax-deductible gift. Embracing the Journey Inc. is a government-approved 501(c) non-profit ministry funded purely by donations.