What happens when faith and family intersect with the complex journey of having an LGBTQ child? Join us as we welcome Kim, a dedicated advocate for Christian parents, who shares her personal story and the heartfelt motivation behind her creation, Pride and Promises. Kim's experience of her son coming out as gay within a church community unprepared to support them inspired a mission to empower families to embrace both their faith and their children. Through Kim's warmth and openness, we explore the deep need for empathy and understanding in maintaining family bonds and the power of community in overcoming isolation.

Our discussion shines a light onto the often-unspoken challenges faced by Christian families supporting LGBTQ children, emphasizing the critical role of acceptance and an open dialogue. We acknowledge the initial fears and questions that arise when a child comes out, particularly within religious communities. Our episode addresses the pivotal responsibility of churches and pastors to foster an inclusive environment, challenging misconceptions about biblical sexuality that can lead to alienation. Kim's insights offer a delicate approach to bridging these gaps, focusing on redefining gospel love and ensuring no child feels unloved or unsupported.

In this episode, we emphasize the joy and growth that can come from life's messiest moments. Kim's journey reminds us that love and understanding can transcend differences, and faith need not be contingent on perfect circumstances. Our conversation encourages listeners to embrace the present, recognizing every challenge as an opportunity for growth and a deeper connection with one's faith journey.

https://prideandpromises.com

Kim@prideandpromises.com

*********************

Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1700!

Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!

Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!

Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

(01:17) Jen's Story

(12:46) Unexpected Pregnancy at 19

(19:40) Lessons on Empathy and Judgement

(29:11) Overcoming Shame and Silence

(37:09) Ministry of Love and Support

(43:59) Embracing Freedom Through Vulnerability

(49:41) Finding Worth and Redemption Through God

As a teenager, Jen Thompson made a choice that would shadow her for years, but her journey through faith and redemption has been nothing short of transformative. In this episode, Jen opens her heart about her teenage abortion and how the love of Jesus has been a constant source of healing. We dig into the challenges the church faces when discussing tough topics like abortion and highlight the necessity of authenticity and community support. Our conversation reveals the themes of isolation and secrecy while encouraging others to embrace their own stories and seek peace in knowing You Are Not Alone.

Jen shares her experience of navigating an unplanned pregnancy during college, highlighting the intense internal conflicts that arose. Through these stories, we stress the importance of open dialogue and understanding within faith communities, recognizing the need to address the moral complexities individuals wrestle with.

This episode also highlights the power of sharing personal stories and the liberation that comes from being open about one's past. Jen's decision to reveal her abortion story to her children brought varying reactions but ultimately led to a sense of freedom and healing. We explore the importance of seeking wisdom and timing from God when sharing difficult experiences, emphasizing that redemption and love from the Lord remain constant regardless of past choices. We hope Jen's journey inspires you to walk confidently in your faith, embrace vulnerability, and support others through their healing journeys.

*********************

Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1700!

Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!

Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!

Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com

(09:51) - Exploring Religion With Parents

(14:23) - Journey Through Faith and Marriage

(19:46) - Staying All in Through Hard Times

What happens when absolute surrender becomes the cornerstone of your faith journey? Join us for a thought-provoking episode as we welcome Cathy Garland, co-author of "Revelationship: Transformative Intimacy with Christ," who shares her incredible story of faith, resilience, and transformation. Growing up as a pastor's child, Cathy faced the complexities of religious upbringing and embarked on a spiritual journey that challenged her beliefs and ultimately led her back to an intimate connection with Jesus. Through personal experiences and reflections, Cathy shares the power of surrender and how it guided her through life’s trials, including the heartache of multiple miscarriages and a broken neck.

Cathy shares candid insights into the struggles of maintaining one's faith amidst personal and societal pressures, highlighting her father's open-minded approach to her teenage skepticism. Her story serves as a testament to the power of encouragement and exploration in developing a genuine commitment to one's faith. Through vivid anecdotes, Cathy illustrates the importance of leaning into faith, especially during life's toughest moments, and how God’s grace provides strength and resilience.

Our conversation shares the nature of God's grace, exploring how His presence can transform burdens into peace and how His justice is about setting wrongs right. We reflect on profound spiritual encounters that challenge many perceptions and reveal the miraculous aspects of faith. Cathy's unwavering spirit and joyful inspiration shine throughout, offering comfort and encouragement for anyone seeking a deeper connection with their faith. With heartfelt gratitude, we invite you to join our community and embrace this journey of perseverance, gratitude, and empowerment.

Revelationship book: https://a.co/d/4H3LD0D

*********************

Support the Unlikely Housewives! Represent with our UH Merch! bit.ly/unlikelymerch

Midwest Parent Educators: https://bit.ly/mpeuh25 If you are a first-time conference attendee, you qualify for their First-Time Family discount code. Even better - if you’re parents of preschoolers, you can get FREE conference admission by applying for the Parents of Preschoolers discount code. More details are on the webpage link.

Sunlighten Sauna Sponsor: https://get.sunlighten.com/unlikely Save up to $1700!

Join our community on Facebook and connect with us on Instagram!

Write an apple review and YOUR review could be read on our next episode!

Hosted by Tori Shirah and Tracy Stine

Contact us ➡️ UnlikelyJoCo@gmail.com