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2013-11-14T09:30:58-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Chased Out of Church
Last updated on: November 14, 2013 at 9:30 am By Susan Cottrell
The Spark Story Bible, tells this beautiful story. “Jesus went to synagogues, holy places where people worshipped, to teach people about God. He went to synagogues all over – even in his hometown, Nazareth. Jesus told the people, ‘I was sent to tell you that God loves you and poor people and sick people and people in prison.’ But the people didn’t believe Jesus’ words. ‘Why are you talking about sick people and poor people and people in prison? Everyone knows... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-12T09:30:34-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
I Must Speak
Last updated on: November 12, 2013 at 9:30 am By Susan Cottrell
In the face of great rejection from many in the church and former friends, and with the incredible love & encouragement of many more in the church and true friends, we have made a decision: We are making this our full-time ministry and have established FreedHearts as a nonprofit charitable organization. I cannot be silent anymore. Even if my voice shakes, I am going for it. I must speak. I have been writing this blog, counseling, writing a book for... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-11T10:00:52-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Speak the Truth, Even if Your Voice Shakes
Last updated on: November 11, 2013 at 10:00 am By Susan Cottrell
I know you have been rejected and condemned and judged by people you used to call friends, and maybe your church, and maybe even family members. Me too. If you are a Christian parent or family of an LGBTQ child, I understand. If you are a Christian LGBTQ, I can only image your pain and struggle. But let me encourage you as I encourage myself… we need to speak the truth, even if our voice shakes. You have a deep... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-07T08:30:43-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Please Don’t Change… (others)
Last updated on: November 7, 2013 at 8:30 am By Susan Cottrell
We are not responsible to change people’s behavior. It’s not our job, even with our children, especially as they get older. If you think you’re going to make your pianist into a football player, give it up now. Unfortunately, much of the church today is about behavior modification. But please remember, the reality of the church and the truth about Jesus are not always the same thing – especially regarding the LGBTQ issue. Jesus is not about behavior modification; He... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
trusting God with our children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-06T09:15:10-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
A Mother’s Journey to Love Her Gay Son
Last updated on: November 6, 2013 at 9:15 am By Susan Cottrell
“My firsthand experience with my own child, has radically changed my attitudes toward the LGBT community. I feel compassion, not judgment. Love, not condemnation.” A reader sent this to me and, with her permission, I am sharing it with you… When our son told us he was gay, I pleaded with God to show us the path forward. I felt completely lost, trapped between the official, loudly articulated position of “the church” and my overwhelming love for my son. So... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-04T09:00:22-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
How to Find a Gay-Affirming Church
Last updated on: November 4, 2013 at 9:00 am By Susan Cottrell
“My husband and I are looking for a church that will align with our values and accept gays and lesbians. Our current church/denomination ‘accepts’ them with limits and reservations. Does God only love part of us?? NO! My son is gay and a Christian, and we want him to feel free to worship with us at a church that loves him too. Any suggestions of denominations we could try?” That is exactly the problem across much of the Christian church... Read more
christian parents of gay children
to christian parents of gay children
what do you do when your son is gay
what to do when your son is gay
2013-11-01T09:45:22-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Hellish Torment is ALWAYS from the Enemy
Last updated on: November 1, 2013 at 9:45 am By Susan Cottrell
My heart breaks for the spiritual abuse of people whose heart’s desire is to do the best, but who believe (from childhood training) that their best will never be good enough. I have counseled women who suffered sexual abuse by pastors, and whose legalistic churches turned a blind eye to them. I’ve counseled youth and adults who will not find peace because they cannot please an unpleasable parent. And I have counseled LGBTQ tormented by fear of hell because of... Read more
to christian parents of gay children
trusting God with our children
what do you do when your son is gay
2013-10-31T09:42:09-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Halloween Trivia – Are You Afraid?
Last updated on: October 31, 2013 at 9:42 am By Susan Cottrell
It’s Halloween, a time for scary costumes! But something else is even scarier — it fills people with fear instead of love and should make us all afraid. What is it? Let’s play a Halloween trivia game to find out! 🙂 See if you know the right answers. Here are the players: LGBTQ—wants freedom to live their lives, and to be loved and included along the journey; often treated as outcasts Christ-followers—their job is to love and include others; they... Read more
to christian parents of gay children
trusting God with our children
what do you do when your son is gay
2013-10-30T10:58:58-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
Abuse in Church – Fear Hides, Love Frees
Last updated on: October 30, 2013 at 10:58 am By Susan Cottrell
Maybe the church has too much time on its hands. Like kids near the end of summer when Mom is saying, “Okay, two more weeks and they’re back in school. No more boiling a baseball so it will bounce higher or using conditioner on the dog.” I say this because so many in the evangelical church spend a lot of time making enemies of the LGBTQ and allies, protecting its own power structure, and generally distinguishing itself as devoid of... Read more
to christian parents of gay children
trusting God with our children
what do you do when your son is gay
2013-10-28T11:00:29-05:00
Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.
You Have Two Options: Love or Fear
Last updated on: October 28, 2013 at 11:00 am By Susan Cottrell
John Lennon said, “There are two basic motivating forces: fear and love. When we are afraid, we pull back from life. When we are in love, we open to all that life has to offer with passion, excitement, and acceptance… all hopes for a better world rest in the fearlessness and open-hearted vision of people who embrace life.” I have been afraid of a lot of things. Strangers. Public speaking. Being brutally murdered. For about a year, I had nightly... Read more
to christian parents of gay children
trusting God with our children
what do you do when your son is gay
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