As we journey through life, we often encounter moments that shape us and make us who we are. Today's episode introduces us to Donna Cole, a resilient and inspiring woman whose story of emotional pain and self-rejection, and her ultimate journey towards faith and healing, resonates powerfully with all of us who've felt defined by our past. From rejecting her femininity to finding solace in activities that boys traditionally do, Donna's early years were marked by a quest for validation and acceptance which led to a spiral of self-destruction.

Donna's encounter with God became the pivotal point in her life journey, leading her to break free from the chains of her past and the lies that had been deeply ingrained since childhood. A testament to the transformative power of faith in Christ, Donna's story paints a vivid picture of how scripture and the beauty of nature can become powerful aids in healing and restoration. Through her experiences, Donna not only found wholeness in Christ, but she was also called to create her book, Peer Heart, and her ministry, amplifying her impact by offering hope and healing to those around the world.

The episode isn't only about Donna's personal journey, though. We also address the important and timely issue of how cultural influences, especially regarding gender identity and lust, can impact our children, often leading to confusion and brokenness. With Donna's insightful commentary, we explore how these exposures can result in misguided solutions pushed by schools, potentially leading to lifelong consequences for our kids. But it's not all doom and gloom. We also discuss the tools we need to equip our children to navigate these complex issues and the role that healing plays in that journey. Join us for this enlightening conversation.

TIMESTAMPS:

(0:00:17) - Finding Wholeness in God's Standard

(0:03:52) - Abusive Childhood and Finding Faith

(0:13:36) - Overcoming Homosexuality and Finding Wholeness

(0:17:16) - The Power of Healing and Transformation

(0:26:19) - Challenges in Homosexuality and Gender Identity

(0:40:11) - Teenage Girl Finds Faith, Faces Challenges

Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality! 

Other ways to listen:

https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations

#Jesus #LGBTQ #homosexuality #Christianity #bible

Have you ever stopped to consider the journey one takes to find Jesus? How does sexuality play into this deeply personal journey? This episode tackles the common errors we commit while ministering to the LGBTQ community and offers insight on how to modify our approach for better effectiveness. We discuss the need to earn the right to speak into someone's deeply personal sphere of life, like sexuality, and emphasize not on changing behavior, but rather on guiding them to Jesus. This episode journeys into understanding that the opposite of homosexuality isn't heterosexuality, but holiness, and that it is only Jesus who can bring about transformation from the inside out.

We further delve into how our perspectives have been clouded by the culture war and our biases when dealing with the LGBTQ community. We discuss the importance of acknowledging individuals as bearers of God's image and focusing on facets beyond their sexuality. We take a hard look at the impact of past traumas on an individual's current expression of sexuality and the need to provide a safe space and time for them to process their experiences. We also stress on the power of listening more than talking, to understand the heart of the individual better. This episode aims to guide you towards being a more empathetic, understanding, and effective minister to all, regardless of their sexuality.

Join us weekly as we strive help people embrace God's standard for sexuality! 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations

#lgbtq #homosexuality #Christian #Jesus #BradyCone

Brian Ellison joins Brady to talk about the unrelenting, overwhelming love of Christ that chased him down in the midst of his journey through a homosexual lifestyle. They about Brian's story from an early age, how he dealt with rejection from his father, turned to the LGBTQ community to fulfill misplaced desires, and ran right into the love of God.

Brian's story is a powerful testimony to the overwhelming love that Christ has for all people and His desire to have a relationship with everyone.

Enjoy this week's episode!

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations

You've probably heard about the new movie, Sound Of Freedom. 

I'm thankful for this movie that exposes the true horrors of the human trafficking epidemic that exists throughout the world. 

What many people don't realize--or don't want to think about--is pornography feeds human trafficking. 

Pornography is a huge problem both inside and outside of the church. The statistics are clear that the link between porn and human trafficking are very real. 

In this week's episode, we'll discuss the sinister truth about pornography and how it can lead people who never thought they'd engage with human trafficking down that dark path. 

Join us weekly as we strive to embrace God's standard for sexuality. 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/calibrateconversations

For more information about Brady and Calibrate Ministries, please visit www.CalibrateMinistries.com
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#SoundOfFreedom #Pornography #HumanTrafficking #LGBTQ #BradyCone

In this episode of Calibrate Conversations, Brady Cone and Logan have a conversation about Logan's personal journey with sexuality and faith. Logan shares his struggles with same-sex attraction and his experience seeking guidance from a youth pastor. They discuss Logan's upbringing, his internal conflict, and his search for answers. Logan reflects on finding contentment in his relationship with Christ and the challenges of discussing his struggles with his parents. They also discuss societal stereotypes of masculinity and the need for a biblical understanding of gender. They emphasize the importance of seeing individuals as multifaceted and not defining them solely by their sexual orientation. The episode concludes with a call to calibrate sexuality to God's standard while showing love and compassion to others.

Timestamps:

Growing up in a masculine environment [00:01:10] Logan discusses his upbringing in a hyper-masculine household and the challenges of expressing femininity.

Discovering same-sex attraction [00:02:24] Logan shares his experience of realizing his same-sex attraction and the fear and confusion it brought.

Seeking guidance from a youth pastor [00:06:07] Logan recounts his emotional meeting with a new youth pastor, where he finally opens up about his struggles and seeks guidance.

The struggle to find answers [00:10:37] Logan discusses his discontent with the answers he found regarding his same-sex attraction and his search for clarity.

The message of contentment [00:12:45] Logan shares his experience at a church service where the message emphasized the importance of being content in one's relationship with God.

The tension of anticipation and contentment [00:16:11] Brady and Logan discuss the tension between seeking understanding and being content with the process of sanctification in one's journey with faith and sexuality.

The struggle of admitting same-sex attraction [00:21:04] Logan discusses the difficulty of admitting his same-sex attraction and the fear of disappointing his parents.

Different standards for sin [00:24:18] Logan talks about the double standards in the church when it comes to dealing with different sins, specifically comparing his own same-sex attraction to someone else's fornication.

Finding healing through connection with heterosexual men [00:28:23] Brady shares his experience of finding healing through connection with heterosexual men who treated him as one of the guys, regardless of his same-sex attraction.

Topic 1: Accepting oneself and masculinity [00:30:43] Discussion on coming to peace with one's masculinity and accepting oneself for who they are, including the value of sensitivity and artistic qualities in men.

Topic 2: Stereotypes and assumptions [00:32:33] Challenging stereotypes and assumptions about same-sex attraction, discussing how outward mannerisms do not determine someone's struggle and the importance of not making assumptions.

Topic 3: Redefining masculinity [00:35:18] Exploring the concept of faux masculinity and the need for a more accurate, biblical understanding of masculinity that celebrates sensitive and talented qualities in men.

The importance of seeing beyond sexuality [00:41:25] Discussion on not defining people solely by their sexuality and the need to share hope and gospel with them.

Jesus' focus on deeper meaning [00:42:22] Exploration of the interaction between Jesus and the Samaritan woman, highlighting the importance of looking beyond surface-level issues.

Appreciation for Logan's story and future journey [00:44:17] Compliments and encouragement for Logan's story, with anticipation for future growth and the possibility of future appearances on the podcast.

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/Thegreatexchange

For more resources, check out: calibrateministries.com

in this podcast episode, host Brady Cone reconnects with his friend Shannon to discuss Shannon's personal journey of embracing God's standard for sexuality. Shannon shares his experiences and struggles with sexuality, including early exposure to sexual activities, a porn addiction, and the impact on his relationships. He discusses the importance of finding support and accountability in a group of men who also struggle with sexual addiction. Shannon emphasizes the need to confront past baggage and be honest with one's partner in order to build a strong foundation in marriage. The episode also touches on misconceptions about same-sex attraction and the importance of open communication and reassurance for children. Overall, the episode provides insight and encouragement for those dealing with sexual addiction and seeking to embrace God's standard for sexuality.

In this episode, we explore an amazing story of patience, forgiveness, and speaking truth with love. Rachel shares her experience of holding onto her faith and hope, even when faced with doubts and theological confusion. She shares how her hope in Christ helped ultimately reconcile her relationship with her husband even in the midst of an intense trial. Discover how their journey of reconciliation and rebuilding trust in their marriage led them to find simplicity and clarity in their faith in Jesus.

Timestamps:

[00:00:52] Brent's Transition Journey Brent shares his journey of realizing he is transgender, leaving his pastoral ministry, and pursuing a transition.

[00:02:34] Rachel's Perspective Rachel shares her side of the story, discussing her initial reactions, doubts, and the challenges she faced as Brent's wife.

[00:07:48] Living Separately Rachel talks about the period when Brent moved to Rochester and they lived separately, with Rachel hoping it was just a phase.

[00:11:39] Discovering Brent's Transition Brent's wife learns about his transition and struggles to understand and accept it.

[00:13:49] Telling the Kids Brent and his wife discuss when and how they told their young children about his transition.

[00:14:10] Living Apart Brent and his wife discuss their decision to live separately and the challenges they faced in their relationship.

[00:22:16] Brent's hospital visit and the lingering feelings of care and honor.

[00:23:29] Brent's torn feelings and desire for both separation and connection with Rachel.

[00:27:28] Brent's vision of God putting him back together and becoming a new creation.

[00:33:13] Struggling with God's plan and sin nature in marriage

Brent discusses his internal struggle with following God's plan for his life and his sin nature's resistance to it, specifically in the context of his marriage.

[00:34:34] Brent's surrender to God and trust in His plan

Brent reaches a point of surrender and trust in God, asking Him to take care of his spouse and not let him find someone else.

[00:36:27] Brent's return to Jesus and the impact on his marriage

Brent experiences a spiritual encounter with Jesus and decides to return to Him, leading to a positive change in his demeanor and a hopeful reunion with his wife and family.

[00:45:29] The simplicity of finding God's love and a relationship with Jesus after a vision.

[00:46:13] Transitioning from being transgender to becoming a Christian and bringing others to Christ.

[00:52:56] The restoration of faith, marriage, and the ability to have children through God's grace.

Join us weekly as we strive to exchange the lies we believe for the truth of God's word. 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/Thegreatexchange

#Transgender #lgbtq #Marriage #Christian

Have you ever wondered about the rise of transgenderism and gender dysphoria in our culture? In this episode of the Create Exchange podcast, host Brady Cone talks to professional counselor Michael Costello about the history and current state of mental health diagnosis and treatment for these issues. The most valuable lesson from this episode is the importance of exploring the root causes of gender dysphoria, rather than simply providing gender affirming care as a quick fix solution.

Michael explains that the majority of therapists are trained to assume that someone who claims to be in the wrong body is 100% accurate and there is no exploration of why they feel that way. This can be harmful, particularly for teenagers who may be influenced by peers or social media influencers to identify as transgender. Instead, Michael approaches gender dysphoria with what he calls gender identity therapy, which involves exploring the root causes of the individual's feelings and experiences.

Brady and Michael also emphasize the importance of being a good listener and not dismissing someone's struggle with gender dysphoria. They both agree that shaming or affirming someone's gender identity without exploring the root causes can be harmful. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of gender dysphoria and transgenderism in our culture and how to effectively minister to them and show them the Love of Jesus. 

TIMESTAMPS:

History of Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis [00:02:26] Michael Costello explains the history of gender dysphoria diagnosis and how it has evolved over the decades.

Gender Affirming Care [00:05:07] Brady Cohn and Michael Costello discuss the concept of gender affirming care, including cross-sex hormones and puberty blockers, and how it is being pushed and advocated for in our culture.

Harm of Gender Affirming Care [00:09:41] Michael Costello talks about the harm caused by gender affirming care and how traditional psychotherapeutic methods can help people with gender dysphoria come to terms with their body.

The Emotional Distress of Gender Dysphoria [00:13:43] Speaker 2 discusses the emotional distress of gender dysphoria and how it is never addressed in gender affirming care.

Rapid Onset Gender Dysphoria [00:15:31] Speaker 1 talks about the rise of rapid onset gender dysphoria and how it is more of a social contagion than a biological issue.

Autism and Gender Dysphoria [00:25:08] Speakers 1 and 2 discuss the high percentage of teenagers with rapid onset gender dysphoria who are on the autism spectrum and how this makes them more susceptible to feeling like they don't belong.

Gender Identity Therapy [00:28:25] Michael Costello discusses his approach to gender identity therapy, which involves exploring the root causes of gender dysphoria through traditional psychotherapeutic methods.

Affirmation Therapy [00:34:46] The dangers of affirmation therapy are discussed, with the suggestion that it is not the only option and may be harmful.

Compassion and Grace [00:35:58] The importance of handling issues surrounding gender dysphoria with compassion and grace is emphasized, and listeners are encouraged to examine the lies they've believed and exchange them for God's truth.

Join us weekly as we strive to exchange the lies we believe for the truth of God's word. 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/Thegreatexchange

https://www.thegreatexchangepodcast.com

https://calibrateministries.com

#GenderDysphoria #Transgender #lgbtq #TheGreatExchange #BradyCone #CalibrateMinistries

There are a lot of opinions on how to handle LGBTQ issues from the pulpit. What is the best way? Should we preach on such divisive topics? Together lets takes a look at a few important questions we should be asking.

Join us weekly as we strive to exchange the lies we believe for the truth of God's word. 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/Thegreatexchange

Sexuality and culture are so complicated! As we filter out cultural moment through God's word, it requires clarity, understand, and nuance. Join Brady this week in The Great Exchange Podcast as he discussed three areas where Christians need clarity.

Join us weekly as we strive to exchange the lies we believe for the truth of God's word. 

Other ways to listen:
https://linktr.ee/Thegreatexchange