My friends Dr. Jordon and Liz Sharp (LDS parents of five children) join us from St George, Utah to share their story of hope and healing. Jordon (VP of Marketing at Utah Tech University) and Liz (Registered Hospice Nurse) share their unexpected journey as a traditional LDS family who experienced everything from trauma, confusion, and loss to miracles, enlightenment, and overwhelming joy as they became a LDS/LQBTQ family through their gay son Sam (who turns 18 in 2023 and is the oldest). Jordon and Liz start their experience when Jordon served as a Bishop to a closeted gay young woman in their ward who attempted suicide and they were the first-responders on the scene; but describe how this terrible situation helped them more fully understand our Heavenly Parents love for all their children. It’s a powerful part of their story.

Jordon and Liz then talk about the text they received years later from their then 13-year-old-son Sam letting them know he is gay. They intimately and powerfully share their roadmap of making mistakes, learning, loving, healing, and ultimately understanding this isn’t a phase or mistake, but a unique, meaningful, and wonderful part of their lives. They talk about how Sam is thriving because of the love he feels from family and friends—and his great heart, maturity, and soul. They talk about how they wish every parent could have a Sam. It is a beautiful family love story.

Jordon and Liz shared their thoughts in a viral Facebook post (see show notes for link) about Sam, our LGBTQ brothers and sisters, and what we can do to be better. It’s a beautiful Facebook post that I encourage us as a Latter-day Saint community to read and discuss how we can do better.

Thank you, Jordon and Liz, for being on the podcast. I was deeply moved listening to you—it is a sacred place to hear your story. I encourage everyone to listen to and share this podcast. Their story helps better Gather Israel and create Zion.

Podcast Link:

Facebook Post: https://www.facebook.com/jordon.sharp/posts/pfbid02SUkPEQbASdBW47pSi368meXdTHWbRLAw9U7op31SKLC29H16ayVeyGyxnjSKQejjl

Ministering to LGBTQ Latter-day Saints Facebook Group:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1433556613672143

Richard Ostler Book: Embracing LGBTQ Latter-day Saints:

Deseret Book: www.deseretbook.com/p/listen-learn-and-love-embracing-lgbtq-latter-day-saints

Amazon: www.amazon.com/dp/1462135773