Spark Directory

Spark Directory

By Spark NetworkReligion & Spirituality
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Spark Directory episodes

  • Finding God in Our Pain - Loving Jesus and Your LGBTQ Child, with Kim Stilp

    SUMMARY:

    The Challenge of Understanding - Kim and I acknowledge and discuss, that many Christians (me included) struggle to truly love like Jesus without feeling like they're compromising biblical truth with regard to the LGBTQ community, and Kim shares her journey with her LGBTQ child. It’s a genuine complexity to understand how to find balance and Kim sets the marker at the foot of the cross.

    Judgment vs. Discernment - Parts of the conversation focuses on the difference between judgment and discernment. Kim stresses the importance of building relationships and understanding individual stories because we can’t expect to be heard if we don’t first invest, aka listen.

    The Role of the Church - The conversation touches on the importance of allowing space for questions and struggles without fear of judgment or ostracism. Invite difficult conversations and differing viewpoints for the purpose of discovering and revealing God’s truths and His heart about the matter for both the one struggling with identity issues as well as the believer who may have a heart posture that God wants to bring a deeper revelation that aligns with His truth, love, character and nature.

    Embracing Both Faith and Love - As Kim reveals, it's possible to hold onto faith while loving an LGBTQ child. Kim emphasizes that understanding doesn't mean affirming every choice but involves listening, empathizing, and walking alongside them.

    Tools and Resources - Kim's journey led to the creation of resources like "Pride and Promises," aimed at helping families navigate these complex dynamics.

    Final Reflections - The conversation ends with a powerful reminder of God's scandalous grace — a grace that doesn't discriminate and a love that is unwavering. Kim's story is a testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of reflecting Christ's love in all interactions. We can lay down the weight of judgement, which enables us to share God’s truths without feeling responsible for the outcome and relax in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit is qualified to do His work.

    In navigating these challenging waters, may we all strive to embody the empathy, compassion, and love that Kim so beautifully advocates for.

    PODCAST INTRO:

    My guest is Kim Stlip and she is the founder of Pride and Promises, a beautiful ministry she created that equips believers to hold on to their Christian faith and their LGBTQ+ kids. But I want any parent listening to know, no matter how your child identifies you’ll find great wisdom in the biblical discernment that Kim shares.

    Kim doesn’t have any 3 letter adjectives behind her name or lofty degrees that declare her worthy but she is a mom with the courage to stand in the gap between God’s truth in the holy scriptures and God’s heart for humankind. Kim is motivated by the fact that many Christians struggle to truly love like Jesus without feeling like they're compromising biblical truth.

    When I think about the phrase of investing blood sweat and tears, surely Kim’s picture is next to that description…actually, any mom who has been willing to be the punching bag (my words not Kims) for truth in the very context of a broken world and their children trying to find their way in it.

    I want to share my personal take away from our conversation because I could really relate to every bit of the relationship aspect of our conversation and relationships beyond my children. I do not have children who struggle with same sex attraction but relationship (across the board) is hard, complicated and layered.

    I used to think that the hardest part of raising children was when they were young and I was trying to bend their will to the things that would bring them reward, benefit, health. In my heart I was trying to equip my sons to contribute to the world in meaningful, purposeful ways. But no one told me it would be more difficult when they were adults and you have to watch them

    1 hr 27 min
  • Fierce Calling - Hope & Encouragement for Caregivers, Blended Families, and those Unexpected Seasons of Life

    Welcome back to Fierce Calling! In today’s episode, host Doris Swift sits down with Jessica Ronne—author, speaker, caregiver advocate, and founder of the Lucas Project—for an inspiring conversation about faith, resilience, and answering God’s call in the midst of life’s biggest challenges. Jessica opens up about her lifelong journey as a caregiver, from growing up as the eldest of twelve siblings to raising a blended family of eight children, including her son Lucas who has profound disabilities.

    Jessica shares how her experiences of navigating personal loss, blending families, and caring for a child with special needs have shaped her calling to support caregivers and create real solutions through initiatives like the Lucas Project and her work as an author and documentary producer. Together, they discuss the importance of giving yourself permission to feel all the complex emotions that come with caregiving, the holy and transformative nature of serving others, and practical ways to support families facing these unique challenges.

    Whether you’re a caregiver yourself, know someone who is, or simply want to understand what it means to walk in faith and fierce compassion, this episode is packed with encouragement, wisdom, and actionable insights. Get ready to rediscover joy, find community, and learn how God meets us—and uses us—in every season of life.

    Episode Takeaways …
    • Permission to Feel: Jessica opens up about the reality of caregiving—how it’s okay to admit feelings of grief, resentment, or overwhelm, and how naming those feelings is the first step toward healing.
    • Finding Holy Purpose: She beautifully reframes caregiving as “holy work,” reminding us that as we care for those who can’t care for themselves, we reflect the heart of Christ.
    • Blended Family Wisdom: Jessica and her husband blended families after losing their spouses. She shares practical, honest advice for navigating new relationships, grief, and all the “stuff” that comes with starting over.
    • Practical Help for Caregivers: Learn about the power of presence, the need for respite, and practical ways to support families—like bringing a meal (pro tip: offer easy choices like tacos or lasagna!).
    • Resources You Can Use Today:
      • The Lucas Project provides respite and resources for parent caregivers
      • The Coffee with Caregivers podcast for ongoing encouragement
      • Caregivers Cove Facebook support group (2,200+ members!)
      • Two documentaries: Unseen and the upcoming Uncertain
      • Jessica’s books: Caregiving with Grit and Grace, Sunlight Burning at Midnight, Blended with Grit and Grace, and more
      • Episode Highlights

        06:38 Lifelong Caregiver Journey

        08:38 “Author’s Journey and Family Life”

        10:39 “Blending Families: Grace and Grit”

        16:30 Permission to Feel in Caregiving

        20:18 “Founding the Lucas P

        36 min
      • Conversations with Christians Engaged - Hosted by ... - The Church’s Role in America’s Future: Craig DeRoche & Jonathan Saenz Share Powerful Messages

        In this episode of our summer series recapping the 2024 Christians Engaged Conference, we’re excited to share two powerful messages from two inspiring leaders—Craig DeRoche, President of Family Policy Alliance, and Jonathan Saenz, President of Texas Values—as they share urgent and encouraging messages for our nation.Craig DeRoche emphasizes the vital role Christians must take in praying, voting, and engaging in the public square to uphold biblical values in our culture and government. He reminds us that the Church is the key to addressing America’s challenges, calling believers to step forward with boldness and unity. Listen as he shares his Forrest Gump–style journey through American politics and the powerful realization that Christians Engaged is building the most effective movement of its kind in the nation today.Jonathan Saenz brings a passionate Texas perspective, emphasizing the foundational principles of faith, family, and freedom that define our state and nation. From his early advocacy at the Texas Capitol to his ongoing work defending pro-life and religious liberty laws, Jonathan challenges Christians to “show up” and be equipped to engage effectively in the political process. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, he encourages believers not to fear opposition but to stand firm with courage and truth.Join us as we explore how Christians can move beyond the sidelines and become influential voices in this pivotal moment for our country.➡️ Subscribe to our channel for more inspiring conversationsWe exist to awaken, educate, and empower believers in Jesus Christ to:▪️ PRAY for our nation and elected officials regularly▪️ VOTE in every local, state, and national election to impact our culture ▪️ ENGAGE our hearts in civic education or involvement for the well-being of our local communities and our nation Learn more about Christians Engaged: christiansengaged.org Support our mission: christiansengaged.org/donate Take the Pledge to PRAY, VOTE, & ENGAGE: christiansengaged.org/pledge#ChristiansEngaged #FaithFamilyFreedom #PrayVoteEngage #2024Election #TexasValues #FamilyPolicyAlliance

        43 min
      • Flourish-Meant: You Were Meant to Live Abundantly - Healing Father Wounds with Rosann Coulon

        How can we heal father wounds?

        In this heartfelt episode, host Tina Yeager sits down with Rosann Coulon—author and founder of Leaving a Well Ministries—to tackle the sensitive yet vital topic of healing father wounds. Rosann shares her personal journey growing up as a pastor’s daughter and facing the pain of her father’s struggles with chronic illness and addiction. Together, Tina and Rosann delve deep into how our relationships with our earthly fathers shape our perceptions of God, often leading to trust issues, shame, and struggle within our faith. You’ll learn practical steps for recognizing hidden wounds, the importance of honest conversations with God, and how to find your true identity in your heavenly Father. If you or someone you love is seeking freedom from past hurts, this episode offers hope, resources, and encouragement for your path to healing.

        Here’s a quick look at what you’ll discover in this episode:

        1. Why Our Earthly Fathers Shape Our View of God Rosann shares her moving personal journey as a pastor’s daughter whose relationship with her father changed due to illness and addiction. She candidly reveals how this affected her trust—not just in her dad, but in God and even in her marriage.

        2. Recognizing Hidden Father Wounds We talked about subtle signs that you may have unresolved father wounds—like feeling distant from God, pulling away from trustworthy people, struggling with prayer, or experiencing discomfort with the idea of God as “Father.” Rosann offers practical advice on honest self-reflection and the power of admitting those struggles as the first step to healing.

        3. How Father Wounds Impact Our Identity Do you ever feel defined by what your parents did or said? Rosann and I chatted about the shame and identity struggles that stem from parental wounds—and how embracing our true identity as God’s beloved children brings freedom and healing.

        4. Practical Steps Toward Healing Rosann urges anyone feeling “stuck” to seek support—through Christian counseling, open prayer, or journaling. She reminds us that healing isn’t instant but starts with allowing God to redefine our identity and trusting Him for the journey.

        5. The Power of Forgiveness Whether your father’s wounds were intentional or not, forgiveness is essential—not just for them, but for your own peace. Rosann’s story is a testament to the freeing power of choosing forgiveness and asking God for strength to keep moving forward.

        Free Resources & More Support! Rosann has crafted beautiful resources to support you:

        • Get the first chapter FREE of her devotional, 40 Days to God My Father: Finding Shelter in the Heart of God (download here)

        • Access a 31-day prayer journal and other healing tools on her website

        Find more encouragement on Instagram at @RosannCoulon, and if you or someone you know needs extra support, don’t hesitate to check out Leaving a Well Ministries.

        You’re Not Alone Whatever your story looks like, remember—you’re not defined by your wounds or your earthly relationships. There is a loving Father in heaven ready to restore, heal, and lead you into your true identity.

        We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

        To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

        Optimize your mind and body with my new favorite, all-inclusive

        22 min

      About Spark Directory

      From the publisher's feed

      The Spark Media Directory is a podcasting platform dedicated to bringing you engaging Faith-based content through various podcast shows.