How do you talk to your younger kids about LGBTQ topics when an older sibling identifies as LGBTQ?

That's one of the most common—and difficult—questions parents and grandparents ask. Today on The Bridge Between Us Podcast, Melinda Patrick is joined by Elizabeth Urbanowicz, author, teacher, and host of the Foundational Worldview podcast, to discuss how to approach these conversations biblically, truthfully, and compassionately.

Together, Melinda and Elizabeth tackle three key questions: 1️⃣ How can we protect (and prepare) our younger children when an older sibling embraces an LGBTQ identity? 2️⃣ What's the best way to discuss LGBTQ topics in a way that's both biblical and filled with grace? 3️⃣ How do we teach our children to love others well—without affirming what Scripture calls sin?

In this episode, you'll discover:

• Why "protecting" your children isn't the goal—and what to do instead

• Three practical steps to prepare your younger children when a sibling or family member identifies as LGBTQ

• How to overcome the fear of saying or doing the wrong thing

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or family member seeking wisdom and peace in a divided culture, this conversation will help you walk in truth and love—right where God has placed you.

*Please share this episode with pastors and ministry leaders - they are always in search of biblically aligned resources to help those they are shepherding

*There is another family out there searching for hope and help - be a resource and share this episode with them. 

Connect with Elizabeth Urbanowicz:

Foundation Worldview

Books mentioned: 

Helping Your Kids Know God's Good Design by Elizabeth Urbanowicz

Laura Smalts and Melinda Patrick are continuing their conversation today on The Bridge Between Us Podcast.  

In this episode, Laura shares how the Lord met her on her healing journey and the steps she took that led to her freedom and new found joy. 

Listen in and discover: 

*the one thing Laura did that has given her unspeakable joy

*how a parent's healing journey is similar to that of their LGBTQ-identified child's

*way God redeems and goes over and above

BONUS EPISODE:

Listen to the bonus episode with Laura HERE. 

Connect: 

Connect with Laura Smalts:  Eden's Redemption

Connect with Melinda Patrick: [email protected]

Books mentioned:

The Prodigal Prayer Guide by Laura Perry Smalts

Transgender to Transformed by Laura Perry Smalts

The Daring Rescue by Melinda Patrick

In this heartfelt episode, Laura Smalts opens up about her journey of transitioning to male and later detransitioning back to the woman God created her to be.

Listen in and hear:

*What Laura's parents did that left a lasting impact

*the powerful transformation she witnessed in her mom

*the question that left me speechless and soul-searching

You'll also hear two of the most important prayers we can pray as parents walking through difficult seasons with our children.

It's a story of truth, grace, and the redeeming love of Christ.

Connect with Laura Smalts: 

Eden's Redemption

Books mentioned:

Prodigal Prayer Guide

Transgendered to Transformed

Humility

Absolute Surrender

Have you ever felt powerless — like you've prayed all the prayers, said all the words, and nothing seems to change? When your child embraces an LGBTQ identity, it's easy to feel like your hands are tied and your hope is fading. But here's the truth: you are not powerless.

In this episode of The Bridge Between Us, host Melinda Patrick reminds Christian parents, pastors, and counselors that while you may not be able to change your child's choices, you can partner with God in powerful, peace-filled ways.

Through six simple but life-giving actions — Pray, Nurture, Love, Trust, Remember, and Live — you'll discover how to stay anchored in faith, love your child well, and reflect Christ in the middle of your ache.

Melinda shares biblical encouragement, practical wisdom, and a faith-in-action challenge to help you shift your focus from what you can't do… to what you can do.

Because you're not powerless — you're a parent partnering with the God of the impossible.

Key Takeaways:

• Prayer isn't passive — it's powerful. Invite God to teach you how to love your child His way.
• Nurture the relationship even when you don't agree; soft soil grows seeds of truth.
• Love doesn't mean compromise — it reflects God's character and kindness.
• Trust God's heart, even when you can't trace His plan.
• Remember His past faithfulness; write your story as a testimony.
• Live with hope and joy — your faith in motion is a living witness.

Faith in Action Challenge:

*Read Psalm 18. Make note of who God is.

*Take time to write your testimony — where God met you and how He's been faithful. Ask Him to show you one way to live from that place of hope.

You are not powerless. You are standing in the gap — and heaven sees you.

Scriptures mentioned: 

Judges 13

Psalm 18

Connect with Melinda Patrick: [email protected]

When homosexuality enters a marriage, it can feel like the ground has been ripped out from beneath you. Confusion, pain, and even questions about your own worth can overwhelm your heart. You're not alone—and there is a way forward.

In this episode of The Bridge Between Us, host Melinda Patrick welcomes back Joe Dallas along with his wife Renee Dallas to speak directly to spouses, strugglers, parents, and ministry leaders who long to understand the impact of homosexuality in marriage.

Drawing from years of experience, Renee shares the AFTER acrostic—five practical steps that guide spouses toward healing—and explains the three types of wounds that can deeply affect a marriage in these moments. Together, Joe and Renee point to the root issues beneath homosexuality and reveal the two essential steps every person must take if they want to experience restoration and hope.

You'll walk away with:

• Clarity on the three types of wounds that surface when homosexuality impacts a marriage

• Insight into the root issues of homosexuality

• The two major steps toward healing that every person needs

• A renewed belief that if there is good faith on both sides, there is hope for restoration

This conversation is not just information—it's a lifeline of truth, compassion, and hope for every person navigating the heartbreak of homosexuality within marriage.

Prior episodes that relate to this episode:

Longing for Intimacy, Walking in Freedom Eps 99 with Amy Riordan

Christians In a Cancel Culture Eps 17 with Joe Dallas 

Connect with Joe Dallas: 

Joedallas.com

Find out more about The Challenge for Pastors

Connect with Renee Dallas: 

WifeBoat

Books mentioned:

Order The Daring Rescue here.

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To share your thoughts:

Leave a note in the comment section below or send me an email to: [email protected]

Leave an honest review on ITunes or your favorite podcast app. Your ratings and reviews help get this message of hope into the hands of hurting families and I read each one. 😊

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Are you feeling like life has collapsed around you—wondering if joy, peace, or even a sense of normal will ever return?

You're not alone.

In this episode of The Bridge Between Us, host Melinda Patrick welcomes back Jenn Hand, author of Hope Beneath the Rubble. Together, they talk about how to move toward hope and healing when it feels like everything in your world is falling apart.

Using her powerful acrostic, RUBBLE, Jenn shares how to find steady ground and begin rebuilding your heart in the midst of trauma and loss.

💡 What you'll discover in this episode:

• The warning signs of trauma you may not recognize right away

• Simple, practical steps you can take today to move forward in hope

• A word of encouragement to strengthen your heart as you look ahead

• The reminder that you are not alone in this journey

If you've been searching for hope, this conversation is your invitation to take one small, brave step today.

👉 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Book: Hope Beneath the Rubble by Jenn Hand – Grab the first chapter here

• Book: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

• Listen to Jenn's prior episode: Moving From Fear to Faith with Jenn Hand (Ep. 44)

• Connect with Jenn: jenniferhand.org

📬 Stay connected:

• Sign up for updates + encouragement: Join our newsletter

• Share your thoughts. Send an email: [email protected]

• Leave a review on iTunes or your favorite podcast app – your feedback helps spread hope to families who need it most.

🎙️ Don't miss an episode! Be sure to Follow The Bridge Between Us Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.

When someone in your family embraces a new identity, the ripple effects can leave you confused, isolated, and grieving in silence. Many parents and children feel like they must carry this pain alone.

In this powerful episode, Denise shares her story of discovering her father's desire to become a woman when she was just nine years old. She opens up about the secret pain she carried, the identity struggles that followed, and how God met her in her darkest places.

Through Scripture, prayer, and eventually forgiveness, Denise found a way forward. Her testimony shows that even when family wounds run deep, God offers hope, healing, and freedom.

Listen in, be encouraged, and discover that you don't have to carry your pain alone. God can redeem even the most broken parts of your story.

You'll Walk Away With: ✅ Understanding how hidden struggles within a family can impact identity and faith. ✅ A reminder that God's Word speaks truth into the darkest places. ✅ Encouragement to face secret pain instead of hiding it. ✅ Hope that forgiveness is possible—and healing follows.

Please share this episode with another hurting family, pastor, or ministry leader.  Churches are always looking for biblically sound resources they can offer. 

Resources & Next Steps:

• Scripture that anchored Denise: Proverbs 3:5

• Connect with Denise

• Living Stones Ministry/ Help 4 Families
• My Daddy's Secret by Denise Shick
• When Daddy Leaves To Be a Girl by Denise Shick

• Connect with Melinda: [email protected]

• Grab Melinda's book: The Daring Rescue

Discovering that your child is addicted to pornography can leave you feeling shocked, betrayed, and unsure of what to do next. The swirl of emotions—anger, grief, confusion—makes it hard to know how to respond without damaging your relationship.

You don't have to face this alone. In this episode of The Bridge Between Us Podcast, Melinda Patrick sits down with Barb Winter of Hopeful Mom to offer practical wisdom and biblical encouragement for parents walking through this painful reality.

Together, we'll walk you through:

1. What to do in the first moments — pause, pray, and process before responding.

2. Understanding betrayal trauma — how your child's choices impact your emotions and relationship.

3. Turning confrontation into conversation — how to create ongoing, open dialogue with your child.

4. Steps toward healing — practical ways to foster connection, rebuild trust, and move forward in hope.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to move from fear and reaction into wisdom, healing, and grace.

👉 Connect with Barb Winter and Hopeful Mom here: https://hopefulmom.net/

Email: [email protected]

FB: difficultconversationsforparents

IG: difficult.conversations

LinkedIn: barb-winters-b146882a

Sexpectations at Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oCRxba

👉 Subscribe to The Bridge Between Us Podcast for more encouragement and practical tools for parents.

👉Share this episode with another friend, ministry leader, or pastor.  (Hint: pastors are always looking for biblically based resources for their congregation.) 

A hopeful reminder: You can respond to your child's struggle in a way that protects your relationship, brings healing, and keeps hope alive. With God's help, you don't have to stay stuck in fear—you can walk in wisdom, love, and grace.

Finding Joy When Your Kids Walk Away: Trusting Jesus Over Outcomes

Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging journeys we can experience. As Christian parents, we often dream of raising children who follow Jesus, make wise choices, and walk closely with God. But what happens when our children choose a different path? How do we find hope and joy when our kids seem far from the faith we love?

In this episode of The Bridge Between Us Podcast, we tackle these difficult questions head-on with guest Mary DeMuth, author of Love, Pray, Listen. Together, we explore how parents can trust Jesus in seasons of uncertainty and heartbreak.

When Outcomes Become Idols

It's natural to want the best for our kids. But sometimes, even good desires can turn into idols. When we say, "I'll be okay if my kids do exactly what I want," we're putting our hope in outcomes, not in Jesus. As Mary DeMuth shares, this is a trap many parents fall into. We want control—but the truth is, we don't have it. God reminds us that our role is to love, guide, and pray, but ultimately, our children have free will.

Finding Joy in Heartbreak

One powerful theme from the conversation is the idea of finding joy even when life doesn't look like we planned. How do you celebrate the goodness of God when your heart is breaking? The answer is in understanding that joy is not based on circumstances—it's rooted in Jesus. Mary DeMuth reminds us that even God, the perfect Father, has children who rebelled. Our pain is something He understands deeply, and that connection can become a source of unexpected joy.

Practical Tools for Grieving Parents

Grief is real, and it's okay to lament. In this episode, you will be encouraged to use the biblical model of lament—pouring out your heart to God, describing your pain, and choosing to praise Him anyway. Writing your prayers, journaling your emotions, and finding a safe person to share with can help release the heavy burden of parenting heartbreak.

Another powerful takeaway is learning to let go of specific outcomes in your prayers. Instead of telling God exactly how to move, Mary DeMuth suggests praying, "Surprise me with how You reach my child." This shift opens the door to trust and helps parents see God's creative work in ways they might have missed.

Love That Transforms

We close the conversation by unpacking 1 Corinthians 13—often quoted at weddings but originally written to a broken church. How can parents apply "love is patient, love is kind" to their parenting, especially with a child who's wandering? Mary offers insights on showing grace, patience, and kindness to our kids, and even to ourselves, on this journey.

Key Takeaways

• Release control: God loves your child more than you do.
• Joy comes from Jesus, not perfect circumstances.
• Lament is a healthy, biblical response to grief.
• Trust God's timing and methods, even when they surprise you.
• Love your child and yourself with grace and patience.

This episode is for every parent longing for hope in a hard season. Whether your child is questioning faith, making different choices, or simply testing boundaries, remember this: you are not alone, and Jesus is walking with you every step of the way.

Resources mentioned: 

https://www.marydemuth.com/

Here is your free download of 52 prayers.

Call to Action: If this episode encouraged you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Your support helps more parents discover hope and wisdom for the journey ahead.

Related podcast episodes:

Overcome Grief When It Is Impacting Your Life and Relationships 

Help For The Parent Who Has Been Estranged From Their Child

Are you walking through questions of sexuality, codependency, or watching someone you love struggle—and wondering if freedom is possible?

In this powerful episode, Emily shares her raw and honest story of navigating same-sex attraction, deep codependency, and the lies that held her captive for over a decade. Like so many of us, she tried behavior modification—cutting off the "fruit" of sin—only to discover that true transformation comes when God addresses the roots of the heart.

Through vulnerability and truth, Emily shows us that freedom is possible when we place God first, surrender daily, and walk in community. Her journey isn't just for those struggling personally—it's a message of hope for parents, friends, and anyone who longs to love well and experience God's power to transform.

• The difference between cutting off fruit and digging up roots.

• How codependency hides in friendships and relationships.

• The role of godly community and accountability in healing.

• Practical steps to guard your freedom and walk in surrender.

• Encouragement for parents carrying the weight of their child's choices.

• Emily's Book: What Good Little Church Girls Don't Always Look Like: Understanding Struggle in Light of the Gospel 

• Connect with Emily: • Instagram: @RebirthMinistries • Website: rebirthmin.com

• Melinda's Book: The Daring Rescue

• ReStory Ministries 

"There is always hope. Even if it doesn't happen in your timeline, God is still working." – Emily