The holidays can feel especially heavy when your child is walking a path that doesn't reflect the way you raised them — spiritually, morally, or emotionally. If you've ever felt that quiet ache, this episode is meant to bring comfort, clarity, and hope.

In today's conversation, we explore gentle, grace-filled ways to reconnect with your child during the holiday season without pressure, panic, or preaching. You'll hear why your presence matters more than "getting the words right," how to ask open, life-giving questions, and why small moments of warmth can rebuild trust over time.

This is an episode for Christian parents who love deeply, hurt quietly, and want to keep the door open — even when the relationship feels complicated.

Why the holidays magnify the distance, the grief, and the unspoken worries many parents carry.

They may be navigating more fear, shame, or uncertainty than you think — even if they don't show it.

1. Leading with presence over correction

2. Asking questions without hidden agendas

3. Sharing warm memories instead of disappointment

4. Releasing the pressure for holiday moments to "go somewhere"

5. Praying quietly, loving loudly

Simple interactions become the first seeds of reconnection.

You're not failing. You're navigating something complicated with love and courage. And God still moves in the places you can't reach.

Save this episode for the tender moments… and feel free to share it with someone who is walking the same road.

Do you want to know more about the January 2026 FAST or make sure you do't miss out on any new opportunities? Subscribe here to receive emails to get the latest news.

Related episodes of The Bridge Between Us to help with the holidays:

https://melindapatrick.org/2024/12/23/gretchen-stockman-help-for-the-parent-who-has-been-estranged-from-their-child-eps-78/

https://melindapatrick.org/2023/12/17/when-christmas-is-difficult-dont-let-the-enemy-rob-you-of-the-real-meaning-of-the-season-eps-47/

https://melindapatrick.org/2023/11/29/moving-from-fear-to-faith-and-taking-steps-to-have-a-trauma-less-christmas-with-jenn-hand-eps-44/

https://melindapatrick.org/2023/11/15/ways-to-thrive-this-holiday-season-when-skipping-isnt-an-option-eps-42/

Thanksgiving can be a beautiful day — but for many Christian parents of LGBTQ-identified children, it can also be complicated, emotional, or even painful. In this short, heartfelt Thanksgiving episode, Melinda offers encouragement, grounding truth, and three practical ways to prepare your heart before you prepare your home.

If you're carrying tension, uncertainty, or grief into the holiday, this episode will help you slow down, breathe, and remember that God meets you right where you are.

These simple but powerful steps can help bring calm, clarity, and connection to your holiday:

Your child may not respond the way you hope. The conversation may feel awkward. The day may not look like past Thanksgivings. Give yourself — and them — permission to be human. Release the pressure and embrace the day as it is, not as you wish it were.

Regardless of disagreements or differences, there is something true and good you both value. Maybe it's laughter. Maybe it's family stories, food, football, games, or serving others. Look for common ground as a way to build connection, not conflict.

Before you set the table, set your heart. Before you open the door to your child, open your heart to Jesus. Let Him shape your tone, soften your responses, and steady your emotions. Humility doesn't mean compromise — it means choosing love over winning, and presence over pressure.

If today feels heavy or confusing, these conversations will equip and encourage you:

• Two Sides One Family

• How To Talk About LGBTQ Issues When An Older Sibling Identifies as LGBTQ

• Responding To Family Conflict

• Finding Joy When Your Kids Walk Away

• Help For Estranged Parents

• How To Support Your LGBTQ-identified Child Without Endorsing The Identity They Embrace
• Loving Your LGBTQ-identified Child with Grace & Truth
• The Loudest Roar

These episodes offer practical language and faith-filled guidance for moments just like this.

Share it with a fellow parent who may be feeling alone this holiday. And be sure to rate the show — it helps other hurting parents find encouragement and hope.

Connect with Ken Williams: www.changedmovement.com

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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