The Bridge Between Us: Loving Your LGBT Identified Child Without Compromising Biblical Truth

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 LGBT...

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...

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 y...

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, pare...

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 p...

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 st...

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 p...

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...

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 t...

This isn't just another episode… it's a milestone. Today we celebrate 100 episodes of conversations where faith, family, and identity intersect — and where God's truth and love meet in powerful ways. When The Bridge Between Us began, the goal was simple: ✅ Help one parent feel less alone. ✅ Give one family hope. ✅ Keep one heart connected to Jesus. God has done that — and so much more. In this...

When someone you love wrestles with sexual or relational brokenness—or when you're facing your own shame and questions— where do you turn? Too often, Christians feel unprepared, isolated, or powerless to help. Parents long to rescue their children, but instead end up feeling overwhelmed. Individuals struggle silently, afraid to bring their pain into the light. In this episode of The Bridge Between...

What do you do when your child comes home and says, "Mom, Dad, I have same-sex attraction" or "I want to embrace an LGBT identity"? For many Christian parents, these moments stir deep conflict and fear. But what if conflict is not something to avoid, but an opportunity to grow in love, truth, and grace? In this episode, we dive into the heart of family conflict and discover how to handle disagreem...

In today's episode, not only does Patti Height share the riveting 'next chapter' of her story, but she also answers one of the most asked questions we receive from parents, family, and friends:  "How can we best minister to those in the LGBTQ community with grace and truth?"    Listen in and discover: *God's heart for your loved one *ways to minister to the one in front of you *why pressing into J...

Those who experience same-sex attraction or gender confusion aren't the only ones who fall into the trap of the Enemie's lies.   Our guest today, Patti Height, is all too familiar with the bondage that comes from believing and living in the deception of homosexuality.  Listen in to today's episode with Patti Height as she shares Part One of her God-story.   Connect with Patti: Out of Egypt Ministr...

Connect with Christy Summers: Redeemed Seasons

Lindsey Kiser - a returning guest on The Bridge Between Us and author of Piercing The Night is extending invitation to band together as the Psalm 68 army of women in the place of intercession to contend for our LGBTQ loved ones and the generations.   "The Lord gives the word [of power]; the women who bear and publish [the news] are a great host. The kings of the enemies' armies, they flee, they fl...

Do you ever feel that if you stop praying for your loved one they won't come to know Jesus or that God will stop pursuing your child?  In today's Bridge Between Us episode, author and Executive Director of Restored Hope Network, Anne Edward, is joining Melinda Patrick.  Anne has a story that hopefully will allow parents to take a deep breath and rest as they continue to trust Jesus for the outcome...

Have you ever wonder if what you say really makes a difference?   In today's episode, Mark Nelson, Executive Director of Exchange Ministries , joins Melinda and shares an awe-inspiring testimony of God's powerful intervention in his life.   Mark's testimony is fuls of Holy Spirit inspired moments that leave you wanting to know more.  Listine in to discover: *how words spoken over Mark made a life...

Welcome to The Bridge Between Us Podcast , where we navigate the challenges and opportunities of walking alongside LGBTQ-identified loved ones from a Biblical perspective. Hosted by Melinda Patrick, today's solo episode is all about being your own advocate as you build a support team for your personal journey. In Today's Episode, You'll Hear About: The importance of a support system and how Jesus'...

God hasn't called us to walk through life alone. In today's episode, Melinda takes us through what it looks like to set yourself up for success when facing a daunting challenge, and how the team around you plays a crucial role in getting you to the finish line. Listen in to hear the f our key people you need on your team and why. As Melinda challenges listeners, it's important to recognize and app...

For many parents, when their child shares with them they experience same-sex attraction or gender disphoria, one thing they will also hear is: "I have prayed and prayed and asked God to take it away but He hasn't." As parents, many of us have done the same thing: we have prayed and prayed and God doesn't appear to be answering. In today's episode, Nate Oyloe - ministry leader of Agape First Minist...

For Christian parents whose children have embraced an LGBTQ+ identity, the world is full of confusion, manipulation, and emotional pain. Watching your child go through gender confusion and irreversible medical procedures is heart-wrenching. Navigating this world feels isolating and often spiritually and emotionally draining. There's a need for truth, empathy, and a support system that isn't afraid...

Hey friends, welcome back to The Bridge Between Us Podcast !  In this episode, Melinda Patrick and her guest, Alex McFarland, dive deep into how we, as parents and individuals, can continue to hold firm to the truth amidst the changing culture and differing values between us and our children. Parents today are facing a culture that challenges traditional beliefs, especially around sexuality, ident...

Mike Manzie, executive director of Fresno New Creation Ministries is joining Melinda on The Bridge Between Us podcast.  In this episode, Mike and Melinda discuss the importance of processing pain and healing through a spiritual lens. Using the SHAPE journaling method, parents can take intentional steps toward healing and understanding, inviting the Lord into their emotional journey. This episode p...