Resource Center

“When the Holidays Hurt: Dr. Townsend on Grieving Well” explains grief as God-given work that turns open wounds into integrated memories rather than repeated re-experiences of pain. Drawing from John Townsend’s Beyond Boundaries, Welch outlines six components of grieving well: acknowledging attachment, accepting lack of control, naming what was valued, seeking comforting people, allowing sadness, and giving grief time. The article especially encourages those facing heavy holidays to be honest with God and receive His nearness in their sorrow.

“Boundaries with Adult Prodigal Children” explains how God models clear boundaries and consequences, and how Christian parents can follow His example with their wayward adult sons and daughters. Drawing from personal experience with three prodigal children, the author outlines house rules, financial limits, and key areas like communication and living arrangements. The article encourages parents to stop enabling, surrender their children to God, and hold firm in love, trusting His greater care and purposes.

“Parents, Prodigals, and Holidays” offers biblical encouragement for navigating grief, strained relationships, and prodigal children during the season. Drawing from verses like Isaiah 46:9, Nehemiah 8:10, Psalm 147:3, and Habakkuk 3:17-19, it urges believers to anchor joy and strength in God’s sovereignty and past works. Practical steps—gratitude journaling, intentional prayer, worship, Scripture meditation, and sharing testimonies—help refocus hearts on His goodness. By recalling His provision and promises, Christians can experience renewed hope, peace, and celebration, even in painful seasons.

This powerful reflection shares a mother’s experience as her son transitions to a female identity, revealing layers of grief, fear, guilt, and unwavering love. She describes the emotional toll, family tensions, and spiritual wrestling while holding fast to her faith and hope in God’s redemption. With honesty and compassion, she navigates the pressure to accept or reject, choosing instead to trust God’s timing and truth. Her story offers comfort and solidarity to parents facing similar journeys.

“Keeping the Conversation Open with Your Child” equips Christian parents to respond biblically and with compassion when a child shares life choices that conflict with their faith. Offering practical and spiritual guidance—asking forgiveness for reactive words, praying for humility, processing grief, guarding against idolatry, and leaning on God’s Word—it encourages maintaining respectful dialogue while trusting the Holy Spirit’s work. Through patience, emotional honesty, community support, and reliance on God’s promises, parents can preserve connection, witness faithfully, and grow spiritually in challenging seasons.

In this Stand Up for the Truth radio interview, First Stone Ministries' Jim Farrington shares his testimony of freedom from homosexuality and discusses the escalating cultural war targeting children through social media algorithms, government-mandated LGBTQ+ school curriculum, and progressive theology infiltrating churches. Drawing on George Barna's research and his own ministry experience, Jim urges parents to instill biblical truth in children from an early age, model genuine faith at home, and remain vigilant against the subtle, insidious nature of today's spiritual attacks.

“Surrender Your Child Back to God” speaks directly to hurting parents of prodigal children, using the parable of the prodigal son to offer hope and direction. The article urges parents to stop trying to control their child’s repentance and instead surrender the child to God, confess personal sin, and pursue Christ wholeheartedly. It emphasizes that salvation belongs to God alone and encourages parents to focus on worship, discipleship, and the broader mission of making disciples.

In his article "The Pervasive Influence of Unbelief: Helping Parents Navigate the Difficulty of Unanswered Prayers," Jim Farrington addresses the challenges parents face when their prayers for their LGBT-identified children seem unanswered. He acknowledges the frustration and confusion that can arise, leading to a crisis of faith. Farrington emphasizes the importance of identifying and confessing any unbelief that may take root during these times. He encourages parents to remain steadfast in their faith, trust in God's timing, and continue seeking Him, even when outcomes are uncertain. ​

A curated reading list for parents and family members of those navigating same-sex attraction or sexual brokenness.

“A Letter from Parents,” published by First Stone Ministries, presents the candid testimony of parents navigating their child’s homosexuality. The article recounts their emotional struggles—shock, grief, and confusion—while emphasizing their commitment to unconditional love and faithful prayer. Drawing strength from Scripture and biblical community, the parents ultimately discover hope, healing, and renewed trust in God’s promises. Their story serves as encouragement for other families, highlighting the possibility of restoration and transformation for loved ones through faith and compassionate Christian support.

“My Child” addresses the emotional and spiritual journey of Christian parents whose child identifies as homosexual. The article acknowledges the intense feelings of grief, confusion, and disappointment parents may experience, while urging reliance on prayer, biblical truth, and God’s enduring love. It encourages maintaining open communication, showing unconditional support, and trusting in God’s power to work in their child’s life. First Stone Ministries offers compassionate wisdom, practical counsel, and hope for families seeking restoration and faith-filled perseverance amid difficult circumstances.

“A Model for Hurting Parents” explores how the biblical story of the prodigal son provides crucial lessons for Christian parents whose children have strayed. The article acknowledges the deep pain of parental rejection and loss, yet encourages modeling God’s love, relentless grace, and readiness to forgive. It reminds parents that children’s choices do not always reflect parental failure. By maintaining unconditional love, compassion, and forgiveness—even while hurting—parents mirror God’s heart, creating an atmosphere where restoration and hope are always possible.

“Does God Really Care?” answers a parent’s anxious question by reflecting on Jesus’ words: God numbers every hair on our heads, signaling astonishing personal care. Each lost strand becomes a reminder that God lovingly passes by, even in the most ordinary moments. The article encourages honesty with God—bringing doubts and pain to Him, trusting that if He cares so deeply for the smallest details, He surely cares for our hearts and struggles each day.

“Relinquishment: What Does It Really Mean To ‘Let Go’?” examines the challenging journey of giving up control over loved ones and outcomes, using biblical examples like Hannah and Abraham. The article clarifies that true relinquishment is not abandonment but trusting God’s sovereignty. It outlines key steps—facing limitations, releasing expectations, giving freedom of choice, and embracing emotional freedom. Ultimately, relinquishment brings deeper security in God, liberates us from guilt, and enables healthier, more compassionate relationships rooted in faith.