Resource Center

“Navigating Holiday Challenges” addresses the emotional and relational difficulties many face between Thanksgiving and Christmas, especially amid strained relationships, LGBTQIA+ tensions, grief, and temptation. Drawing from Psalm 139, John 16:33, and Philippians 4:8, the article emphasizes self-awareness, heart preparation, and surrendering burdens to Jesus. It encourages believers to plan for challenging interactions, choose where to focus their thoughts, and rely on God’s truth for peace. Through intentional prayer and trust, the holidays can be approached with grace, resilience, and Christ-centered hope.

“A Thrill of Hope” invites readers to return to Advent with renewed expectation, reflecting on Christ’s first coming in humility and His promised return in glory. Drawing from Isaiah 26, Luke 21, Romans 8, and Lamentations 3, it explores the vulnerable yet steadfast nature of hope rooted in belief, not sight. The devotional urges believers to fix their desires on Jesus, rejecting misplaced expectations, and persevering in trust. True hope—anchored in His presence and promises—produces joy, peace, and eager anticipation of redemption.

“My Story” recounts one woman’s lifelong journey through deep personal and family trauma, beginning with her sons’ abuse by their grandfather and her own childhood abuse by a brother. For decades, she carried grief, shame, and strained relationships until counseling with First Stone Ministries helped her process pain biblically. In 2024, God opened a door to reconcile with her repentant brother, offering hope for her yet-unbelieving sons. Through faith, prayer, and steadfast love, she demonstrates Christ’s power to heal, restore, and redeem.

Reflecting on Isaiah 26:1-3, this devotional unpacks the promise of perfect peace for those whose minds are “stayed” on God. Drawing from Hebrew meaning, “stayed” implies leaning, resting, and relying on Him for strength and support. Citing Matthew Henry’s commentary and related scriptures, it reminds believers that Jesus Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14). Trusting Him fully allows us to release our burdens, remain anchored in His unshakable truth, and experience God’s sustaining Shalom, even in difficult and uncertain circumstances.

The Fall 2024 First Stone Ministries newsletter features a powerful personal account of overcoming family trauma and abuse, emphasizing support, forgiveness, and maintaining loving relationships. It introduces the new “Living Free” curriculum for spiritual growth, shares ministry demographic highlights, explains strategies for trusting God, and reviews a book on navigating LGBTQ topics through faith. The newsletter also provides updates on support groups and administrative tools, equipping readers with hope, encouragement, and practical resources for spiritual and relational healing.

From a Christian perspective, gender dysphoria is real psychological distress that warrants compassion, patient care, and truth held together, affirming every person’s dignity as an image bearer while upholding God’s good design of male and female revealed in creation and Scripture. Faithful responses prioritize identity in Christ, pastoral support, and counseling that aligns self-perception with embodied sex rather than transition pathways. For deeper study, see recommended reading on theological, pastoral, and testimonial resources addressing gender dysphoria.

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.

“What Is Transgender?” defines the term as a perception-based disconnect between inner gender identity and biological sex, contrasting it with related terms. The article explains God is spirit—not male or female—yet created humanity male and female in His image, equally valuable but gloriously different. Scientific and biblical evidence affirm binary design. Addressing parental dilemmas over name and pronoun changes, it urges truth spoken with kindness, rejecting affirmation of false identity while seeking Holy Spirit guidance to navigate relationships with love and integrity.

“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.

The Summer 2024 First Stone Ministries newsletter centers on a mother’s personal experience with her son’s gender transition and shares Christian guidance for parents whose children come out as LGBTQ. The publication includes practical steps for responding with grace, maintaining open communication, and upholding biblical beliefs. Readers find insights on gender identity, recommended resources, book suggestions, and support group information. The newsletter emphasizes trusting God, processing grief, and engaging with loved ones compassionately amid changing family dynamics.