nice things people say
Andy Stanley Senior pastor North Point Church
Greg and Lynn have done a remarkable job with a difficult subject: raising a child who is gay in a conservative Christian culture that doesn’t always know how to respond or how to help. They tackle tough issues with grace, compassion, and integrity.
John Ortberg/Senior Pastor Menlo Church and best-selling author
"This book is filled with extraordinary levels of love and pain and humility and learning and grace and hope. Greg and Lynn McDonald—and Greg Jr—have laid bare their story to give us a healing gift. May it be widely read.”
Bill Willits/ Executive Director of Ministry EnvironmentsNorth Point Ministries
I met Greg and Lynn McDonald a few years ago and after hearing their story, I was impressed. Three years later, I am even more impressed. In their book, Embracing the Journey, Greg and Lynn provide a compelling description of a challenge faced by more and more people in the modern church: how to love God and their gay child without losing their faith or their relationship with either. Each page is filled with striking honesty and first-century courage. I predict this book will be an important and helpful resource for a very long time.
Janelle M. Hallman, PhD, LPC, PLLCCounseling, Supervision & Consultation, Desert Hope MinistriesCoaching, Personal Growth Groups, & Retreats
"What a magnificent story of respect, honor, commitment and deep love.
Thank you, Greg and Lynn, for allowing us to see your openness and humility to learn, grow and be real. The truth that you have discovered and experienced about God, life, and enduring love is a message that all families need to hear. Thank you for unconditionally loving your beloved son and the people that he holds dear in his life. I will be recommending this book to all the parents I know who are on this very sacred journey."
Clay Scroggins Lead Pastor, North Point Community Church Author, How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge
"The osmosis that will occur from reading this brave story will make you more like Jesus because of how passionate, honest, truthful, compassionate, and Christ-like the McDonald family is. They're building bridges of relationship and we all could use more like them!”
Alan Chambers, Author, My Exodus: From Fear to Grace
I know Greg and Lynn McDonald, have shared dinner with them and their son, heard their story, received calls and emails from them as they search for help for others in need. Now I have read their book and I love it. I recommend it because I trust and know them. They have a powerful story fueled by their passion for Christ and love for family. This book is great for parents, pastors, LGBTQ people, and anyone who wants to know how to move “gay” from a long list of issues to a compelling story about a community and people group we need to know better and love generously. I pray this book and these people inspire you as much as they have me.
Jane Clementi - CoFounder The Tyler Clementi Foundation
This a must read for all parents! So grateful for the courage and boldness of Greg and Lynn McDonald for sharing all the hard-learned lessons of their journey to truly love and support their gay child, while still holding on firmly to their faith. What a wonderful resource for parents, maybe even a life preserver for those drowning in religious teachings, traditions and dogma. This is a resource I wish I had had as a parent attending a theologically conservative church prior to my children coming out.
I do believe “Embracing the Journey” is a true game changer! This book is a true testament to God’s desire to transform today’s Church to learn how and finally commit to fully loving everyone just like Christ first loved us, one parent at a time!
Dave and Neta Jackson
Authors of RISKING GRACE--Loving Our Gay Family and Friends Like Jesus.
Sharing our stories is important. Vitally important. So many parents of LGBTQ children feel utterly alone. But you are not alone. Which is why the McDonalds are sharing their story, their journey, the changes in their lives. Because no matter where you are on your journey, Greg and Lynn have been there too. They asked the same questions, struggled with the same emotions. But also--wait for it--experienced the love and peace and joy that is also part of the journey. We know. We're on this journey too.
Thank you for all you have done for me in this journey. You have given me the strength to breathe when I did not think I could ever breathe again. You have restored my faith in God when I was beyond angry at God for allowing this to be my daughter’s life. I can never say “thank you” enough. May God continue to bless you both as you do His work! Blessings and Much Love, - Becky
Thank you for your work, your dedication to help LGBTQ community in their journey. Many of us, our journey has been very difficult. We are weary, we carry a lot of burden, We have been denied love, acceptance, and grace by church and unfortunately, some by their families as well. What you're doing is bringing relief to our weary souls. Knowing that there are people like you out there, we find much encouragement, healing, wisdom, strength, and inspiration for our journey. - Uriel
- I clicked the link and watched both of you tell the story of the incredible Life journey God has created for you. All I can say/feel is WOW. When I see and feel our Christian friends and family's hate and intolerance of those who are different. I almost never have a Godly response that's seems appropriate or right. I look forward to talking with you more about your mission and how I can help. - Anonymous
- Just a note of praise for your support of your family and the parents of LGBTQ children. It is the Christian thing to. You have opened my thoughts on the subject. God bless you! Keep on keeping on! – Don Evans
God commands us to love one another, (John 13: 34 - 35). Greg and Lynn have a heart to guide people through the journey of loving their LGBTQ child through the use of biblical principles using God’s word. It’s essential to not walk this journey alone, but seek Christian support from organizations such as Embracing the Journey - Joey & Sabrina
- Your words are my words Lynn. Am walking this same journey 10 years later. Your insight into scriptures bring me so much hope. I thank God for you and Greg each day. It gives me so much peace knowing that God has placed you in my life to find strength and encouragement through our God who loves us all. Much love to you! – Becky Reckner
Real. Practical. Hopeful. Those are the words that describe the support Greg and Lynn provide through Embracing the Journey - Anonymous
I remember feeling desperate, scared and confused. In an instant, with a single letter from our child we finally understood why they had turned away from God. Our whole world changed in receiving that letter including what we thought we believed about God. After about a year of living with extraordinary feelings of loss, disappointment, and huge God questions and not knowing who to trust we were fortunate to be introduced to Greg and Lynn. When we were greeted by The McDonald’s at their home to meet them and other parents of LGBTQ children, our fears were extinguished that evening with their gracious hearts and loving attitudes. We were tenderly welcomed and knew we were in a safe place where we would be able to share our thoughts, feelings and ask the tough questions. I have a difficult time trusting anyone who acts like they have all the answers. Trusting in Greg and Lynn’s passion for helping families like ours is easy because of how they lean in and desire to learn more about themselves and God with each individual story. What I love is how they share from their personal journey and are most genuine and authentic in every way. I believe they have been crucial in helping me overcome the defeating feelings of being a failure as a parent. We are more confident and encouraged that there is purpose in pain. Uncovering the purpose in pain is easier when we invite people like Greg and Lynn into our lives. No one should have to feel alone and scared, our kids especially. Someone really does care! Now those desperate, scared and confused feelings are just a memory. Be encouraged! - Wendy
- I am needing this encouragement in my life right now. Thank you for being so honest. I can apply your words in every situation of my life. Looking forward to the next challenging blog. - Anonymous
My wife Celeste and I were immediately drawn to Lynn and Greg’s loving and caring nature. From our very initial contact they have taken every imaginable step for us and so many others to feel loved, safe, and most importantly never alone in our journey. Often opening up their home to the group or individuals to speak and most importantly just being there to listen we took great comfort and solace in a time when it was most needed. While often feeling alone (our daughter was transitioning female to male) Lynn and Greg were always ready with words and support even attending our going away party held prior to our son’s surgery. It is with the constant help and encouragement of friends and especially Greg and Lynn that we as a family have never been closer or felt more love for each other. Even now Greg and Lynn continue to help any one that has a need bringing us together with another family walking the same path that we just traveled. The McDonalds do everything possible to help individuals and family find their way together through the strength of Our Father - Cliff & Celeste
Thanks Greg and Lynn, we feel such love and kindred spirits we could not have made it through the last 9 months without you and your support - Anonymous