The Full Story
This book is a sympathetic, compassionate, and inspiring guide for parents from the founders of one of the first Christian ministries for parents of LGBTQ+ children.
Greg and Lynn McDonald had never interacted with members of the LGBTQ+ community until they discovered that their son was gay. Without resources or support, they had no idea how to come to terms with this discovery. At first they tried to “fix” him, to no avail. But even in the earliest days of their journey, the McDonalds clung to two absolutes: they would love God, and they would love their son.
This book follows the McDonald family’s journey over the next twenty years, from grief to a place of gratitude and acceptance that led the McDonalds to start one of the first Christian ministries for parents of LGBTQ+ children. Based on their experience from coaching hundreds of struggling Christian parents and helping thousands more, they offer tools for understanding your emotional patterns and spiritual challenges. They also help you experience a deeper relationship with God while handling difficult or unexpected situations that are out of your control. You will discover tested principles, patterns, and spiritual lessons that can change the way we all see our families and help Christians at large think through Christ like ways to respond to the LGBTQ+ community.
Written in an unvarnished, honest, reassuring, and relatable voice, this is a practical guide for parents and a roadmap to learning to love God, the people He created, and the Church, even when they seem to be at odds.
Endorsements
John Ortberg, Pastor, Speaker, and Author of dozens of best-selling books
"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 Environments, North 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, PLLC, Counseling, Supervision & Consultation, Desert Hope Ministries; Coaching, 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, Speaker and Author of 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 Christlike 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, Co-Founder, 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!"