EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
On this 13th episode, I speak with Susan Cottrell, the mother of two kids in the LGBTQ community. She became a devout Christian at the age of 14 and was a women’s ministry leader at her church. But after her kids came out, she realized that her family would never have a place in their church again.
She is a proud Mama Bear and the founder of a ministry for families of LGBTQ individuals, called FreedHearts. Her mission is to free hearts to love, heal and affirm.
Susan has a Master of Arts in Theological Studies, and we dive deep into the Bible, talking about Genesis 2 and complementarity, the “purity culture” and how it’s not good for us to be alone. I solicit advice from Susan on how to heal from the wounds inflicted by the faith community, and she offers tips on how to be your own best friend.
WEBSITE: For outstanding resources for Christian parents and LGBTQ kids, please see her website www.freedhearts.org.
If you’re a mom or dad and would like join her online support group (a private Facebook group), please contact Susan on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/FreedHearts/. If you’re in the LGBTQ community and need someone to talk to, Susan is there to listen and offer support and encouragement.
BOOKS: As the author of three books, her goal is to change the human conversation on love and inclusion:
- For parents: “Mom, I’m Gay”: Loving Your LGBTQ Child
- For LGBTQ people: True Colors: Celebrating the Truth and Beauty of the Real You;
- For pastors and church members wanting to learn more: Coffee with the Pastor