Parenting without Panic in an LGBT-Affirming World

Rob S. Smith

Rachel Gilson has written the book that Christian parents have been needing for some time—a book designed to equip us and our children to navigate faithfully LGBT+ questions and to do so, as she puts it, ‘not as adversaries but as missionaries.’ Rachel’s own life story has caused her to wrestle deeply and personally with the matters she addresses. Doubtless, this explains both the clarity and the sense of reality that characterize her writing. Most important of all, however, is the biblical truth and gospel grace that permeate her thinking and counsel on every page. When it comes to imparting the wisdom of God’s ways to Christian children and preparing them for discipleship in an LGBT+-affirming world, this brief resource is the ideal place in which to begin.

Dani Treweek

A triumph of both calmness and confidence. To parents and all who love young people, Gilson models calmness in the presence of panic and confidence in the face of anxiety. But, even more importantly, she equips readers to rest calmly in God’s steadfast faithfulness and confidently in his enduring goodness. This is a book which truly lives up to its title and is a blessing to all who seek to disciple children with Jesus’ truth and love.

“Helpful & Biblical”

The world our children are growing up in looks quite different than the one most of us were raised in and as such the messages our children will receive on this topic will likely happen much earlier.

Rachel approaches this topic with encouragement for parents to not succumb to the fear that may naturally spring up in us but provides principles to guide these conversations while praying for and applying God’s wisdom.

One of the things that I appreciated most about this book was the first few chapters where Rachel dives into God’s vision for marriage and sex before even approaching the LGBT topic. I loved her emphasis on teaching our children about God’s good design for these things from the start. As a bonus, she also has some great conversation examples for talking about sex with your kids.

Once they have a base level of knowledge for God’s good design for marriage and sex, it’s easier to then point out when the culture promotes distortions of this original design.

Rachel’s past experience with same-sex attraction and commitment to the Bible’s teaching on the subject offer a unique perspective that balances both the truth of God’s word and the call to show love to our neighbors recognizing that every single one of us has been impacted by sin and the fall.

Upon finishing the book, you may be left wanting more, which Rachel herself addresses. She writes "I expect you feel an itch remaining to be scratched from the many questions that were not answered. The itch is also an opportunity. What I've tried to supply you with in these few pages are principles for guiding you."

It's a difficult topic and one with no exact script that could possibly match every situation parents will encounter with their children. But this book is a great guide to help you navigate the conversation around marriage, sex, LGBT+ and God's word.

*Thanks so much to @thegoodbookcompanyusa for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

“faithful option to navigate LGBT+”

Although this isn't the first Christian book to address the LGBT+ movement, it is another timely addition to the others. I am always hesitant and skeptical of books like these. Mainly because there are many books that seem to come from a biblical perspective but end up using the name of Jesus to affirm LGBT+.

Thankfully, Rachel brings a very precious perspective as she, herself, walked the road of LGBT+ for many years before being confronted with the Gospel and immediately changing her direction in life. I was thankful for Rachel sharing her own experience and how the Lord brought her into His Kingdom. These are stories we need to hear more of in order to gain wisdom and love towards the LGBT+ community.

Gilson structures the book with six chapters sandwiched between an introduction and a conclusion. The chapters include:

- God's positive vision
- Sex Talk
- The Impact of the Fall
- Tools for LGBT+ Conversations
- Fear Not
- In the Family

Although this is a small, short book, she provides a plethora of invaluable wisdom, experiences, stories, and practical. She writes specifically to parents with kids younger kids and preteens.

Each chapter ends with two sections:

- Key Principles: summarizes the important points of the chapter.
- Practices for Parenting: provides simple ways to implement the concepts discussed in the chapter through teaching your children and living it out daily.

This is a wonderful book for parents to walk alongside their kids and navigate a society that affirms LGBT+ while staying faithful to the word of God.

I received a copy of this book from The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.

“A Gift to the Church”

I received Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World compliments of The Good Book Company in exchange for my honest review.

Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World is the second book by author Rachel Gilson. The book gives parents practical tips for talking to their children about sex, homosexuality, and transgenderism from a biblical perspective. At the beginning of Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World Rachel wrote about the importance of teaching children God's design for sex and marriage.

While these conversations can feel awkward, they are important and Rachel equips parents with the tools they need to start the conversations. She has a few sentences parents can easily memorize and implement when teaching their children that are so helpful.

Rachel offers readers a unique perspective as a Christian who struggles with same sex attraction. The book helpfully reminds readers that struggling with sins other than homosexuality and transgenderism doesn't make one better or less of a sinner and that the ground is level at the cross. Her approach to each topic maintains an excellent balance of truth and grace. She doesn't shy away from what the Bible teaches and she does so with compassion and gentleness. Her example is one I hope to see many Christians, including myself, emulate.

Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World concludes with ways parents can love their children if their children are homosexual or transgender. This section of the book is full of principles backed by Scripture and I found myself so encouraged upon reading it.

I'm deeply grateful for Rachel's voice and eagerly anticipate reading and learning more from her in the future. If you are a parent and/or disciple children in any capacity, I highly recommend purchasing a copy of Parenting Without Panic in an LGBT Affirming World. This book is a gift to the church and a must read for those who minister to children.