A Parent’s Journey of Faith and Understanding with a Transgender Child

Mark Anderson Smith reflects on the emotional turmoil and spiritual journey of parents coping with a child’s transgender identity, emphasizing faith and support.

Initial Struggles and Reflections

Initially, it felt as though we were losing our connection to reality.

We stood on shaky ground as the children we once knew—the daughters and sons we raised—seemed to fade into unfamiliar identities.

Expressions like “You’re still my daughter” or “You’re still my son” were met with anger.

When reaching out to friends and family for support, we often encountered doubt and criticism, making us question our own instincts.

This backlash led many of us to second-guess whether we even had a “trans” child.

This reflection illustrates a form of gaslighting—an unsettling shift in our understanding of what is true.

Over time, we started to mistrust our observations and emotional responses, teetering on the edge of losing grip on our reality.

Three years ago, when my teenage daughter chose to leave home and stay with relatives, we attributed her decision to the stress of the pandemic.

However, it later became clear that she was actually fleeing out of fear regarding how I would react to her identifying as “trans.”

Prior to this revelation, I was oblivious to her feelings of gender dysphoria, but concern about the topic led me to read Abigail Shrier’s *Irreversible Damage*.

While the author approached the subject empathetically, acknowledging the distress young people face, my initial feelings were ones of shock and anger.

The Emotional Toll of Change

Reflecting now, I think of the biblical Book of James.

I wish I had expressed my concerns in a more respectful and private manner instead of in front of my children.

Growing up, I was accustomed to open discussions—which sometimes turned heated—and I may have overwhelmed them.

The story of Job resonates with many parents navigating this situation.

He lost everything in a single day, a sensation we can relate to as the child we once knew seems to be lost.

Often, we find ourselves without the space to grieve this loss.

The emotions swirl around us—confusion, anger, and fear.

As we delve deeper into the complexities of transgender identities, we encounter troubling statistics surrounding gender transition.

Reports reveal significant risks like fertility complications, incontinence, and cognitive issues related to what is often dubbed “gender-affirming treatment.” I use quotations for this term because I believe it warrants careful examination; some medical professionals are suggesting that these surgeries may not be the ultimate solution for the mental struggles these individuals face.

Finding Strength and Guidance

In the messages from Jesus, we learn about the dangers of deceptive influences and the inevitability of suffering.

His parables remind us of the importance of a solid foundation.

Unlike the foolish man who succumbs to the storm, the wise man remains steadfast.

In the midst of this turmoil, I turned to my faith, seeking solace and guidance through prayer.

My wife and I found strength in each other and in the support of those around us during our darkest moments.

It’s vital to understand that answers to our prayers won’t always come swiftly.

Scripture encourages us to be persistent in our seeking; clarity may take time.

For some parents, like me, this journey can stretch into prolonged periods of uncertainty.

Each day holds its own set of challenges, prompting us to refrain from worrying about what lies ahead.

Adopting this mindset can help sustain our mental well-being amid chaos.

In the early days of my child’s identification as “trans,” I felt a shattering of dreams and ambitions.

My thoughts circled around my daughter’s future.

During the uncertainty brought by the pandemic, I explored themes of repentance, which eventually inspired my first work—a Bible study and prayer guide titled *31 Days of Prayer*.

As I continued to navigate these challenges, I felt driven to initiate another project that would resonate deeply with parents facing similar situations.

My feelings of alienation and inadequacy, amplified by confusion and fear, echoed stories from others and biblical teachings.

Realizing I wasn’t alone in grappling with such profound challenges provided comfort.

This revelation inspired the creation of my upcoming book, *They Cried Out to the Lord: 31 Days of Prayer for Parents of Trans Identified Children*, slated for release in January 2025.

During times of crisis, it is essential for parents to reconnect with the unwavering foundation of Jesus Christ, to seek wisdom from the Father, and to lean on the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit.

Only through this spiritual strength can we withstand the storms that life throws our way.

Source: Christianpost

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Lauren Bauer

Lauren Bauer is a dedicated editor with a passion for Christian living and helping others grow in their faith. With a background in spiritual writing and content curation, she brings a unique blend of creativity and deep biblical understanding to her role. Lauren is committed to providing meaningful, faith-centered resources that inspire readers to live with purpose, grace, and joy. Her approach emphasizes practical application of biblical wisdom, aiming to support Christians in their daily walk with Christ. Through her work, she seeks to create a welcoming space where individuals can explore and deepen their spiritual journeys.