Books to read & podcasts with authors

I recently mentioned that we are reading good books, so I thought I'd share what we've been reading.  I've only linked the books that have previews available.

Long before my husband disclosed his struggle with same-sex attraction to me, God had already given me a desire to love people with this issue.  Several years ago I read The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Butterfield.  I have also heard her speak in person and she has an amazing story to tell.  She was on an episode of one of my now-favorite podcasts.

After disclosure, we started seeing a counselor and he recommended several books.

Washed and Waiting: Reflections on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality by Wesley Hill is a sad but hopeful story of a Christian man with SSA choosing to live a celibate life.  Here's a podcast with him.

People to Be Loved: Why Homosexuality Is Not Just an Issue by Preston Sprinkle takes a hard look at Biblical theology regarding the issue of homosexuality as well as how the church should respond to people that struggle with it.  Here's a podcast with him.

Homosexuality and the Christian: A Guide for Parents, Pastors, and Friends by Mark Yarhouse does a great job explaining the difference between same-sex attraction and a gay identity.  Also, there's a whole chapter about mixed-orientation marriage.  Here's a podcast he was on recently.

I stumbled across this book when I heard Jackie Hill Perry speak.  Gay Girl, Good God is her own personal story but the last few chapters give great practical advice about same-sex attraction.  Here's a podcast she was on recently.

Our counselor suggested this one for my husband to read, which he did.  I don't think I'm overstating this when I say it changed his life.  Shame and Attachment Loss: The Practical Work of Reparative Therapy by Joseph Nicolosi is a controversial book but was enlightening for us on many levels.

I just happened (right, as if God didn't plan it....) to be reading this book when my husband came out to me, and it has been such an encouraging book.  Because He Loves Me: How Christ Transforms Our Daily Life by Elyse M. Fitzpatrick is about finding our identity in Christ and how to practically live that out.

After hearing Lysa TerKeurst speak on the radio, I immediately ordered her books.  

Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely and It's Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered

In both books, Lysa sprinkles her own personal story throughout but her focus is really on Jesus and how to focus on Him during hard times.  Uninvited really helped me to process some of my own brokenness and feelings of abandonment and inadequacy.  It's Not Supposed to Be This Way was so healing for me during this time.  I cried with every single chapter - a good cathartic cry.  I couldn't put it down and then I immediately passed it on to a friend.

I hope these books can be helpful for others.  Leave me a comment with any suggestions you have.