Scattering Ashes

Scattering Ashes is a resource for Christian families confronting the reality of their loved one's gay lifestyle. Joyce Smith Helyer takes the reader on a journey that changed her life when her brother began their midnight Christmas Eve conversation with these words, Joyce, I have something to tell you. As I waited expectantly for what he was going to say next, he paused, but then shifted the conversation. He tried again, but the same thing happened. I felt like he was trying to land an airplane in trouble and kept circling the airport looking for the best approach. His attempted landings kept falling short of the runway. A vague sense of uneasiness began to fill my mind . . . Little did I realize that my nice, typical Christian experience would be undergoing a significant change . . . Fear I could barely articulate almost overwhelmed me . . . Finally, I looked at my handsome, 26-year-old brother and knew the words he was having so much difficulty saying. Ron, are you trying to tell me you're gay? His quiet response echoed across the living room. I thought you had it figured out. To maintain Biblical convictions with civility is the challenge faced by believing Christians while being criticized, often unfairly, by the LGBTQ Lobby. This book is a realistic and compassionate testimony of how 'love, ' as defined in 1 Corinthians 13, and the 'Fruit of the Spirit, ' in Galatians 5, can be applied in our family journeys. Joyce does not deny the pain, even agony, of the struggle but through a sister's loyal tears maintains both Christian commitment and faithful love. The challenge is not easy and cannot avoid heartache of the deepest kind but in the end 'the truth will set us free.' --Jay Kesler, president emeritus, Taylor University Joyce has had two decades to process these complex issues. Her insights and wisdom provide timely guidance for many of today's families, particularly those who find themselves on a steep learning curve with gay and lesbian family members. --Heidi Lakanen, MD Joyce Smith Helyer is the former Interim Vice President for Advancement at Taylor University. She is a women's Bible Study teacher and co-hosts tours to Israel and Turkey with her husband Dr. Larry Helyer. She is co-editor of This Cloud of Witnesses, a Taylor University devotional book (2000), and co-editor of Authentic Voices: Women of Insight Talk About Real-Life Challenges (2005). She has two adult children and two grandchildren.