Abuse, Suicidality, Same-Sex Sexuality, and the Love of Christ: Brenna Blain

When looking at Brenna Blain you might not guess that she works in ministry, with a body adorned in tattoos and piercings she doesnt fit the evangelical look many have grown up with, but that's just Brenna. Her ministry focus is on providing resources for churches, ministries and individuals who are seeking to find God in the midst of difficult topics and hard conversations. Whether she's teaching at conferences, producing podcasts or writing, you will find Brenna inviting you to pursue Biblical truth with compassion and conviction. Brenna obtained her BA in Theology and Biblical Studies from Multnomah University in Portland, Oregon and has lived in the PNW her entire life. Her greatest joys are her two sons and her husband Austin. While she speaks on many topics, Brenna is especially passionate about God’s involvement in our pain and personal struggles including mental illness, same sex attraction and abuse. In this podcast conversation, Brenna shares her story about her journey with abuse, mental health challenges, questions around her sexuality, and how her hope in Christ has remained constant in the midst of many challenges.
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[@knowtounderstand]

Brenna, thank you so so much for sharing your story! I'm also a female believer that's same sex attracted that's gone through a season where I've struggled with suicide. Hearing how God's met you where you're at is so encouraging. Hearing I'm not alone and someone else has asked similar questions and faced similar issues and still trusting the Lord has just been wonderful 🤗❤️ Thank you

[@bunonmyhead]

This means so much, we are not alone! Thank you for taking the time to listen!!

[@davidpykare1775]

I loved this interview so much. Thank you Brenna for being so real. This is my prayer for our church. PS..I feel like I should donate when I see Dr. Sprinkle in a coat in his basement 👀👀

[@bunonmyhead]

@@davidpykare1775 Thank you, David! Praying that prayer with you.

[@missidljkingofkings9063]

Wow, thank you, Preston & Breanna. This is so brave of both of you and I truly enjoy this video. I am so encouraged 😭. I too struggle with same-sex attraction and low moods. Recently a church rejected the idea of me sharing my testimony in church, it is sad as so many people, young and old are battling with same-sex attraction. But, there is this stigma and shame surrounding this subject, and the church is still afraid to dive into this topic. Podcasts like this are very necessary for this generation. I am in theology school too and I too would love to have a family and kids one day. Same-sex attraction isn't immutable and I am praying that one day God will bless me with a husband and kids. Sometimes, I feel so discouraged by the circumstances and upset with the Lord 😭. I know being upset with the Lord is unjustified, but it's how I've felt. Breanna said something that encouraged me.. 'if you will not heal me, then will you be with me'!? 😭. The right relationship with God through Jesus Christ is my most prize possession, he has been so good to me, yet it's very hard sometimes.

[@justmorenoise]

Great content as usual but I really liked this one! Loved your guest and I was so incredibly blessed by what she shared. I really relate to the being a strong committed on fire Christian but also wanting to suicide. Everyday I struggle but everyday I try to live and follow Jesus too. But it’s painful. Thankyou so much for talking about this stuff. It makes me not feel so different, broken and alone.

[@westyso.cal.8842]

Preston, you really ought to consider inviting Chloe Cole onto your show for an interview. Her de-transition story is fascinating and helpful for the parents of kids who are struggling with the sin of the LGBT stuff.

[@kmeade5458]

Thank you Preston and Brenna! This coversation was great with some profound statements about Christ being present with us and our strugglings giving us the opportunity to know Him in a way that otherwise would not be possible. Side note, I love skulls as well and have been wanting a tattoo symbolizing dry bones coming to life for years ever since hearing Skeleton Bones by John Mark McMillan and the imagery it brought to mind.

[@bunonmyhead]

YES SKULLS!!! John Mark's music has played a significant role in my life as well, he writes so beautifully... He recorded an album here in the PNW and wildly enough I got to sing BGVs for one of his songs. Thanks for the kind words and for taking the time to listen!!

[@Christopher_Lind]

Brenna, I absolutely love your story and have so much respect for the journey you’ve been on the commitment you’ve held to Christ. While a different path, I can relate to your story. It took decades of waiting and trusting before God helped me be able to see that all the hardship and trauma in my own life was being used for not only my own good but the good of others.

[@bunonmyhead]

Christopher, that means a lot. Glad we are not alone!

[@thenkdshorts9485]

Preston, you are terrific as always. Brenna, you are amazing, and I am excited for your brilliant future impacting this world for the Lord. That said, I am shocked the word “deliverance” never came up in this interview. Most of us have encountered oppression and not even realized it, and it’s very obvious in Brenna’s case. For the love of God, please watch some Derek Prince or Isaiah Saldivar! Much love & God bless.

[@lisahooper7578]

Loved this.

[@jamieledbetter2690]

Hearing the story of Lazarus 49:25 and how suffering offers us walking with God with an intimacy that cannot be explained. If we accept and lean into His heart for us even when we are not healed in this world from our afflictions. I cannot tell you how timely your words and story are to my current life situation. walking through debilitating chronic illness and suffering with my child. We have had all the faith and prayers in the world believing and asking for full healing. why are prayers felt like they are unanswered and why a child suffering in this way. Your explanation was eye opening and helped me reframe our life circumstance into something that can be beautiful and life giving even in the uncertainty and suffering. Thank you for being brave and telling the truth about your same sex attraction and how God is using it bring others to Christ.

[@annlowry9841]

I'm just starting my sleeve at age 49....Dr. Sprinkle just call me a "try hard"?? 🤣😭. I actually waited until my parents passed away. That was the deal with my father...he didn't want to see my arms tattooed. Sadly he passed away quite young but here I am tattooing my entire right arm at age 45.

[@annlowry9841]

Oh gosh at 50:15 mark. Wow

[@Godisgracious85]

This thoroughly blessed my life with so much encouragement. Thank you❤