In this episode, Jeff and Jourdan sit down with someone very special — Jourdan's dad, Buddy Burks. At 70 years old, Buddy is living proof that it's never too late to keep growing, keep learning, and keep showing up for the people you love.

Buddy grew up in Pensacola, Florida, shaped by a Southern Baptist upbringing and a world where certain conversations simply didn't happen. But somewhere along the way, he decided that wasn't good enough. He started asking hard questions, examining what he'd been taught, and choosing people over positions.

In this honest and moving conversation, Buddy shares what it was like to learn about Jeff's story, how he chose grace over judgment, why he kept their secret in confidence for years, and what he would say to any father navigating something hard in their family right now.

In this episode:

• How Buddy's upbringing shaped his worldview — and how he began to challenge it

• The moment he found out about Jeff and what he did with it

• What it looks like to take yourself out of it and make it about them

• Why he still sends emails to his kids asking how he can be better

• What he would say to someone who is struggling and doesn't know where to turn

"It has to be about them. Not about you. As soon as you can take yourself out of it — that's when you can actually help." — Buddy Burks

In this episode of Open Spaces, we continue our parenting series with author, speaker, and ministry leader Laurie Krieg.

Laurie shares her powerful story of finding her identity in Christ after years of wrestling with same-sex attraction, and explains how that journey has shaped her passion for helping parents navigate conversations about sexuality, gender, and faith.

Together, we discuss how parents can move from fear to confidence, create a culture of honest conversation, and help their children understand God’s design for sexuality through the lens of the gospel.

We also tackle some of the most common questions parents ask:

When should I start talking to my kids about sexuality?

How do I respond when my child notices a same-sex couple?

What if my child is questioning their gender?

How can I teach God’s design without creating shame?

What do I do if my adult child identifies as LGBTQ?

Throughout the conversation, Laurie reminds us that our ultimate goal is not behavior management, but discipleship. As parents, we have the opportunity to become the trusted voices who help our children interpret the world around them with truth, grace, and confidence in Jesus.

In This Episode

Laurie’s personal story of faith, same-sex attraction, and redemption

Why fear often keeps parents from talking about sexuality

The importance of creating a home where questions are welcomed

How to introduce conversations about LGBTQ topics in age-appropriate ways

The “What, Why, How” framework for discussing difficult topics with kids

Why parents should be the first voice speaking into issues of sexuality and identity

Understanding the difference between same-sex attraction and gender dysphoria

Helping children understand God’s design for marriage and sexuality

Why many parents unintentionally idolize marriage

Teaching kids that their purpose is bigger than marriage and family

Raising children to “push back the darkness and usher in the light”

Navigating relationships with adult children who identify as LGBTQ

Resources Mentioned:

Raising Wise Kids in a Sexually Broken World (https://amzn.to/4unXGEk)

Center for Faith, Sexuality & Gender⁠ (https://centerforfaith.com)

Christian Sexuality Series⁠ (https://centerforfaith.com/christian-sexuality-raising-kids/)

If this episode encouraged you, share it with another parent, subscribe to Open Spaces, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue creating conversations that bring hope, healing, and the gospel into life’s hardest spaces.

In this episode, Jeff and Jourdan open up about the challenges and blessings of sharing their personal story of struggle and faith with their children. Their honest journey offers practical insights for parents seeking to foster transparency, trust, and spiritual growth within their families.

Key Topics:

• The importance of vulnerability and authenticity in family communication

• Timing and emotional readiness for discussing a sensitive past

• Creating a family culture of openness and continuous conversation

• The role of prayer and spiritual discernment in sharing personal stories

• Navigating children’s questions with age-appropriate honesty

• The significance of community and prayer support during difficult conversations

• Normalizing struggles to help children trust and relate to parents

• The long-term impact of honesty on family trust and legacy

• Practical steps for walking through this process (prayer, awareness, normalization)

• How sharing personal stories aligns with God's mission for the family

Connect with Jeff and Jourdan:

• Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/open.spaces.podcast)

• Website (https://theopenspacescollective.com)