We begin our Parenting series with a tribute to Jeff and Jourdan’s mothers. They take the opportunity with Mother’s Day approaching, to honor the women who instilled love and belief into them. They talk about what each meant to themselves and to each other.

Both women held a quiet but confident faith and generously poured love into their children and so many others. This episode is not only a tribute but a call to love simply and fully. Be sure to reach out to the moms and women who have shaped you this Mother’s Day!

Content Warning: This episode includes sensitive discussion around childhood abuse and suicide. Please listen with care and discretion.

In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, we sit down with Jason Mellard, founder of Own Your Identity — a ministry helping men around the world navigate same-sex attraction without allowing attractions to define who they are.

Jason’s message is clear: attractions are experiences, not declarations. Identity is not found in feelings, but in Christ and the purpose God has called us to walk in.

Jason opens up about his own story, including growing up in a home marked by abuse, the deep internal struggles that followed, and the pain of watching his father wrestle with similar struggles while making drastically different life choices. Through it all, Jason shares how God met him, healed him, and gave him a new vision for life rooted in truth, courage, and purpose.

This conversation is for anyone who has ever felt trapped by labels, shame, secrecy, confusion, or unwanted desires—and for those who want hope that transformation is possible.

• Why attractions don’t have to define identity
• How trauma can shape desire, fear, and confusion
• Breaking generational cycles and choosing a different path
• Finding healing from shame and secrecy
• Living with purpose instead of self-condemnation
• Helping men walk in truth, clarity, and courage

Jason is a certified coach and founder of Own Your Identity, where he helps men experiencing same-sex attraction move toward healing, clarity, brotherhood, and identity in Christ. His mission is to empower men to live lives of purpose and possibility.

Website: Own Your Identity
SSAquiz.com

Coaching inquiries: workwithme@jasonmellard.com

Podcast + Resources available through his website

If this episode encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone, would you subscribe and stay connected with us?

Visit Open Spaces Podcast at openspacespodcast.com for episodes, updates, and ways to support the mission.

In this powerful conversation, Jeff and Jourdan sit down with Rita Springer for an honest and deeply moving discussion about identity, intimacy with God, disappointment, dependency, fear, singleness, and learning how to keep trusting the Lord when life does not turn out the way you thought it would.

Rita shares from her own story with remarkable vulnerability, opening up about unanswered prayers, seasons of pain, the wrestle of carrying promises, and the way God continues to meet her in both heartbreak and hope. Together, they talk about what it means to lean on God instead of becoming dependent on other people or things, how identity is constantly under attack, and why peace in God can matter even more than getting the answer you were hoping for.

This episode is for anyone walking through confusion, disappointment, grief, same-sex attraction, unanswered prayers, or the tension of trying to stay faithful when the road feels long. Rita’s wisdom, honesty, and love for Jesus make this conversation one that will strengthen your faith and remind you that you are deeply loved by God.

In this episode, we talk about:

Identity and the battle for freedom

Dependency on God vs. codependency

Singleness, longing, and carrying promises

Disappointment, fear, and trusting God’s timing

Intimacy with the Lord in seasons of pain

Why peace can matter more than immediate answers

The love of God that meets us in the wilderness

Follow along with Rita on Instagram and the Worship is My Weapon podcast!