"I’ve spent a good part of my life writing songs and sharing them with others. In recent years I’ve discovered joy in writing and speaking about my own spiritual growth and transformation—and I believe the process can be as beautiful as the finish.”
Love Makes Room is the story of how my heart and faith grew in many ways after our daughter came out as gay.
As a Christian musician and speaker, I spent my entire adult life attending and ministering in evangelical churches. When our daughter came out, I grappled with questions about my child and about my faith, and experienced firsthand how lonely and isolating that can be. In the months and years that followed, I learned to make room for many new things:
• a different future than I imagined for my daughter and for myself
• a broader, more informed understanding of what it meant for her to be gay
• questions, uncertainty and awkward conversations
• the beauty and diversity of LGBTQ+ people
• a more expansive faith
Your story gave me hope is the common refrain I hear from LGBTQ+ young people and parents who read my book. My goal in writing it and sharing about it is to foster more compassionate, nuanced conversations among parents, church leaders, teachers, counselors, and LGBTQ+ youth.
"These pages are not trying to win any arguments, but are a beautiful opening to many important conversations."
-Sara Groves, Songwriter and Recording Artist
"The story of Staci Frenes's quest for a more expansive expression of love will help you make room in your heart for others, too. It's that simple. It's that difficult. It's that profound."
-Jonathan Merritt, award-winning author of "Learning to Speak God from Scratch"
“flourish” is a conversational, inspiring collection of stories and insights about how to cultivate a life in which our unique gifts and talents find their full expression. It contains stories of people from all along the creative spectrum—from homemakers to professional artists—who use their talents in generous and life-giving ways.
"Whether you are a creator, a parent, an activist, or you are harboring your own ambition for a fuller life, this book will help you discover God’s calling for you to flourish.”
-Rich Stearns
Former president of World Vision US and author of Unfinished and The Hole in Our Gospel
“flourish is a gentle call to listen to the still small voice that tells us to do, to make, to sing, to write, because we are and we matter.”
-Jason Gray, Singer/songwriter
Speaking topics
love makes room
Staci shares the story of her teenage daughter coming out as gay with candor, honesty, humor, and wisdom. She helps listeners see the ways in which coming to terms with having a gay daughter was both a challenge and an invitation to make room for many things: the inevitability of uncertainty, hope in the midst of loss, awkward and tough conversations, an expanding faith, and a greater understanding of God’s love.
flourish
Based on the themes of her book, Flourish: Cultivate Creativity, Sow Beauty, Live In Color Staci speaks on how to uncover our distinct areas of giftedness; how to develop and nurture them with passion and discipline; and how to find joy and purpose in sharing them with others. At the heart of this topic is Staci’s deep desire to encourage others to cultivate a life in which their gifts find their full expression.
prepare him room
Staci explores the Gospel of Luke's account of the first Christmas, beginning with the ways in which Mary and Elizabeth said “Yes” to God’s divine interruption. She encourages us through their stories—and examples from her own life—to prepare room for what God wants to do in us and through us. This message also includes music from Staci’s Christmas CD, Wise Men and Angels.
testimonials
“There is a longing in us to tap into all that God has created us to be. Staci has a genuine way of engaging with that longing, compelling us to truly flourish and courageously pursue what God has created us to do. She took time to understand the needs of our women, and tailored her message to meet us where we were.”
Sheryl Brisbane, Women’s Ministry Director, Cornerstone Church San Francisco, CA
Staci has a winsome style of weaving her music, personal stories, and the biblical narrative into a rich and compelling invitation to follow where Jesus is leading. As gifted as she is, there is a humility and accessibility about her style that puts you at ease and makes you want to go along.
Mary Graves Pastor, Trinity Presbyterian Church Menlo Park, CA
Staci Frenes offers a beautiful blend of song and testimony. Her music is inspirational and enjoyed by all ages. Working with Staci is always a pleasure. She is a welcomed guest artist/speaker any time here!
Jan Edwards Director of Ministry, Chino Valley Community Church