The story of a parent's transition and a son's redemption | Paula Stone and Jonathan Williams

Paula Stone Williams knew from a young age that she was transgender. But as she became a parent and prominent evangelical pastor, she feared that coming out would mean losing everything. In this moving, deeply personal talk, Paula and her son Jonathan Williams share what Paula's transition meant for their family -- and reflect on their path to redemption. As Jonathan says: "I cannot ask my father to be anything other than her true self."

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[megamimindandbody]

Grandpaula - this really tickled me. What a beautiful talk.

[Zhirea]

When Paula said that when a family member transitions the whole family transitions, it was a lightbulb moment for me.

Of course! Everyone’s reborn after a transition, be it a gender transition, a financial one or any other type.

Waking up knowing your world has shifted is hard, but extending grace and understanding will pull you through.

Thank you both ❤

[simplymerry]

I bet that the ones who disliked this beuatiful video weren't able to see all the pure emotions within their talk ..

[Carriedabout]

Oh this talk, its amazing that this exists in the universe and I hope that so many people see it and I hope there are many more grandpaula’s to come!

[alicepalermo]

Paula, the way you look at your son cannot be described in words. Your family bond is beautiful. This whole talk was beautiful! Congratulations to you both - so inspiring!

[phyllissnook]

I wanted to know...you are so very interesting and quite informative; I am glad I found a straightforward, yet quite comical, and very sensitive video; thank you Paula! God Bless you always....

[Gancanna]

Paula raised her son well and, in turn, he raised his own children well. So beautiful!

[eugenio]

Paula never fails to bring a tear to my eyes. she is so brave, her son was brave. her story is a story of courage and authenticity

[aishwariyasweety]

Find yourself someone the way Paula looks at her son.

[raeperonneau]

❤️ What a lovely piece. Jonathan... you are a special son! You are the expression of God’s love! Unconditional!

[marciethomas]

I hope someday my daughter will see me that way also.

[GrowWildOutdoors]

Honestly I can't imagine how terrifying getting on stage as the opposite of who you've been your whole life must be.

[Tb]

The way she looks at him makes my heart melt ❤

[ellenjampole]

Mets fan...preparing me for life's big disappointments. Amen. What a wonderful talk by Paula & Jonathan. 💙💜

[LukeDeBoer]

You are an inspiration, Paula! Thank you.

[mimih]

My heart is so full. This is so beautiful.

[plantpun]

This was really sweet, and both are amazing speakers. Thanks for sharing this talk!

[Qykutopaloglu]

This video is powerful and inspirational. They reminded me a word of Oscar Wilde "To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance." We may change this statement a little as "To love oneself and others as truly they are is the beginning of a lifelong romance."

[beanybigguns]

I could listen to them all day. Amazing family ❤

[beverlyanne]

Paula and her son are such an inspiration to me as a Christian transgender woman. I, too, felt the call to authenticity to be a sacred calling. After hitting rock bottom emotionally, I put my trust in something higher, conquered depression and suicidal thoughts, found true happiness, grew closer to God, gained more friends of the best kind, started a new career, and became more involved in helping others at the margins of society. In short, living an abundant life as God intended for all of us. This is a wonderful testimony that totally resonates with me!