Julie Wood lives in North Carolina with her husband, and two daughters. She works in the Human Services field, serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Julie is a lifelong United Methodist and the daughter of a United Methodist Minister. Julie has a passion and commitment, as a mother and ally, to facilitating justice in our churches and society for individuals who are LGBTQ.
Julie’s newly published book, Changing the Message: Cruelty to persons who are gay is incompatible with Christian teaching, shares their family’s heart-breaking journey of navigating the loss of their son, Ben Wood, who died from suicide after experiencing the catastrophic impact of bad interpretation of theology and rigid misapplication of principles of faith regarding his sexual identity. This journey, interwoven into a family narrative involving mental health and adoption, speaks to the importance of authenticity, grief and community. Although a narrative wrenched from the tragedy of Ben’s death, the author’s writing recounts how hope developed as her family learned new ways to thrive and educate others on the importance of ensuring each individual is a masterpiece of divine creation worthy of celebration.
Enjoy this one-hour Living Well where Julie shares the story of her son as well as for her family who are now spreading a message of acceptance, love, and inclusion.
