When Parenting Takes A Prodigal Turn

gregg34
Jan 7
7 min read

MEDIA CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Gregg Wooding

New book calls parents of prodigals to fight with love, prayer, and faith

CITY, State? (Jan. 7, 2026) -- The author of a new book for parents of prodigals never expected three words to redefine her family’s story: “Mom, I’m transgender.”

“If my life were a vase, that phone call sent it plummeting from a ten-story building—shattering on the pavement below, the pieces scattered so far I couldn’t imagine gathering them again,” said Debbie McNinch, author of The Battle Cry: Love Goes to War.

Written for parents whose hearts are breaking over children who have wandered from faith, truth, or home, The Battle Cry is rooted in Scripture – like Jeremiah 29:11 and Thessalonians 5:17 – offering a compassionate, faith-filled response to one of parenting’s most painful realities.

“Surely this was a mistake,” McNinch recalls thinking. “There was no way the Lord would ask a praying, Bible-believing parent to walk this road.” Yet her book speaks candidly to parents whose children exercise free will, form their own beliefs, and fall prey to the enemy’s purpose that feel both unfamiliar and frightening.

Rather than offering quick fixes or shallow answers, The Battle Cry: Love Goes to War reframes prodigal parenting as a spiritual battlefield—one where love, prayer, and faith become powerful weapons.

“Maybe you’ve sat in a courtroom listening as charges were read against your child,” McNinch said. “Or maybe you’re simply scared, confused, and wondering how God could possibly use this for good.”

Throughout the book, McNinch acknowledges the grief, fear, and exhaustion parents feel—while calling them away from striving in their own strength and toward intentional prayer, surrender, forgiveness, and trust in God’s redemptive power.

Each chapter encourages readers to choose hope over despair and faith over fear, reminding them that God is at work even when change is unseen.

The Battle Cry: Love Goes to War is recommended for individual reading, small groups, prayer circles, and church ministries supporting families in crisis. A companion discussion guide and additional resources are available.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Debra McNinch is the founder of BATTLECRY Moms and the author of The Battle Cry: Love Goes to War. Through writing, speaking, and prayer-focused ministry, she encourages parents to trust God in the hardest seasons of parenting. McNinch is dedicated to reminding families that no child is beyond God’s love or redemption.

MEDIA CONTACT

For interviews, review copies, or speaking inquiries, contact: Gregg Wooding, I AM PR 972-567-7660 / gregg@iampronline.com

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"There is an actual enemy after our kids, who comes for one purpose and one purpose only, " said Debra McNinch, author of "The Battle Cry" — "*There is an actual enemy after our kids, who comes for one purpose and one purpose only, " said Debra McNinch, author of "The Battle Cry"*

BIOGRAPHY

Debra McNinch is a wife, mom, speaker, first-time author, and the founder of the BATTLECRY Prayer Movement-a growing community of parents who are praying their prodigal children back home to Jesus.

She loves photography, working on her photo farm, and sharing life with Steve, her husband of 33 years, two sweet puppies: Poppy the Berne Doodle and Dodger the Miniature Schnauzer. She is also the faithful feeder of Butters, the neighborhood stray cat.

Debra's favorite things are Jesus, coffee, cupcakes, and glitter (in that order!). She collects vintage junk, anything sparkly, and more Sharpies than one person needs. She takes pride in learning a new skill each year and gets through life by leaning on God's Word-and a little humor. She especially loves when the two collide.

Born and raised in Winfield, Kansas, home to Bluegrass and Burger Station, Debra has moved nine times to six different states. Each move brought her closer to God and connected her with lifelong friends.

In Fall 2024, Debra released her first book with Cross River Media, sharing her family's story and how it led to a powerful prayer movement for prodigals. She writes and speaks to encourage parents to keep praying and keep believing-because prodigals are coming home.

BOOK SUMMARY

Battle Cry is a powerful guide for parents who find themselves on a difficult path, watching their prodigal children walk away from the faith they once embraced.

With compassion and a deep understanding, Debra McNinch shares her personal journey through the anguish of having a prodigal child. Her message is clear: freedom from guilt and the embrace of God's grace are within reach. Parents often carry the weight of shame and self-blame, feeling as though they've failed. But in Battle Cry, you will discover the path to peace begins with releasing that burden and trusting in God's unending love. Through Debra's story, readers will find comfort in knowing that they can move from a place of despair to one of renewed hope and faith.

In this book, you will discover:

A Daily Prayer Strategy: Develop a focused and effective prayer plan to surrender your prodigal into God's hands.
Freedom from Guilt: Release the heavy burden of shame and embrace the healing power of grace.
Strength in Community: Find your voice, share your story, and connect with others who understand your journey.
Renewed Hope: Experience the reassurance that God is still in control and that your prodigal's return is possible.

COMMUNITY

BattleCry is a community of parents, waiting and believing, for the return of their prodigals. “Under the motto “No One Ever Fights Alone,” it comprises moms and dads from around the world that believe in the power of prayer. Our community prays together, hopes together, and fights together! We refuse to let Satan have our children. If you need support on this prodigal journey, please join our community!

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING

"If you or someone you love has a prodigal child, you need this book. Debra takes an honest, humorous, and heartfelt approach to a very difficult subject. She brings us into the broken heart of a mom waging war on behalf of a child that has been led astray by the enemy of all our souls. What I love the most is the latter part where she shares such practical "battle plan" tactics for our own hearts and minds as we rise up to not just be momma bears, but God's army of light who will not rest until our kids are returned for the kingdom of God. Debra is a current day Esther who is using her voice to help all parents lead the charge against the enemy's spiritual attack against our children. It is a wonderful read and I recommend it to everyone I know that has a prodigal child or knows someone that does.”

“As I traveled each chapter with the author, I laughed, I cried, and I found a kindred spirit. Someone who understands my pain and grief, my struggles and shame, my doubts and fears, my hopes and dreams. I discovered that I was not alone in my desire to be faithful to God, to love my children, and not be torn between the two. I felt as if someone had peered into the recesses of my heart and mind and written a book about what they found there. I am determined to get out of the pit of self-pity and fight for my children. Sound the battle cry! Love goes to war!”

"I lived with the idea that the umbrella was not big enough. Oh, but how wrong that is. The umbrella is big enough. Space under the umbrella is not divided; it multiplies." ~ Debra McNinch Battle Cry a beautiful picture of God's love for us & for our kids. No matter how far we run, He's delighted to welcome us back home. Debra McNinch's writing is authentic, humorous, and compassionate- infused with inspiring faith.”

“Loved the way Debra McNinch gets me. The mom that loves God but is broken hearted and struggling to make sense of her adult children's choices. It is a book full of humor and hope. It is definitely an eye opener about how I view God, my children, and especially myself. Wow!”

“Battle Cry by Debra McNinch is nothing short of life-changing. From the very first page, Debbie's honesty, vulnerability, and faith shine through, making this book a powerful guide for anyone walking through the heartache of a prodigal child.”

“Her personal story resonated deeply with me, and her motto, NO ONE FIGHTS ALONE, is a message of hope and unity that every parent needs to hear. I love how she blends humor and raw emotion while pointing readers to God's unfailing grace. The practical tools, like the focused daily prayer plan, are invaluable, and her insights about letting go of shame and trusting God with our reality are lessons I'll carry forever.”

“This book is not just for parents of prodigals-it's for anyone needing encouragement to keep praying and trusting in God's promises. It reminded me that the battle belongs to the Lord and that no situation is beyond His redemption.”

“If you're looking for a book that will uplift your spirit, renew your faith, and give you hope, Battle Cry is a must-read. Thank you, Debbie, for your courage in sharing your journey and inspiring us all to believe that our prodigals are coming home!”