Friday, August 15, 2014

When the Levee Breaks


"The levees holding back the doubts of thousands of Mormons are starting to burst." In my latest Rational Faiths post, I talk about the gravity of faith transitions and the support and peace that can be found as we heal our wounded and rebuild in the flood plains. This post is a great reference for anyone who has gone through a faith crisis or transition, whose spouse is, or who is simply in need of resources to help a friend.

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Being Courted Out of Mormonism; The Big Tent is Shrinking

 "This is the big tent of Mormonism and Kate Kelly and John Dehlin are holding the hammers and stakes to extend the tent further. I realized today that the church is much more invested in protecting its authoritarian control than to make room for those who are seeking to expand the walls of Mormonism. Today is the day I realized that the institution of Mormonism is unrecognizable to me."

Six months ago, I was the first woman in the world to report being extended an invitation for an official disciplinary court for supporting OW. In this post, I tell that story and how it began a friendship with John Dehlin and Kate Kelly, who are currently being summoned for respective Courts of Love for apostasy.

http://rationalfaiths.com/courted-out-of-mormonism/

Something that I really loved about this post was this comment left over at rational faiths. Many mormons question my motives and dislike what I write about. I want them to know that THIS is why I write:
"Hope you don’t mind me sharing. I have been reading and following many of the articles and comments by you, Mr. Volluz, and Mr. Barker for a little more than half a year now. I was a member of the church that could no longer reconcile what I truly felt, with what was going on and what was being taught. I did not know how to find the strength or faith to remain a part, and advocate for change from within. Largely because of the insight, compassion, and wit the three of you bloggers have shown I started to develop hope. Started to consider that maybe the choice I had made is wrong, and I could be a part of it and advocate for change from within.

I recently started attending church services again. Something I haven’t done in about 8 years. I have often wanted to contact any of you 3, just to ask questions, but never knew how to, and never raised the courage to make the attempt, because I was afraid you guys would do something crazy like say even more stuff that made complete sense, and then I’d have to act on it and give faith another shot. Much like the work of Ms. Kelly, and Mr. Dehlin, you guys here at rationalfaiths have helped revive something inside me I believed was long dead and buried. Faith, and hope. It saddens me greatly to see what is happening right now, but also makes me firmly believe that a drastic time for change is quickly approaching. Perhaps now is the time to stand together. Perhaps the people are the instrument the Lord is trying to use to bring forth change. I don’t know where things will go from here, but wherever they do I just want to thank you for your articles, and helping restore some hope for me personally. And thank Mr. Volluz, and Mr. Barker as well for the same."



Friday, May 16, 2014

Mormon adults are treated like children and vice versa

"...There is definitely wisdom in the adages of "not casting pearls before swine" or "no meat before milk", but when it comes to complicated topics in mormonism, the church chooses to hold off on serving "meat" completely if at all possible...." --- In this month's post, I wonder why the Mormon church treats adults like children and children like adults.
http://rationalfaiths.com/mormon-adult-children/

Friday, April 18, 2014

Perspective on Peter

In my Easter weekend essay for Rational Faiths, I examine the story of Peter's life and offer possible faithful reasons for Peter's denial of Christ and how we can apply this in our own lives when choosing how to view people who aren't acting the way you'd expect a true believer to act.
When it comes to standing by Christ when it mattered, have you always viewed Peter as one who failed or as one who succeeded?
 http://rationalfaiths.com/perspective-on-peter/

Friday, March 21, 2014

"Why Aren't the Women Included?"

"Why Aren't the Women Included?"

I was amazed when I first read this incredibly candid, honest interview with former 1st Counselor of the General Relief Society Presidency Chieko Okazaki about the struggles she faced being a woman in a leadership position in the church. It's seriously the best thing I've ever read by a General Women's Auxiliary leader.I am so happy to have had this opportunity to share her story and insight!

For instance, when she was presented with the finished Proclamation to the Family in 1995, her response was as follows:
"Sometimes I think they get so busy that they forget that we are there."

If even a member of the General Relief Society Presidency has felt left out of the important discussions and meetings, what does that mean for women in the church as a whole?

http://rationalfaiths.com/why-arent-the-women-included/

Friday, February 21, 2014

When it Comes to Equality, What Side of History Are You On?

Here's my first Rational Faiths essay, published on February 21, 2014.

"I grew up thinking that with a handful of scripture references and General Conference talks in my pocket, I could always feel 'right' about hard issues. After allowing myself to truly listen to people and face the facts, I realized that there are multiple ways to be on the Lord's side.
In this post, I share the stories, struggles, and statistical data that led me from being homophobic to becoming an LGBT ally.
Where do you stand on LGBT equality and why?"


 When it Comes to Equality, What Side of History Are You On?
http://rationalfaiths.com/equality-which-side/

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Permablogger at Rational Faiths

I was asked to join the team of permabloggers at RationalFaiths.com

I will be writing the 3rd Friday of every month. I'll post links to my posts from here in case anyone who follows here would like to keep up on my big posts over there.