I grew up in a strict LDS household. It was my world, i knew nothing different. The promise of happiness kept me going, but inside I wasn’t happy.
After years of therapy and treatment for depression and other struggles, I began to wonder if I wasn’t good enough to reach the happiness that the church teaches will come with obedience. I stopped attending church about 8 years ago, but haven’t considered myself part of it for about 5 years. I was scared that there wouldn’t be happiness without the church.
I slowly began discovering who I was as an individual. I learned that my happiness doesn’t come from following a church. I began to discover and follow my own values. Some match up with the church, and some don’t. I discovered that who I am is much more than someone who needs to go to church, read scriptures, and obey commandments–I am Rebecca! I am good, powerful, strong, and honest–and that IS enough.
“To whom shall you go?” That’s easy–anywhere! I am free to choose where I want to go. Life is good. I am good. And I am finally happy!
Rebecca in Salt Lake City
These are stories of health and happiness outside the Mormon church.
The Simple Life
At the age of 9 I was baptized into the Mormon Church with the rest of my family after having met with missionaries. I was an on again off again member for a while until 2001 when my family and I were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple. From there I was a fully...
Those who wander are not always lost
In response to "where will you go?" I say, "those who wander are not always lost," and there is "joy in the journey." The first part is a popular quote from J.R.R. Tolkien, the second part is from the 1998 EFY theme and together they sum up what my spiritual journey...
I can finally enjoy life
I left the LDS church 7 years ago. In that time I have become my genuine self, made lasting and beautiful friendships with people who love me unconditionally, gotten married to the love of my life, and had a gorgeous and healthy child. I don't judge others as harshly...
Towards Love, Authenticity, and a Genuine Daily Life
10 years ago as a gay, newly divorced father of four and former Mormon, where I would go and what I would do was indeed the looming question. A lifetime of seminary, sunday school, priesthood, mission, BYU and church leadership had me imagining myself at best as a...
I will find happiness
The Mormon church has been apart of my family for generations and I would say it is still a part of my culture. I learned a lot of things from being an active member, a bishop’s daughter, and a youth leader. I learned to how to be confident speaking in front of a...
Losing my religion wasn’t the end
The Mormon faith has always been a strong influence in my life and upbringing. However at a young age, I chose to become inactive. I was a very confused young adult with a lot of questions. The answer I was given: to pray... which I did but I still felt very unsure...