When I was first kicked out of BYU, I was terrified. I had mentally left the church over the course of the past year, but as an 18 year- old who was still very dependent on his Mormon parents, I was worried I might starve to death if they found out. The next fall, I transferred to a secular school. I started living on my own, paying my own bills, making my own rules, and living my own life.
Now, less than four years later, I’m graduating with honors. I have a job I enjoy, I am in a healthy, committed relationship with a non- religious woman who I love dearly, I play music (now uncensored) in a band with people I care about, and, most importantly, I can finally be honest with myself and those around me. I even have a good relationship with my parents again, who are still in the church.
If you are young and worried about leaving the comfort of the church community, know that it’s possible- even without God’s help.
Cole in OR
These are stories of health and happiness outside the Mormon church.
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...
Freedom and Actual Happiness
After being raised Mormon, going on a mission and marrying a Mormon, I gathered the courage to leave it about two and a half years ago. Though consequently it resulted in a divorce, I have never been happier. I am now free to live, think and feel how I want to. I live...
Losing My Life and Finding It
“Where will you go?” long before these words were uttered from the pulpit, I had them written in my heart, and they were terrifying to me. The youngest child of an extremely devout, conservative LDS family, the Church was my reality. I never missed Sunday School or...
Oh hey, it’s me.
I have nothing but fond experiences growing up in the church. I grew up in a family that loves the church deeply. I was so grateful for it! It wasn't until after I got married in the temple at 19, that certain things didn't feel as right or at home like they had used...
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine
The world is richer and fuller than you can possibly imagine. Culture, food, and whatever you feel you need to experience it is yours and no one elses. Go out of your comfort zone. Leaving has opened a whole possibility and discovery of beauty you will miss if you...
I will go where the Spirit Leads
I was ushered out of the church 30 some odd years ago when I came out at Ricks (BYU Idaho). I wasn't ex'd, I was just no longer Mormon. I floundered for a very long time, because back then there wasn't a network as there is now. Over the years I have found love and...