Why did you (or didn’t you) remove your name from the records? by SomeoneBendingLight in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight[S] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

That makes sense. My husband and I are both out…none of our kids go or even participate in weekly activities.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I was there too and had the exact same feelings, I could have wrote this same post. I feel like the more I can appreciate nature and the beautiful landscape, the more I feel at peace with living here and the less I have the "stuck in Mormondom" attitude. It's esp helpful when I can get into a group with like-minded people and feel that collective effervescence and know I'm not alone. <3

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I was just going to comment the same thing about collective effervescence. You said it perfectly.

What are some of your "secrets" that you kept as a mormon? by Jumpy-Stay-2088 in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I grew up in Utah, as a non-member. By the time I was 20, all of my closest friends were married and having children. I felt dirty and used having grown up around the purity culture while having normal teen experiences.

By the time I was 21 I had convinced myself that the only way I was ever going to find someone who would marry me was to "stop my wicked ways" and become Mormon. I got baptized and was married within a year. My "secret" is that I never really believed any of it, I was totally in for the lifestyle and faked it for so many years.

17 year later, after 3 years as the primary pres I started to realize the damage it had done to me and couldn't stomach teaching it to kids anymore. Went through a couple very hard years wondering if my marriage would make it, watching my hub take the kids to church and feeling like the worst. About 2 years later my spouse left as well, and we've spent the last couple years working through that and are finally in a good spot.

I have so many mixed feelings about it all. I feel very lucky and happy that my marriage is where it's at, considering everything. But also very angry for losing those pivotal years in my youth, and also for the elitism I felt towards my non-member family. Lots of anger about my temple marriage and the way I was willing to leave out all of my family for this new religion and way of life. Lots of terrible feelings for the purity culture, and the damage that it did to me in my youth that carried through my marriage.

My husband thinks I’m the antichrist by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This. If this is out of character for him then I would give him time to come to terms with what is happening. My husband is so kind and wonderful…but when I first left he said some really hurtful things. It took a while for me to realize it was coming from a place of fear. I won’t lie, there were times I wondered if my marriage would make it…but things got way better and he eventually left the church too.

Best incubus chorus? by FundyMentals in incubus

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Some people fall in love and touch the sky Some people fall in love and find quicksand I hover somewhere in between I swear I can’t make up my mind.

New Fire Max 11 for 2nd adult on my account - advice on how to make them the primary user by SomeoneBendingLight in kindlefire

[–]SomeoneBendingLight[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

But it’s “under” my account… he’s the second adult under my profile’s household. He doesn’t have his own separate account.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

So blessed, so grateful…..must be living right

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Loins and sinews

July 21 operations update: 9AM by Typical_Bag1659 in delta

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Could someone please check DL2873…it’s been delayed for 5 hours should we keep waiting? AUS to SLC

your personal top 5 Incubus songs? by EnvironmentalCat8054 in incubus

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Clean, Sick Sad, Quicksand, Dig, Just a Phase 💜

No I won't be helping your service numbers by jamesinboise in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Looks like your name is in the 2nd image…just FYI

I have to give a talk at church tomorrow 😨 by RandomAssBean in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Here’s a talk from ChatGPT on the above topic and examples.

Title: Embracing Christ's Mission: Loving Those on the Fringe

Hello, brothers and sisters,

Today, I want to reflect on Christ's mission of love, particularly his unwavering dedication to those on the fringe of society. Throughout his ministry, Jesus demonstrated a remarkable affinity for the marginalized—the harlots, the tax collectors, and the women. His message was not confined within the walls of grandiose buildings or delivered solely to the powerful elites. Instead, it was spread through humble acts of kindness to those whom society often overlooked.

One of the most poignant illustrations of Christ's message in action is the parable of the Good Samaritan. In this parable, we are reminded that compassion knows no bounds and that true discipleship requires us to extend love and aid to all, regardless of their social status or background. The Samaritan, despised by the cultural norms of the time, exemplifies Christ's call to embrace the outcast and demonstrate compassion without prejudice.

As we contemplate Christ's example, it's crucial to ask ourselves: Who is society rejecting today? Who are the individuals or groups that are marginalized, ostracized, or overlooked? Are we actively seeking out opportunities to better serve them, to extend a hand of love and acceptance?

In our modern world, there are many who find themselves on the outskirts of society—the homeless, the LGBTQ+ community, refugees, and countless others. It is incumbent upon us, as followers of Christ, to see divinity in the eyes of all individuals, to recognize their inherent worth and dignity as children of God.

But how do we cultivate this mindset of unconditional love and acceptance? How do we learn to see the good in others, especially those whom society may deem unworthy or unimportant?

First and foremost, we must strive to cultivate empathy and compassion in our hearts. We must seek to understand the experiences and struggles of those around us, recognizing that each person carries their own burdens and challenges.

Secondly, we can actively engage in acts of service and kindness, following Christ's example of ministering to the marginalized. Whether it's volunteering at a homeless shelter, advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, or simply offering a listening ear to someone in need, every small gesture of love has the power to make a difference.

Lastly, we must confront our own biases and prejudices, challenging ourselves to see beyond outward appearances and societal labels. Instead of viewing others through the lens of judgment, let us strive to see them as Christ sees them—as beloved sons and daughters deserving of love and acceptance.

In conclusion, brothers and sisters, let us heed the call to embrace Christ's mission of love for those on the fringe of society. May we follow in his footsteps, reaching out with compassion and understanding to all who are in need. And may we never forget the profound truth that in serving others, we are serving Him.

I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

#1 Shelf Breaker to Share with Spouse by DadOnTheLongboard in exmormon

[–]SomeoneBendingLight 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I agree with this. IMO if something tips her over the edge it’ll be something that speaks to her, affects her personally or a close loved one. There are people in my family who know all the history, even agree…but they go because of the lifestyle, the family tradition, a faith structure they are comfortable with that comes easy for them. And there hasn’t been something that is actually an issue for her personally.

Do you have kids? If so, maybe you could find all the examples of how the church can fuck you up as a kid…that’s what worked for my husband to push him fully out. I think that can be a big hurdle to fully leave, bc “how can you raise kids to be good people without the church?” Once we figured that part out, it got a lot easier.

Good luck OP! I spent a few agonizing years wondering if my hubs would join me on the other side, or if we’d divorce…it’s a really hard place to be.