On my knees in the damp earth, I prayed that God would show me a sign that the Mormon Church was true. Silence. Nothing. Emptiness inside me. I stood up and whispered out loud, “I’m not a Mormon anymore” to the pale blue sky above me.
Welcome to “Heretic Survivor: From Mormon to Me,” a space where we explore the complexities of navigating life beyond the confines of Mormonism. I’m Lyn Smith Gregory, and I’m excited and honored to share my journey with you.
Discover how the enforcement of relentless optimism in high control religious settings suppresses genuine emotions, particularly for women. This blog delves into the harmful effects of toxic positivity and offers actionable steps for those struggling to express their true feelings. Explore strategies to validate emotions, seek professional help, and create supportive environments that honor all aspects of emotional experience.
When I left the Mormon faith at 19, I traded certainty for an unsettling void. I had to strip away indoctrination and discover who I was at my core, what I believed in, and how I wanted to exist in the world. This journey involved understanding my core beliefs, recognizing my inner critic, and exploring new activities to find my true self.
Uncover the signs that indicate whether a high control organization or religion is a cult. This comprehensive guide outlines the critical warning signs, including absolute authority, isolation, exploitation, and intimidation. Equip yourself with the knowledge to recognize and navigate these environments, ensuring the safety and well-being of yourself and your loved ones.
How was I going to go grocery shopping today? I looked at my little yellow post-it list. Did we really need eggs? I felt defeated before I stepped out of the house, overwhelmed by a sense of sadness and hopelessness, and it wasn’t yet 10 am.
Anyone recognizing this scenario knows how debilitating depression can be. Draining, exhausting, paralyzing, always on the verge of tears.
I decided to leave the Mormon Church at the tender age of nineteen, an inevitable result of discovering the truth about Joseph Smith, The Book of Mormon’s origins, and the early history of the LDS faith after much research. Ironically, I was researching the Church to defend it against an atheist professor who had challenged me in class.