Why I left the Church and decided to come back | with Jensen
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- Опубликовано: 10 сен 2024
- We are so inspired by the words and example of Jensen, our new friend and inspiration! Jensen had been a member of the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as the LDS Church) but slowly found herself distancing from the Church. She came to a point of feeling the necessity to remove her name from the church, meaning that she would no longer be a member of the Church and would need to be re-baptized if she decided to rejoin. After a series of difficult experiences, Jensen felt a pull back to church and decided to go one Sunday. Her experience was equal parts scary and spiritual! Watch the episode to hear how Jensen found her way back to the Church!
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I was excommunicated in 99 for almost 10 years and in 2008, God helped me find my way back. I’ve seen both sides of the fence. There’s a huge difference. Stay close to God. Trust me.
Same here. But my excommunication was 8 years or so. And have more of a deep appreciation for the Gospel and the lds church.
So glad you are back. Thank you for sharing. Your unique experiences need to be made known and shared so we can all learn and grow together.
Just wanted to add another perspective here:
I left the religion about 12 years ago due to me digging into Joseph Smith’s history and discovering some truly shocking things about the man. Since then, I’ve become a more honest person. I feel like my mind has never been more free and open to the mysteries of the universe. It’s an incredible feeling-stronger than I ever had when I was an active member.
I’m sorry you had bad experiences on the outside. Just know there are many who live great lives after leaving.
I left for about 8 years in 2010 so we came back around the same time. Leaving was the worst decision. Coming back was the best! Keep having faith! :)
@@harryhenderson2479 I appreciate your perspective Harry. Many know of claims made against Joseph Smith. Are you speaking of polygamy? If so then that has been known about Joseph since the 1800's. I don't know if anything else that is nearly as shocking. And each person decides where to go from there and which narrative to invest in. Those that consider him a prophet and those that do not. I consider myself honest and I believe Joseph was a prophet of God. And the main reason is because of the Spirit and the witness it continually gives to anyone who seeks those answers in prayer. So my experience concerning him have had the opposite effect on me. So I just wanted to offer an alternate point of view than yours. I respect you for your conclusions. But my position is no less credible than yours. And if Joseph was a prophet then negative arguments about him were in error.
Welcome back! I came back after 16 years and am so much stronger today then when I left.
That's awesome! We'd love to learn more about your journey, DM us on our Instagram!
BEAU, glad you are happy. PEACE🙏
Living by the standards of the Church of Jesus Christ is hard but not living them is even harder. I left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was a teen. The world's idea of happiness and freedom is anything but.
Well said 👏
So true
I notice so much of the time we say “the church and it’s standards”, yet, these are Jesus Christ’s standards which the church abides by. Direct commandments and revelation’s of Jesus Christ. The rest of peoples issues are possibly more culture related. If we remember we’re abiding by the standards of Jesus Christ I wonder if we would stop placing blame for things on the church.
"Everything that was hard would have been so much easier". LOVE THAT
Jensen's conversion and repentance back to the church is a wonderful example of how there is no end to the eternal blessings of the atonement of Jesus Christ and his love for each one of us individually.
"You're never too far gone!" Thank you, Jensen for your story. Please stay strong. Satan will attempt to get you to leave again. You made the absolute right decision by coming back to the Church. I testify to you and anyone who is reading that Jesus is real and the Church is true.
"Satan's temptations" are more than likely just a person's intuition telling them that the LDS church is not good or not working (for that individual).
The "feeling or need" to go back is just the guilt and shame that members have been indoctrinated and conditioned to feel for not aligning themselves with the herd.
@@alesso_me Satan's ;biggest lie is convincing people he doesn't exist.
The feeling or need to go back to Church is not guilt. Its called wanting to repent. Something I suggest you do instead of being condescending to those who have.
@holidayrap If that is true, then mormon God must be Satan because there is absolutely no evidence he exists and billions around the world are convinced he does not exist.
@@alesso_me Firstly there is God/Heavenly Father. Not "mormon god".
And there are billions of planets and creations of God in the universe that testify he does exist.
@holidayrap There are hundreds if not thousands of deities around the world. There is nothing to suggest that the specific one you worship is any more real than the others. So yes, we have to specify which one we're talking about, in this case, Mormon God
Also, the fact that the universe exists is not proof of a God.
Awesome! Thank you Jensen for sharing your story of returning to the Church after having your records removed. I can tell by the light in your eye and countenance that you are genuinely good and super-inspiring person. Thank you for sharing your testimony. There are many such as yourself who are returning! We are seeing it with young adults in our own ward -
I enjoyed Jensen's conversion story. I really appreciate the way Sabrina and Jackson interact with all of their guests. They are humble and not judgemental. All three of you have strengthened my testimony. Thank you.
Thanks for watching, DW!
The quote about going through your own gethsemane hit me hard. I went through it, and survived. Now stronger than ever.
We each have our own to go through!
Love to hear this story. Thank you for amplifying her voice in the church.
Thank you! We love to share stories like these.
I needed to hear this story, I have been inactive for 2 in a half years until last November. I wasn't attending to be inactive but I was a high risk of Covid and I moved to another state. I am currently back and active but I am the only active member in my family.
I left a year ago but it’s been weighing on my heart to go back
It's never too late to seek the path that brings you peace and fulfillment. It takes courage to listen to your heart and consider returning, and I admire you for considering that possibility. Take your time, perhaps try taking some baby steps, consider your feelings as you do so, and know that you're always welcome. Our community is here to support and uplift you on your spiritual journey ☺
Come back! We love, need and miss you.
I had my name removed from the Church not because I no longer believed in its truth and teachings. I made the decision to stop the struggle and fight I was having within myself and be true to myself. I was given a chance to come back if I denied myself and continue my struggle but I knew myself and I couldn’t be the ideal Latter-daySaint that they would hope I could be. I know there’s not perfect people or the ideal person or family throughout the Church but I had to be true to myself as painful as it can be and be a hypocrite or give the persona that I, though not perfect, can fit in with everyone there. I know you’re going to say that we’re not perfect and we’re all sinners but you may never understand where I’m coming from and how it feels to be me and my envy of others in the Church that have what it takes to be a “true” Latter-day Saint”.
Heavenly Father loves you. Your true self is his child.
Love the story. I understand and my story was a lot longer in returning to the gospel.
YOU ARD BACK, that's what's important.
Many many thanks for sharing your conversion story. God bless you and all your loved ones ❤️
I was almost excommunicated, because of my choices. Being disfellowshipped was about as bad, if not just as worse, as being excommunicated.
Being disfellowshipped and staying active was excruciating. Because I couldn't participate in anything.
Being on the outside looking in, knowing you could be there with them, is one thing.
But being on the inside and not being able to do anything, is like being seated at a feast, and not allowed to eat.
And who’s preventing you from eating? Some old coot in a suit with a superiority complex
After our first son died I had multiple events happen that seemed like such a heavy burden on me that it seemed like I was in a vice that only grew tighter and tighter till I cracked. I developed severe anxiety and experienced panic attacks until it became painful disorder and then I developed severe depression. My soul seemed to die with debilitating grief and sorrow which only worsened by the poor actions of a Bishop, his counselor who both later became a stake president and high council member. My job became a burden with unkind and thoughtless coworkers constantly stabbing me in the back. Family members at times said some very hurtful things and so I found no solace even at church. I no longer felt the Spirit for about ten years. I felt like I wasn't a member because my soul was sick and felt dead. Excommunicated, disfellowshipped, or not I wonder if none of us can escape severe trials that seem to rock our world at some point. I guess we are to come to know extremes: extreme sorry and pain vs incredible joys so that we might have experience. So many in the world suffer without God and freedom and prosperity and are burdened by their government, culture, and environment. It's so hard sometimes but doesn't last forever. I believe it's true that God can turn all this misery for our good.
David, I'm glad you are back. I'm so sorry for your struggles. We need you. The church needs your story.
@@anichols2760 sorry for what you have been through. But it is true. We need to experience bitter to appreciate the sweet.
In 2021 my Dad and I were diagnosed with COVID-19 Delta Variant, with Double Pneumonia. But my Dad didn't make it.
When I was experiencing this event, I remembered feelings are choices. You do have feelings, but you can control them. So I chose to focus on getting and feeling better. Choose the better feelings you want to have in your life.
Obviously consult with you doctor first.
While I was in the hospital they did have me on antidepressants, but I choose to feel how I felt when I was on the antidepressants, so I could wean myself off those horrible meds. Please note. Not recommend without doctor supervision.
Put your name in the Temple too.
We learn from our mistakes and then you can reach down and pull others up...
Where MUCH IS GIVEN, MUCH IS REQUIRED. But SO WORTH IT!
Thank you, thank you for this video. You have no idea how appreciative I am for your story and for your willingness to share your experience. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed Jensen's story!
I forever thank our ETERNAL PARENT'S, for your Podcast. Please beloved Bro's & Sis's, I'm begging you, keep up the good works.
Love how Jackson's just casually repping the Chosen. :)
Timely video for me personally. Thanks.
Glad the video was helpful 😊
I, love this woman(Jensen).
She, is SO human.
I, do not care if, she had 26 that's, I thinks she is great.
She is the kind of Mormon I like.
She is, REAL& not judgemental.
I have had similar prob. to hers.
HA, minus the tats.
I, am soooo tired of judgemental
Latter- DAY SAINTS& BAPTISTS&
Cof CHRist& Penn. to name a few.
that think they are way HOLY&
better than most.
N. O. T...
May you live a 1,000 years!!!!!!!!
Everyone who ever left the Church will eventually regret having done so.
No matter the excuses they make to the contrary. You can't turn your back on the gospel and not feel the effects.
Kudos to those who have seen the light, humbled themselves and come back.
@@joeoleary9010 Christ only organized one Church, the rest are man made. It tells me that MANY people will ultimately be humbled.
@@jamesoneil1388 but they aren't Christ's Church so it's a moot point.
Everyone??😂
@@rickyricky4738 Well, it just depends on what level you wish to achieve in heaven. Your choice -- make it a good one.
@@jamesoneil1388 Christ only organized one Church. The rest are man made. People just can't seem to grasp that.
Love how people remove comments because they can't handle the truth.
I respect her experience, but feel I need to remind everyone that overwhelming anxiety/depression is experienced just as much within the church as outside the church. Don't fall for the line that your life will fall apart if you leave - or people are more sinful without the church. It is possible yes, but I know plenty of people within the church who's life has fallen apart as well. If the church works for you great, but don't make life harder for people who are stepping away in order to catch a breath. Treat them with kindness just because they exist, not because of what religious beliefs they currently hold. For me personally, I had to read the Synoptic Gospels to find what to me seems like the real Jesus, and authentic inspiration/peace/joy/spirit. Some find that within the church I suppose. For me however, what Jesus emphasized most inspires me most (compassion, humility, love others AS self, not being aggressive/violent, caring for the least of these, etc). That inspires me so much more than what church leaders emphasize most (covenants, temple worship, not criticizing the leaders, theology, etc). Not that church leaders are completely void of compassion, I'm just talking about what I see emphasized most in church vs Synoptic Gospels. Maybe just me.
thanks for sharing 🙏
Thanks for watching!
I never realized that the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS taught that you could be baptized more than once. Now I’m wondering what they believe baptism actually does.
Baptism generates Membership too so when one has their membership removed the Baptism becomes null and void so if you return to the Church and desire membership then you must be Baptized again
So I’m guessing you want a slightly technical theological answer. So like Catholics and unlike most Protestants LDS do believe in baptismal regeneration, baptism isn’t just a sign of faith but it does cause a form of spiritual rebirth. However LDS do not hold to a doctrine of original sin unlike Catholics and many Protestants. So baptism remits sins but not original sin. Also baptism in an LDS context functions as a covenant to follow Christ “mourn with those that mourn, comfort those that stand in need of comfort”. So in this way baptism is a necessary covenant with Christ (which can be broken) and a sanctifying act.
I agree with all that was said regarding baptism but the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints also believes that baptism is the gate to the path back to God and we believe there is no other way back but through that gate as a starting point which ultimately leads to eternal life or in other words living again in the presence of God. The Book of Mormon speaks of this. I recommend reading 2Nephi chapter 31 in the book of Mormon and it will shed light and understanding on this topic.
This is apparently another practice in contradiction to the vast majority of Christiandom. Most Christian denominations understand baptism to be a one and done sacrament. You are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection. Doing it again would be seen as sacrilege, like saying the promises of Christ in the sacrament just “didn’t take” the first time. I accept the idea that the LDS Church may be the only Church with the authority to baptize, that’s a logical conclusion of the Great Apostasy. But multi baptism is contrary to the nature of the sacrament as presented in the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
@@TheMerryMuggle maybe you misunderstood. If someone is no longer a member then their old baptism is null and void. I understand it may seem weird to someone who thinks it should only be done once no matter what, but this is the theological belief of the LDS church. I see no problem with it. In fact it makes total sense to me.
Thanks for sharing your story!!
Very cool with an amazing story! Thank you Jensen for sharing your experience. I love it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Back in black,it's been so long I'm glad to be back
Thank you for sharing!
Wonderful example to hear about!
Welcome back, sister!
I have never left the Church. I never will because where would I go if I did ? 🤔
This is something a victim in an abusive relationship would say.
The church has conditioned it's members to have a dependency on them (whether that be spiritual, emotional, or mental, it can vary).
Members have the capacity to thrive in all those aspects without the need of a corporate business (the lds church) over their head. It just takes time and effort to break down the indoctrinated mindset.
@@alesso_me 😂😂😂
i went to the store on a sunday… in normal underwear!! 😂😂😂😂
I have lunch with my wife out on the town and with several members of my church body on Sundays. It’s great to be able to fellowship.
@@creb2429 and this is usually the response of the person being abused.
At one point she says something interesting about her relatives. Her family tried to love her, but they were not able to. I think Heavenly Father works exactly the same. He cannot love you when you are living in sin. He wants to, but he cannot when you are blocking him out.
This is what Jesus teaches in John 14:21-24. Satan twists this doctrine and puts the blame on the people trying to love, "You're not loving them enough!".
Love your chosen shirt!
Wonderful testimony!
did you re baptized again?
❤❤❤❤❤
If church members could be as kind to those leaving, as they are to those coming back, there would be much less reason to leave.
I agree that you should be kind to everyone but it's very difficult to respond positively when those who have left, want validation for breaking commandments. Being kind is quite different then agreeing with wrong actions, and in most cases that's what those people who leave the path are looking for, validation for their wrong decisions.
@@eleanorbrace2324 I guess I was just thinking about how members tend to assume someone is sinful, weak, lazy if they step away from the church. (I've heard this rhetoric from top leaders, so I can't really blame the members). Not very nice, and often not true. But you do make a good point, that sometimes the sinful part is accurate. Not always for sure, but sometimes. What kind of wrong decisions do you have in mind though? Drinking coffee, or something that is more harmful/risky/inconsiderate of others?
You don't have to be sinful to leave, you might just be so tired mentally that you think you can't go on and get spiritually weak and begin to believe everyone you hear who has begin to find fault with leaders or with church history, etc. We
are ALL just humans trying to make it back HOME When that happens, rather then to ask for a blessing or just take time away from the problems or say more prayers and ask for help from our Heavenly Father, we tend to get upset because we cannot do it ourselves.
We cannot run faster then we are able. That's when we need to rely on HIM more.
Then we tend to announce that we will leave the church rather than admit that we need help. It is then easier to start staying away from church and finding fault with it.
Then Satan (LAUGHS).
then Satan can say....
Another one bites the dust. Each of us needs to go to the Temple more...pray more, have a blessing and HANG ON FOR DEAR LIFE.
The Lord has absolutely promised to help, and HE DOESN'T LIE. His very nature and character is to tell the truth. This is meant with the greatest of love. Sometimes I hold on from the tips of my fingers and TRUST Him.
@@eleanorbrace2324 Can't argue with you, this may be your experience. And you're not the only one I'm sure. I've had a bit different experience though. The mental tiredness you speak of is relatable. For me it though, it was more than tiredness, it was the fatigue of living in fear and confusion. The toll it took on me was unbearable. There are many ways I could try to put things in a nutshell, to give you a sense of what I'm talking about - but this example may work: I remember being terrified and confused reading of Jesus killing cities full of families in America, just after praying FOR his enemies in Jerusalem. That's a very dramatic example, but I think it pretty well encapsulates what was injuring my soul. Can you see how that would be terrifying and confusing to me for the first few decades of my life? At the time I couldn't think, "Well, these are prophets speaking their best but -not-perfect understanding of God. Jesus is the one who knew and illustrated God best". That just wasn't an available thought in my head. I had to trust the religious leader 100% - trust and obey what they said 100%. That formula had to work for me to have hope of happiness; and if I wasn't happy, it just meant I needed to trust and obey the authorities more - period. I had to be ok with the rational of "Those people in all those cities were so wicked, it was right to destroy them" - there was no other option. But that did not solve the terror and confusion for me. The terror and confusion continued, because of course the babies weren't so wicked it was right to destroy them. Of course not! And this is really serious stuff, that relates to decency, morality, what God is really like, why would I want to be like that kind of a God, etc. Anyway, I don't mean to argue about anything, or say my perception is the correct one. I'm just trying to communicate the darkness/fear I lived with. Eventually my health failed to the point I needed hospitalization. Then I really started to look for something that I could hold to - something that would really improve my life. Long story short, I read the Synoptic Gospels and found Jesus to save my soul. His emphasis and example of mercy/healing/compassion/never injuring or killing anyone/love others AS self/etc. This actually works for me and brings me inspiration, and all the good stuff church leaders always insisted I could only find within the church. But I didn't find it within the church, I found it with Jesus. It took years of careful and tremulous steps to distance myself from the church, because of such deeply indoctrinated church fear, but I've made it this far. Now, I do still go to sacrament meeting to sit by my son for various reasons, when I say distance from the church it's more of a psychological distance where my psyche is safer and healthier. For inspiration/guidance/peace/wholeness keep reading the Synoptic Gospels and wonder more and more why what Jesus taught and demonstrated while he was speaking with his own voice, is not enough to bring heaven on earth. Why is that not enough? And the key is what he emphasized most. When you read the Synoptic Gospels, what do you see Jesus emphasizing most? And why is that not enough? He lived at one with the Father, and led us to be one with them - now. It didn't seem Jesus endured to the end of a miserable life in order to be with God again after death - But rather, it seems he lived WITH God during his life. He had a good life, full of purpose and meaning, helping people, bringing truth to set the captive free etc. Of course the last couple days of his life was miserable, but that wasn't his whole life. At church the focus is not on Jesus' life and teachings during his ministry. The focus is elsewhere. Am I making any sense? Can you relate at all? I'm guessing you haven't come across my experience before. Church authorities certainly never talk about people with my experience. Does it sound like I'm really weird, and there's not likely many in my situation, so you can pass it off as too odd to think about much? Just wondering
When I joined the church a wise member gave me some advice I’ll never forget. “Do it for the gospel, not for the people”, he said. With that in my mind, all these years, it does not matter what members do or do not do to me. I’m not there because of them. I’m there because of Jesus and because I believe the church is true. Of course, it’s much nicer to be at church when everyone is actually Christ-like towards one another, like they should be. But I also keep in mind that 100% of church members are imperfect and we’re all at different stages along the path. Just my two cents.
Just here for the peeps that are in limbo.
It sucks, and sometimes you may feel like you’ll lose your family if you leave. But it’s much harder to live a lie. My only regret was not leaving sooner.
Hey look at that, I haven't pulled mine either.
Yet.
I wonder if she felt bad outside the religion because of her indoctrination.
It can certainly be difficult to leave the religion due to the emotionally abusive relationship it can cause.
yet you're watching?
@@1zcott I do watch as I like to stay up-to-date on everything Mormonism. I do it hoping the leaders will make some sweeping changes for me to come back. I know it’s unlikely, but I won’t give up hope.
Loved it.. these stories help strengthen my faith and testimony of my Savior. Thanks for sharing
Glad to hear it! It's always uplifting to see how the Savior and His gospel brings comfort and guidance to people's lives. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts.