She's a great example of trusting in the Lord and her husband is an amazing example of Christlike love. Light cleaveth unto light. Thank you for sharing.
Wow, I am so impressed by all the kind comments. Where are all the trolls? This is refreshing, so many online communities are becoming helpful and kind.
Powerful! We need to hear more of these honest struggles so that we can gain better understanding and live with And offer more compassion. Thank you for sharing.
You're amazing ! I go through the same challenges and I'm married and have a daughter and how blessed I am that the lord has stood by me and given me the strength to choose to be with my husband .
WOW!!! This is truly beautiful!!!!!! You can see and feel the beauty and power and light of her story! Not was I was expecting, but REAL and beautiful!!! This is one of the best video stories I've ever seen, heard, and FELT on the internet, EVER!
eckhard hensel now that is the best way i have heard somebody word this. whether it is God or there will call it internal moral compass, either way those promptings are very important.
Laurie, you are an amazing woman, and I can honestly say that you bring love and light and hope to so many people's lives; your faith is tremendous, even in the face of the challenges in your life. I don't know if you think it, but you are a magnificent example, and I'm really grateful for your courage and your bravery to share your story to the world. Thank you! We all pray for the Lord's blessings in your life!
This is so amazing. With the help and love, and mercy of Jesus Christ we can all overcome the heart wrenching struggles of this generation. There are so many.
I was meant to be here and see this video. Thank you Lord for the light you have always held up for me in my life, a lot of which has followed this route too. God bless this amazing family xxx
That "oneness" is what it's all about. Powerful testimony of the Lord's ability to lead, teach, heal and guide us into seeing things the way He does - the perfect way. Thank you for sharing that, Laurie. :)
I am an active, 7th generation Latter-day Saint and I would consider it an honor to have this woman as my friend. Why? Because she is honest and incredibly courageous. God bless you and your family. The Church is true.
I learned of Laurie's story when I read "Born That Way", under the pen name of Erin Eldridge. I still learned more facets through this video. She's one of a strong handful of church members who are such an inspiration for those of us who have a non-hetereosexual orientation. There's many of us out there- me, I have same and opposite sex attractions, I'm married to a wife with similar, and our eldest child deals with that, but more strongly, gender dysphoria. It's not easy in a world that has very loud and strong voices against staying with Christ's restored church, and keeping to the principles we know in our spirits we know to be right.
You have so much going on and are still faithful. Honor that as Christ does. "Non-heterosexual lives" can be so challenging in and outside of the Church. It sounds like you'r doing well in a tough environment. The lord continues to lead us along. The following can be like we're drowning in a rough sea and are reaching for his hand without losing our grip.
What incredible faith to put God first. I like how you said that even though you followed Him it was tough. There is no short cut to salvation and happiness. I am grateful that you shared your story.
What an amazing story ❤️ about hope, love, and acceptance. Thank you Laurie, for being vulnerable enough to share your life with us and how God can and will be an active part in it.
But I wont tell you who I am but If your still with your wife just ask her who cleaned with your grandma at Williamsburg and cleaned her and who took clogging with her and the girls name is the same name as your sis in law if you find out don't post but then you will know who this is
No one can judge a person for what they have felt for only they have felt it and experienced it. If she is happy, who are we or anyone to question it. We only have to answer to one person and that is our father in heaven.
So moving. Your sharing this will help many. Prayers for the Lord's help in your continuing to overcome the world and being an eternal family. Love and hugs!
What a beautiful story and how blessed you are to have found such a loving and accepting man who loves you so unconditionally. When we keep it real we heal.
I clicked on this video by chance and feel on the verge of tears. It mirrors my own story in many ways - drug addiction, same sex and gender issues, and now finding my way back to God. God bless Laurie and I hope she is still prospering today.
Laurie, I had no idea of your struggles when we were in the singles ward. Your faith and strength inspire me to keep trying . Thank you for sharing your story.
That's a nice comment. Thank you. You made the comment a year ago. Now that I'm home with the Corono virus, I have time to do things I've been meaning to do for years.
Oh wow! I had tears in my eyes during and after watching this awesome lady allowing us to get an insight into her past. Praise God in Jesus name, that His influence through the Holy Spirit, gave her direction with the help of a bishop. Bless you Laurie, your family, and those along the way that God has used in your journey.
YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! What a tremendous tender mercy YOU are! You are blessing so many lives. My heart is full. You gave me a great morning. Thank you!!!
Thank you so very much for sharing your story. Your faith and the faith of your husband and son inspires me to work harder in my own trials. Thank you.
Thanks for making these videos. People need to see these to know that there are others out there who have faced these tough issues and come out on the other side. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
What a great video! I struggle with similar issues and I think it's great that Laurie found a sympathetic bishop and friends in the church who were not judgmental. I long to find that.
Hi there- we're glad to hear this video helped you. You can watch more videos like it and learn more about the topic at www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/gay/. You are loved and known by our Heavenly Parents, and you are loved and needed at church! Take care.
Wow. Such incredible faith. She said it felt like Christ was holding up a tiny candle, yet she had faith enough to follow that tiny candle and take action and make huge life changes based on that small flicker. How incredible.
Thank you for sharing your story! Many folks reverse the first and other commandments. I salute you putting your respect for YOUR Heavenly Father first and oh how wonderful it sounded when you felt one with your future spouse. wow
Thank you Laurie for sharing your story! You are so brave and noble choosing God and His plan of happiness for you! Hearing you tell how your husband loves you unconditionally brought tears to my eyes and helps me be full of pure love like he is. You are such an amazing daughter of God!
The world and it's ideas get mighty upset when you follow and carve out your own path. You are so gifted and so unique. It's a love story, that God gave you such an amazing spouse, wow. And you have children! You have been added upon
This is probably the best example of using agency I have ever heard. There will always be feelings pulling us certain ways that feel good for different reasons. But there comes a time when you just have to test what you have heard about God. I had a similar but MUCH less extreme situation. Before my mission I felt nothing about a mission. Maybe just anxiety. I heard so many people get answers about missions and feel so great when they got their call. I felt nothing. I got not answers. Though I didn't feel, I had learned that is what God wants all young men to do if they can. So I tested it. And now I know what it feels like to choose God, just because you trust. Not for any feeling.
Heavenly Father has a plan for us. Sometimes our journey has significant challenges and pains; everything happening to shape us into stronger and more resilient members. I'm so happy to have heard her journey.
Honestly, no matter what the world says, it isn’t all about sexual/romantic attraction, although it’s nice when it’s there. It’s that ‘oneness’ you were describing. Never forget how strong you are!
Oh my gosh I love this woman. I started watching this video and had no idea what it was about based on the title. She is so amazing. So honest and totally authentic. She's definitely the kind of person I would be friends with. My favorite mormon vid.
I was watching your video and decided to read comments and saw that I had commented a year ago and you had replied. Little did I know how different my life would be one year later. My husband passed from cancer, and I've had to hold on and trust. Your video still inspires me. Thanks again for having the courage to share your story. Hope you are well.
This is amazing. Put tears in my eyes. You know, I will never understand where these people come from because I'm straight but I want to try my best to understand. It's hard too! Imagine if it's hard for me to get how much harder it is for them. I don't even know where to start doing research or who to talk to because you have people in the world who advocate just "doing what makes you happy" which usually means just going with the flow but that's not always what God wants. Then you have people in church like this woman, which I know exist, but like, I don't know any and everyone's experiences are so different and... Where do I start? I feel like it's important to know about this topic even if you're not gay because these days it seems so relevant. I wanna be in the loop but I wanna know what I'm talking about. Does that make sense?
May God bless this woman. What a brave human being. I'm just now coming back to church after a 23 year hiatus. I needed this.
Rosa,
God will bless you so much for choosing to come back into his arms. I think of you as being brave too.
-Nate
She's a great example of trusting in the Lord and her husband is an amazing example of Christlike love. Light cleaveth unto light. Thank you for sharing.
Such an inspiring story. Thank you
Aq
Wow, I am so impressed by all the kind comments. Where are all the trolls? This is refreshing, so many online communities are becoming helpful and kind.
Powerful! We need to hear more of these honest struggles so that we can gain better understanding and live with And offer more compassion. Thank you for sharing.
So true! Well put
The honesty/authenticity of this story is so inspiring and instructive. Thank you Laurie.
You're amazing ! I go through the same challenges and I'm married and have a daughter and how blessed I am that the lord has stood by me and given me the strength to choose to be with my husband .
I think a lot of people are going through this but have never been so honest. This is lifted my spirits.
Oh my. this was BEAUTIFUL
❤💙❤
..."but now, what I thought was truth before for me was not the whole truth."
Our personal truth might not be the real truth.
Thank you Laurie for sharing your story of hope and love.
Our personal truth is opinion. There is one truth. The rest is just opinion.
"It's going to be challenging no matter what, and just trust where the Lord's gonna take us." Life changing truths to live by!
I am always surprised by how tough the challenges continue to be. And how different in many ways, and similar in other ways.
WOW!!! This is truly beautiful!!!!!! You can see and feel the beauty and power and light of her story! Not was I was expecting, but REAL and beautiful!!! This is one of the best video stories I've ever seen, heard, and FELT on the internet, EVER!
this shows that God provides a way when we listen to his promptings. thanks for sharing.
eckhard hensel
now that is the best way i have heard somebody word this.
whether it is God or there will call it internal moral compass, either way those promptings are very important.
I don't know how many times I have watched this. I stopped counting. Laurie. Thank you.
I love this video. You answered my prayer today with this video. Thanks for sharing your story.
Laurie, you are an amazing woman, and I can honestly say that you bring love and light and hope to so many people's lives; your faith is tremendous, even in the face of the challenges in your life. I don't know if you think it, but you are a magnificent example, and I'm really grateful for your courage and your bravery to share your story to the world. Thank you! We all pray for the Lord's blessings in your life!
Thank you for sharing!! God’s plan is always better than our own. May God continue to strengthen you and your family.
What a beautiful, candid, and realistic story of this woman's struggle. Thank you.
That has to be so very difficult. Her faith is so paramount and strong. Love her story. So grateful for her testimony and light.
Amazing! She and her husband are both so amazing!
This is so amazing. With the help and love, and mercy of Jesus Christ we can all overcome the heart wrenching struggles of this generation. There are so many.
What a beautiful story. The Lord is SO good
I was meant to be here and see this video. Thank you Lord for the light you have always held up for me in my life, a lot of which has followed this route too. God bless this amazing family xxx
That "oneness" is what it's all about. Powerful testimony of the Lord's ability to lead, teach, heal and guide us into seeing things the way He does - the perfect way. Thank you for sharing that, Laurie. :)
I love my cousin Dallas and his wife Laurie! Wow, so much strength in going through life together.
I am an active, 7th generation Latter-day Saint and I would consider it an honor to have this woman as my friend. Why? Because she is honest and incredibly courageous. God bless you and your family.
The Church is true.
Thank you for your kind reply.
I learned of Laurie's story when I read "Born That Way", under the pen name of Erin Eldridge. I still learned more facets through this video. She's one of a strong handful of church members who are such an inspiration for those of us who have a non-hetereosexual orientation. There's many of us out there- me, I have same and opposite sex attractions, I'm married to a wife with similar, and our eldest child deals with that, but more strongly, gender dysphoria. It's not easy in a world that has very loud and strong voices against staying with Christ's restored church, and keeping to the principles we know in our spirits we know to be right.
You have so much going on and are still faithful. Honor that as Christ does. "Non-heterosexual lives" can be so challenging in and outside of the Church. It sounds like you'r doing well in a tough environment. The lord continues to lead us along. The following can be like we're drowning in a rough sea and are reaching for his hand without losing our grip.
I am genuinely so impressed by you and your family. 🌺
Beautiful comment. Thank you!
This makes me happy such a positive story and it has a positive response. This is a perfect the story of conversion unto Christ.
This is beautiful! Laurie, your strength and faith is beyond comprehension to me! And your husband... Proof there are truly good humans among us.
What incredible faith to put God first. I like how you said that even though you followed Him it was tough. There is no short cut to salvation and happiness. I am grateful that you shared your story.
Thank you so much for sharing your story!!!! SO MANY PEOPLE NEEDED THIS!!!!! AND STILL DO!!!
What an amazing story ❤️ about hope, love, and acceptance. Thank you Laurie, for being vulnerable enough to share your life with us and how God can and will be an active part in it.
What a beautiful story of faith. I'm grateful for your courage to share it with us.
Beautiful story. thank you for being willing to share!
What a great example of reliance on the Savior, thank you SO much for sharing your story and for your Faith!
Hi Ryan I have a fake name on here but I went to hs with you hope your wife kay dawn and everyone is good and you
But I wont tell you who I am but If your still with your wife just ask her who cleaned with your grandma at Williamsburg and cleaned her and who took clogging with her and the girls name is the same name as your sis in law if you find out don't post but then you will know who this is
Her grandma and not yours
Yep I love it
Beautiful!!!! So grateful for truth and light shining through!!!! I connect so much with this!!!
Thank you Laurie and Thank Heavenly Father. You are such a wonder woman....!
Thanks for the like :)
Deeply Treasure what you have shared - we all have a role in the journey to be a light for others - thank you for shining yours!
Wow, unbelievable to walk away from love. Such courage. Thank you for your story.
No one can judge a person for what they have felt for only they have felt it and experienced it. If she is happy, who are we or anyone to question it. We only have to answer to one person and that is our father in heaven.
Wonderful story...I am so happy that she has found so much joy.
So moving. Your sharing this will help many. Prayers for the Lord's help in your continuing to overcome the world and being an eternal family. Love and hugs!
What a beautiful story and how blessed you are to have found such a loving and accepting man who loves you so unconditionally. When we keep it real we heal.
I so agree with her thoughts on the labelling thing
I clicked on this video by chance and feel on the verge of tears. It mirrors my own story in many ways - drug addiction, same sex and gender issues, and now finding my way back to God. God bless Laurie and I hope she is still prospering today.
I’m still doing quite well. Thank you.
Laurie, I had no idea of your struggles when we were in the singles ward. Your faith and strength inspire me to keep trying . Thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Donna L. And I'm trying to figure out who Donna L is. My brain power is limited (and there's some truth to that :)
And yes, it did take me 8 months to reply.
What a beautiful story. The Lord is so mercyful and allways wants to bless us😊
That's a nice comment. Thank you. You made the comment a year ago. Now that I'm home with the Corono virus, I have time to do things I've been meaning to do for years.
Thank you so much, I can't tell you how much I needed to hear this...thank you❤
Oh wow! I had tears in my eyes during and after watching this awesome lady allowing us to get an insight into her past. Praise God in Jesus name, that His influence through the Holy Spirit, gave her direction with the help of a bishop. Bless you Laurie, your family, and those along the way that God has used in your journey.
YOU ARE INCREDIBLE!
What a tremendous tender mercy YOU are!
You are blessing so many lives. My heart is full. You gave me a great morning. Thank you!!!
Thank you so very much for sharing your story. Your faith and the faith of your husband and son inspires me to work harder in my own trials. Thank you.
Thanks for being so truthful. I hope we can all continue to follow the Lord even even it is hare and there is still a lot to question.
💕 This!! I want to hear more stories like this!!!
Thanks for making these videos. People need to see these to know that there are others out there who have faced these tough issues and come out on the other side. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Wow, what an amazing story!
Thanks for sharing your story.
What a great video! I struggle with similar issues and I think it's great that Laurie found a sympathetic bishop and friends in the church who were not judgmental. I long to find that.
Hi there- we're glad to hear this video helped you. You can watch more videos like it and learn more about the topic at www.churchofjesuschrist.org/topics/gay/. You are loved and known by our Heavenly Parents, and you are loved and needed at church! Take care.
Yes, a bishop and good friends made so much of a difference for me.
Thank you for sharing your story Laurie. Thank you.
Wow. So much faith! Thank you!
I appreciate your story. I thank you for putting yourself out there. This will help others.
Wow. What incredible faith in Jesus Christ you have.
Wow. Such incredible faith. She said it felt like Christ was holding up a tiny candle, yet she had faith enough to follow that tiny candle and take action and make huge life changes based on that small flicker. How incredible.
excellent. thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story! Many folks reverse the first and other commandments. I salute you putting your respect for YOUR Heavenly Father first and oh how wonderful it sounded when you felt one with your future spouse. wow
Love you Laurie!
What an amazing woman!!!!!!!
Strong woman in Christ!😇
In Christ always.
Thank you Laurie for sharing your story! You are so brave and noble choosing God and His plan of happiness for you! Hearing you tell how your husband loves you unconditionally brought tears to my eyes and helps me be full of pure love like he is. You are such an amazing daughter of God!
The world and it's ideas get mighty upset when you follow and carve out your own path. You are so gifted and so unique. It's a love story, that God gave you such an amazing spouse, wow. And you have children! You have been added upon
Thank you for sharing your story!
There's so much talk of the strong woman nowadays here's an example of strength. This is awesome!
Thank you for your bravery in sharing your story. It is a beautiful story of hope.
That’s such a honest testimony and I know god is never wrong
You're right. God is never wrong.
Such a great story.
What an amazingly strong woman.
I Love this!!!...
This is probably the best example of using agency I have ever heard. There will always be feelings pulling us certain ways that feel good for different reasons. But there comes a time when you just have to test what you have heard about God.
I had a similar but MUCH less extreme situation. Before my mission I felt nothing about a mission. Maybe just anxiety. I heard so many people get answers about missions and feel so great when they got their call. I felt nothing. I got not answers. Though I didn't feel, I had learned that is what God wants all young men to do if they can. So I tested it. And now I know what it feels like to choose God, just because you trust. Not for any feeling.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience, Hayden.
This is such a special story. It's really awesome to see her example of faith and feel the love she has for God. Miracles are real, aren't they?
Thank you for being so honest and real. And you did get the pot of gold at the end of the Rainbow.
Heavenly Father has a plan for us. Sometimes our journey has significant challenges and pains; everything happening to shape us into stronger and more resilient members. I'm so happy to have heard her journey.
Wonderful, heartbreaking, heart-healing story! I wish you all the best!
What a beautiful woman! Thanks for sharing your story! The Lord meets each of us where we are. He is with us through ALL of it. :))
You are amazing! Thank you so much for your story.
Beautiful story!!
Honestly, no matter what the world says, it isn’t all about sexual/romantic attraction, although it’s nice when it’s there. It’s that ‘oneness’ you were describing. Never forget how strong you are!
I hope this finds you well to those that need to hear this! Very powerful, Thank you for sharing 💜
One- this was really brave to put out there. Two- it is so timely. Three- it was soooo raw, honest and beautiful. I loved it. Thx
Thank you for sharing this story
Thank you for sharing your beautiful testimony.
Oh my gosh I love this woman. I started watching this video and had no idea what it was about based on the title. She is so amazing. So honest and totally authentic. She's definitely the kind of person I would be friends with. My favorite mormon vid.
Thanks for sharing. Felt real.
Oh, thank you for sharing. My heart is touched.
Thanks for this powerful and wonderful story. Amazing and beautiful.
Agency is a great friend and a huge challenge, to be sure.
I love your story! Thank you for sharing!
She is the kind of person I would love to be friends with. What a cool woman!
That was seriously amazing! Thank you for sharing ❤️❤️❤️
She found her best friend how wonderful
that is a really beautiful story!
Amazing story.
Thanks.
I was watching your video and decided to read comments and saw that I had commented a year ago and you had replied. Little did I know how different my life would be one year later. My husband passed from cancer, and I've had to hold on and trust. Your video still inspires me. Thanks again for having the courage to share your story. Hope you are well.
This is amazing. Put tears in my eyes. You know, I will never understand where these people come from because I'm straight but I want to try my best to understand. It's hard too! Imagine if it's hard for me to get how much harder it is for them. I don't even know where to start doing research or who to talk to because you have people in the world who advocate just "doing what makes you happy" which usually means just going with the flow but that's not always what God wants. Then you have people in church like this woman, which I know exist, but like, I don't know any and everyone's experiences are so different and... Where do I start? I feel like it's important to know about this topic even if you're not gay because these days it seems so relevant. I wanna be in the loop but I wanna know what I'm talking about. Does that make sense?
I think we can relate to wanting our own will verses accepting the Lord's. Maybe start with that😀
My husband loves me like this when no one else ever has.
So beautiful!