We are sharing another faith transition this week as part of our self empowerment series. We are so excited to introduce you to Madi.

Shelby and Madi were room mates in college, just as Madi was returning home from her mission. She was born in Provo into a very religious family. Her father is a BYU professor, and she has all sisters who have also exited the religion. Madi was very invested in the LDS church. She was baptized, served a mission, worked in the temple, and was married in the Provo temple.

She takes us right into her mission where she discovered critical information about her mental health. She describes for us the shame and negative narrative she learned in the church culture. We jump into a conversation discussing the premise and ideologies of the religion including polygamy, following the counsel of the prophet, as well as the effect of the patriarchy on the minds of young women and how that created a "not good enough" effect.

One of the most important messages Madi shares is that those who leave the church do not need your pity or worry. There is peace and joy outside of the LDS church, and they do not hold a monopoly on spirituality. She is fresh in her exit from the religion and is still deconstructing and finding her footing on spirituality. She is helping us learn to put words to some of our experiences in this culture. Even if we are not perfect, it's worth trying to share and connect with honesty in our experiences. We are so honored that Madi shares her story and thoughts with us. It is vulnerable and real. We hope you enjoy this conversation as we meander through her experiences and breaking down some of the toxic aspects of the Mormon church.

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