Leaving Early From My Mormon Mission - Brinley Jensen Pt. 2 | Ep. 1681
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- čas přidán 28. 05. 2024
- How difficult is it to leave an LDS mission early? How are you treated when you return? What would cause a faithful LDS young woman to question her testimony after returning home early from her mission, and how does she resolve her concerns? Check out part 2 of Brinley Jensen's Mormon story.
Brinley’s Instagram: / brinleymaej
Episode Show Notes: mormonstories.org/podcast/bri...
Time Codes:
00:00:00 Recap
00:03:20 Brinley tries to stay faithful as her mental health improves
00:04:30 Brinley describes her horrific LDS temple endowment experience.
00:18:00 Issues with garments and having leaders & parents comment on her underwear.
00:21:45 Brinley contacts an apostate friend for support before doubling down on Church again. 00:24:00 Brinley reaches a breaking point after bad Mormon dating experiences and falling down the rabbit hole of Church History: Gospel Topics Essays, the CES letter, etc.
00:35:00 Brinley tells her parents & fears reactions of friends & family.
00:41:00 Reactions to recent changes to FSY pamphlet around tattoos and piercings & other Church doctrines
00:46:50 Brinley’s tough deconstruction of purity culture.
00:59:00 Finding out about double standards of some Mormon leaders/Mission President being soft with guys on masturbation “mistakes”
01:06:00 What Brinley wishes she could share with her old self.
01:10:00 Liberation and fear in self-empowerment, living in the moment
01:23:50 Brinley’s moral code, healing & grounding
01:45:00 Final words of wisdom “The biggest mistake I ever made was not trusting self. Best choice I ever made was learning to trust self.”
___________________
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“If people are going to be upset by my decisions, that’s their weight to carry-not mine.” 👏🏼🙌🏼 YES BRINLEY
Exactly
It your decision? Whatever decisions you make are between you and God, and Jesus Christ is our judge. Respectfully, I have never been a Mormon, and my Church is not the Mormon Church! I am an LDS in the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. My decisions I made in becoming an LDS, in the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS; is between me and God. I love our God and everyone by obeying his commandments and following Jesus Christ. Love you, God loves you, and may God bless us all in the name of Jesus; I say these things.
That statement really resonated. Amazing young woman.
It just means you are immature and a petulant child.
I feel sad of things you have said hahaha you didn’t really understand the meaning of the stuff.
anyone else want to give this brave young lady a hug?
YES!
The wisdom of this young woman is jaw-dropping. I hope she continues on her healing path with the same openness and kindness she's shown in this interview... I don't want the world to ever lead her to another dark place again.
Oh she will end up in dark places, it’s almost a given, but due to her experience this time around she has what it takes to go through it.
Such a sweet old soul at 21! 🥹 far more mature and brave than I was at that age. I grew up in a different fundamentalist religion, but they’re all so similar in the aspect of patriarchy, control and fear. Extra proud of you. 💕
I haven't been in the church for over a year. Thanks for sharing your story. That took courage
.
AMEN!!!
I feel so angry that this church does this to these children! AHHHHHH!!
This beautiful young lady is SO SO SO SMART!!! Intuitive!! I feel so incredibly PROUD OF HER. To have to choose between her family (the Mormon church) and her life!!!😢😢😢😢😢
God Bless her! And keep her safe!! Keep her heart STRONG!!!!!!!!
I’m so grateful for this Heather lady, God Bless her also!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I thought your comment was going to go in a really different direction at first before I read the whole thing. You are so right though! Her story is giving me some much needed strength right now so I'm really glad I found this video. Hopefully I can keep her resilience in mind with the things I'm facing right now in my own life. I need to remember that I have what it takes too. So thanks for your comment.@@OssieRichards
Margi is so soothing to listen too. I hope Brinley considers being a therapist, she has such a calm aura around her
Couldn’t agree more!!
I came here to express that exact same thought
"My fake name... I mean my new name..." Her recounting of her 1st temple experience is simultaneously hilarious and horrifying.
This girl has a pure soul...that's why she rejected all the uncomfortable stuff. She is gifted
I could listen to Brin all day. She has a contagious inner wisdom that all of her experiences have gifted her with. She is amazing.
I believe it is God, not her experiences who gifted her! But I totally agree with you that I, also could listen to her all day! Sure would love to hear what she is doing now!
I agree! Beautiful young lady!
I really wish she had her own podcast! I would definitely watch it!
@@lindapearson3411It is not God. She has her own inner strength despite the Church and God.
As someone who knows Brin, I just want to say how proud I am of her! She’s come so far, and I love seeing her happy!
Since you know Brin, I hope you'll reach out to her and encourage her to come read all these comments. I think she would be additionally buoyed by the extraordinary support, appreciation, acknowledgment of her wisdom and strengths, and the love that is expressed in this forum. It is always good to be 'seen and understood' when one is sharing from their own authenticity. 🌟🙏☮
Yea with no church compromise.. anyone can feel happy.. but. Jesus said l. Never said it's gonna be easy... And she is running away.... For responsibility.... But eny one has freedom to choose the Free will... A one day we going to be face to face with the heaveling father... And this goes for everyone.... Thanks
@ZpPln making a choice to bring peace to her soul is not running away. That’s not your place to judge her or to say she’s running away. Harsh judgments by people in the church only make things worse. I encourage you to be like Jesus and have grace for people. Don’t be a mean judgmental person. That’s really hurtful to the people around you both online and in real life
@@prrtygrrl1 well that's the way to running away... Don't see other...... The worst is the way talking.... You said that l judge her but you don't see she is judging the church.. if you said that she feels pease.. maybe in her way..and . you're same as her... Girl of Satan... Child of Doom...
@@zppln139Didn’t Matthew 7, vs 1 and 2 say: “1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”
You just called someone a child of Satan. Never ONCE did Brin say she no longer believes in The Lord. She was removing herself from the evils of the organized religion she was tied to. Never ONCE in the Bible did God of the Old Testament nor Jesus in the New Testament say you needed to cleave into a specific religion/church/denomination in order to be saved. Matter of fact, He seemed to be VERY much against them. Maybe you need to put your nose back into your Bible and out of these CZcams comments…..then next time you’d think twice before condemning someone 🙄😒.
I’m a senior non LDS, who has watched your programs for years,but this young woman is just the best! She has reminded me and all watching,to trust and honor ourselves,no matter what the cost. Thank you for such an outstanding interview♥
As a 25 year old ex lds, I completely agree. I love to see women choosing themselves. So powerful
Please read& believe a non exclusive KJV bible.
You MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO NOT GO TO HELL
Read the book of John
God did not want anybody to have any religion. He wants a relationship with you
Repent (change your mind)
Put all your faith in the BIBLICAL JESUS READ JOHN AND GET INTO A GOOD BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH - no religion but relationship
Make sense?
@@jinimurray4090nope doesnt make sense. That is religion.
@@lisedale6767 I get his drift. A relationship with Jesus as one's personal saviour is the ONLY way to heaven. Furthermore, James 1:27 says that true religion is "to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world". Denominations tend to divide and, as far as I know, are never condoned in the Bible.
This afternoon I watched both episodes; 5 hours of inspiration. This articulate wonderful human is a hero and as she travels on spreading her message of intuitive confidence I will be cheering very loudly for her. Thank you Mormon Stories for featuring this up-and-coming thought leader. Miss Brinley, you truly know, that without a test there is no testimony. Congratulations on regaining your autonomy. May you be surrounded by love and compassion, all the days of your life.
Your comments are so right on. Brin totally inspires so many people.
I an ab 85 year old who resigned my church membership 1n 1980. I was sent to Denmark on a mission in 1956 and, although I no longer believe in the Church, and was sent home from my mission after two years, six months early, I will be forever grateful for having had that experience. Learning Danish awakened an interest in foreign languages. Having been raised in a very small town in southeastern Idaho, the only time I heard another languages was when missionaries reported back. To make a long story short, I completed my PhD in Spanish and had a very long and rewarding career as a Spanish professor in Washington State. It never would have happened without my mission. I have also traveled the world and continue to do so.
Hopefully you are traveling the world with a religion-free spirit! What cults like this one do to young people in particular is sad and stunning.
You sound like you are very wise, and I would love to hear any stories that you have to tell! ❤
@@jodiosborne5056 Jodi, I really have none to tell! I started checking into Mormonism after following the trial, looking into the Coz family and realizing there is something fundamentally (no pun intended here) wrong.
Indeed there is! I was raised Catholic and made a quick exit once I left home. No religion for me! And none for my children.
There may well be a supreme life force behind the initial creation of the universe.
Everything else was “created” by the natural desire to wish death weren’t the end.
And it might not be. But then again it might. But it sure isn’t a matter of rituals, superstitions and get-rich schemes for “leaders”. How sick.
When I found out some of the toxic behavior, cover ups, miss treatment of my daughter we left. However it’s extremely lonely because Utah/Mormons are very judgmental when you leave no matter the reason. I’m still trying to heal. Great pod cast ! Thank you for your openness & sharing.
Thank you for being rational and responsible enough to choose your child over your beliefs. It's super unfortunate that you were in the situation in the first place but it says everything about your character and your soul that you put your family first. Good job mama ❤️
I'm here. I support you.🫂💜From Northern Ut. It really is tho. I hear that it's a Utah thing. I dunno.
As a 60 yr old woman who was excommunicated at 21 yoa I relate to much of what Brinley speaks about. Her intuition spoke to her over & over. She questioned, education, prayed/meditated. She told her story with so much respect to those who are still in the church she grew up in. The respect & admiration I gained for for this young lady has been refreshing for my views on this younger generation. Mormonism as in many religions I’ve studied doesn’t encourage intuition. She continually speaks of it. Thank you Brinley for speaking out on the importance of intuition because that has been one very important factor in her mental health journey.
I am having a "crisis of faith" and deciding who I truly am and what I believe. It is crazy because I am 60 years old and am finally figuring myself out. I was so entrenched in the LDS church that I felt like a person could not have morals if they weren't a member. As if there is one moral standard that fits all people!! Having a son who has a drug addiction has been devastating. But he is truly the kindest most moral person I know. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone and literally has before! But as a member of the church, I have been so disappointed and even embarrassed of him. He is one of the people who I love most in the world. And yet, I have had such negative feelings about him. It makes me sick! I am learning to love and accept people as our Savior would. Something that the church has kept me from doing! Since changing my views, I still feel heartbroken, but for my son and his struggles, instead of how it looks to my LDS peers. He is beautiful, kind, and amazing! I am blessed to be his mother!!
This is beautiful ❤
Kris: I’m happy you discovered things about your son that bring you joy and appreciation for who he is.
This is beautiful. I can't imagine how strong you were/are. He can rely on you, to the point of your changing you spiritual journey. He can see that you did a incredible journey and hopefully his addictions can be done also. I wish you the very best.❤
"In a system that teaches you to be self critical, you are just one decision away from shame... It’s really difficult to extend to other people what you don't have for yourself." Margi is amazing.
To be moral, regardless of whether that involves religion, you must be self-critical to some extent to determine if your actions will harm others or yourself, and if it does, you should be ashamed of your actions. Without some form of negative feedback, you probably won't learn right from wrong.
Without some form of morality and consequences for one's harmful actions, society can get real ugly, real fast. You certainly don't want to encourage sociopathic behavior where you have no compassion for your fellow man.
Shame is the most destructive emotion. 😥
@@JakeKoenig That's not the view of my church.
@@WatchingwaitingG2D It's not a spider.
I worked with a Mormon bishop once and he said that “Temple shock” is a big thing for the church. Just shows the peer influence is strong. Many people find the temple alarming and that it feels wrong. Always go with your gut!
This is the best Morman story I have watched! Brinley is such an impressive young woman.
So true. I just hope the backlash from her Mormon family and acquaintances from doing this on CZcams isn't too severe. But she has proven to be a tough little mama, so I'm sure she'll be just fine. Go Brin!
Agree❤
Agree.
I found the Maven interviews also very powerful.
Agree! What an amazing, intelligent, strong, confident young woman. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story Brinley. You are an inspiration. I'm so happy you survived all the trauma and are changing the world for the better and leaving such a positive example.
I was LDS from 1972 to 1989. I was a convert and married in the Manti Temple. We had 4 children. I heard from the pulpit that you won't go to the Cesestial Kingdom unless.....The week before You won't go to the Celestial Kingdom unless... I remember thinking some very loud thought "I'm GOOD ENOUGH!" At the time I had about 3 Church callings. And I was caring for as many as 14 children in a daycare I created so I wouldn't be working outside the home. Even waking moment I was doing something for others, praying, and reading the scriptures. I left and didn't know the power of the Church. I lost long time friends. I even lost the ability to keep my kids. I feel good now. It took a lot.And a long time I'm 71 years old.
❤
Thank u for sharing Barbara 💓
Bless you my friend👋
Thank you for sharing your very moving story. I’m sure there were some years - esp. after losing custody of your kids - that were extraordinarily difficult to navigate. Being an outcast is one of the biggest threats, and harshest punishments, of any religion, cult or isolated community… all humans are social animals and can’t thrive without those connections, so those losses can be devastating. I hope you, in time, found your way into new forms of community, with more support, unconditional acceptance and love. You don’t sound like you regret your decision. I’m glad to hear you say, ‘I feel good now’. ❣️🌟🙏🏻☮️
So glad people are waking up, how can a community shun you just because you ask questions or don't agree with the patriarchal so called leaders.
Omg, I had the exact same experience Brinley had in the temple. I went back one more time, the next day and eventually left the Mormon church in 1994. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I've never heard another person experience that matched mine. I hope this helps so many people. Bravo to her.
so proud of this young WOMAN - brave ,courageous, well spoken , and a good role model for others who want to leave the Fearful , patriarchal cult .
My young Karen’s life was very similar to Brinley - took me until my mid forties to question and then leave the organization at 50.
Grateful ❤to be Out. 😂
especially love having Marghie joining John . You both are amazing and the work you are doing is changing the world for GOOD !!!!
I love that Brinley’s 3rd eye tattoo is on her throat Chakra. Seeing her truth and speaking it. I got chills when she said the temple crumbled when Jesus died. And when she said “I don’t need the church,” I thought “the church/organized religion needs us (in order to exist.)” I love Margi’s questions. Amazing work, guys. Go Brinley!☀️
The church doesn't deserve you.
Brinley is a victim of a religion. Jesus is God and he saves, heals and sets free. I hope she gets to the point in life when she starts asking Jesus to show the the way, the life and the truth. No need for religion, Jesus is all.
@@MiMi-gu8tr Why doesn't Jesus just talk to her?
@@tolowreading6807. Jesus is talking to her, but she is not listening.
She’s a victim of a cult that pretends to be Christian, but it is not. She doesn’t know or understand true Christianity, the “temple did not crumble when Jesus died” because He rose on the third day. She said through out the video that she always felt she had to be perfect, but true Christians know they cannot be perfect. Jesus is the only one that was perfect and sinless. She also said she is “not a sinner”, but she is wrong, we are all sinners in need of a savior. The Mormon church is not Christian, it is a cult that tries to pose as Christian, but it has blasphemous doctrines and it does not worship the true and has a false image of Jesus.
Margi was perfect for this conversation. Also wow, what a smart and well spoken young woman. I’m a nevermo, having my own little epiphanies from some of these topics as it relates to the broader context of women in humanity. Thank you for this great discussion and bravo for her courage and strength 🙏🏼
“nevermo”?
@@ickphacif7106 short for ‘never Mormon’
Galatians 1:8 No Other Gospel ]LDS ANOTHER GOSPEL [
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ Unto Another Gospel: 7Which is NOT ANOTHER; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an ANGLE From Heaven, preach ANY other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ACCURSED 9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preaches any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed
@@KT-od6zq - Please just stop. So inappropriate to cherry-pick a verse from the Bible that you feel is relevant here. Anyone can do that and there are multiple verses in the Bible that conflict with one another, so you’re not the expert. You are the expert for yourself, but not for this young woman or anyone else.
@@liseklerekoper2441 God is an expert.
The true and living God offers forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation for free. That is how much God loves everyone! ❤
John 1:9
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Ephesians 2:8-9
For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift 🎁of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift 🎁of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
I went through a 7-8 year faith crisis and can completely relate to this interview. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever gone through because my identity blew up along with my family. I was a convert that joined at age 19. I am so proud of this young girl’s integrity and bravery. Soooo many members are suffering behind closed doors.
What strength she has to stand up for herself. I think she really is impressive.
Brinley, I am so proud of you and you have found your true mission, spreading love and acceptance for all. When I left the church, my mother kept sending my address to have missionaries come around. I finally had to tell her to stop, that I was not teaching my children the morman teachings. My non-LDS husband rescued me from going to the temple. The Stake President's office tried to tell me I had to come speak with him to have my records removed from their rolls, so the missionaries would stop coming around. I told them I was not, and did not care about meeting with the Stake President. I was told my soul would be lost, etc. So sad that my family, many generations back, have been programmed and mind controlled. I tried going to a nephew's baptism and was so appalled at the brain washing that I heard out in the open. I left the building, new to return to hear such heart wrenching language. I couldn't even stay in my father's funeral service after hearing all the church teachings that were presented, instead of a celebration of his life. My mother thinks I left the chuch because of a rude comment some member made. Even after I specifically told her that I don't have the same beliefs and I'm ok with what I believe and not being a member, she still doesn't understand. She somehow sees this as something that effects her salvation. I know it definately doesn't effect my relationship with Christ. I too was dismayed when my uncles came to my parent's house to give him a blessing and I was nit allowed to be apart of the prayer circle. In the non- denominational church I ws apart of at the time, it was common place for everyone to lay healing hands on those being prayed for. I know I will not be able to change the minds of my mother or sisters, so I respect their decision to worship how they like and ask that they respect my decions on how I choose to practice spirituality. I too no longer choose to follow an organized religion. You will save many lives and bring Light in to this world just as you have share your new life here and now. You will navigate this new mission from a place of love. Thank you for sharing. You are truly amazing.
Margi is exquisite. What a gift she is to this community.
Wow, Brinley's answer to the kite & the string question, plus earlier about how living in the moment is less stressful, shows just how mature she is. I'm in awe. I'm nearly 50yrs old, to put that into perspective! I hope she continues to share her truth, especially with her generation (my kids generation). If you think about it, her mission training has prepared her for exactly that. I wish her all the very best.
Her answer to the kite and string was so open minded. Also I understand the interviewer is older and cannot relate to the ways of the youth nowadays.
I'm 54, & agree. So wise at her age!
So much of Brinley's story reminds me of my mission. I had a companion who was just like Brinley but also was ill physically, first with typhoid then hepatitis. Later she had the beginning of rheumatoid arthritis. She was not allowed to leave and in my foreign mission the mission president and his office held our passports so even though I tried to help her escape, she could not leave. Finally we pleaded to her parents and let them know of her health situation. They reached out to the mission president immediately and told him to send my friend/companion home ASAP. The president had no choice but to act then as they were fairly well known Mormons in Utah. Before she left the president told her "that if she didn't completed her mission where she had been called that she would forfeit her eternal exaltation". Can you imagine the impact that has on a very faithful small town Utah girl who is just trying her best to survive in a foreign country with depression and illness. That was the beginning of the end for me. I left the church a year or so after my mission and have never looked back!
Good for you,,I completely understand ,, I hope however you stayed faithful to God. God is not a religion,, but the Bible is God's true book.
Who ever said leaving early would forfeit one's exaltation? The degree of coercion and manipulation in the church is just appalling
@@luosarah8160 It was my mission president H Von Packard
Good for you!!!
Welcome to sanity and freedom. Can’t imagine anyone with a brain sticking with such a wacky cult (not that all cults aren’t wacky!).
"I was living the standards of the church exactly, and I almost died". -- WOA!
One of the things I love about my exodus from the church is my sense of being a moral person is so much stronger and authentic. Because all my choices belong to me and I'm able to make healthy choices that bring me happiness.
Appreciate Brinley's quest, her authenticity and her story. Hope her parents are very proud of her. The female interviewer asks compassionate and important questions. The entire interview was tastefully done. Thank you.
Brinley is smart. All organized religion is a cult. When people realize God is in all of us then churches and religions won't need us.
I am an ex-mormom and I am very proud of you. I have a terrible story about my life in the Mormon church.
🫂
We are here for it.
I am an ex-mormom, from Africa living in Spain, my experience was horrible, may God really open people's eyes to know where they are😢
I'm a 65 year old male, former member, who served a mission in '78, '79, and 1980, 45 years ago. Obviously most of the specific details of my experience were vastly different, but I see many parallels between this fine young lady's and my own experience, with my mission and afterwards with the church. Thank you for sharing this.
I hope Mormon stories does interviews with more people such as yourself who are from a different generation and their own personal perspectives and experiences.
You’re so much braver than me when I was 21. And more intelligent. 😂 I feel like more and more people and younger people are questioning the church, it’s beliefs and practices. I think so many people resonate with the judging of others until they leave the church and see things in a different light. And then they see how to love themselves and others.
As an ex Mormon I wrote an article "WASTED LIFE" to help the young people that are considering joining the Mormon church.
Hello, I'm also ex Mormon. I'm curious where I can find this article?
Brinley does such a great job of expressing the upsides after you leave. The part about being your own kite string really resonates with me.
Margie does make everything better!! her sweet loving spirit and her glowing energy i just really really love it when she joins
I enjoy Margi’s insightful observations, the way she validates the guest’s lived experience and demonstrates that she is carefully listening by summarizing what the guest has said and then adding a bit of analysis or synthesis of the guest’s answers. Most of all I appreciate that she is respectful and doesn’t interrupt the guest. That is one criticism I have for John. John, you are sometimes too tied to your agenda and interrupt guests too often to keep them on task. It’s annoying. But, hats of to you John for creating this forum and doing the work that you’re doing. Clearly many people are benefiting from it. Kudos to you-dos.
What a lovely young woman! I'm so glad she is finding her joy. She has so much to offer.
I LOVE Brinley's version of the famous "kite needs a string" metaphor. The string isn't cut but it changes where it is attached to. LOVE that! I'm inspired and relieved.
I’m in my 30s right now and I’ve spent over a decade deconstructing my evangelical upbringing. It’s truly amazing to hear Brin having the strength and wisdom to be doing her own deconstructing and reprogramming even while still in the faith. It makes me so happy to see people able to get out younger and reclaim more of their lives for themselves. It makes me feel like my own years of struggle contributed to the kids having more access to information
That's what my brain is saying too!🫂I'm still working thru stuff too.
Wow...never knew how cult-like the Mormon Church was. Brinley is such a brave and lovely soul. Thank you for sharing your journey with us Mormons and non-Mormons.
Wow, Brinley is so mature, so thoughtful, so smart. She has a very bright future!
Brinley, I dont know if you'll ever see this, but you have soooo much light that just exudes from you!! I see so much goodness, love, and joy in your face! Thank you for sharing your experience and for just being yourself!
It’s amazing how often you hear from so many Mormons, including family, that they hated the Mormon temple experience.
Brinley Jensen, you rock!! Perfect interview, perfect responses, perfect outlook on life!!! You'll help an immense number of people, by sharing your story and encouraging others to trust themselves. (Mormon, or not!)
What a beautiful, mature and inspiring young woman.
I'll be 63 years old this year. I spent most of those years jumping from cult to cult (for lack of a better word), hoping that God would fix me. I was born with an intersex condition, but was told I should be male. The LDS church was the second church in thst journey, and I didn't get off that ride until a few years ago.
I wish that I could claim now the emotional maturity that Brinnley is showing here. What an amazing and insightful young woman.
As I heard you say, '...I'm 21 years old, I feel like I've been given the gift of...,' and the word that popped into my head was discernment! Honoring your authenticity, and your values, and your truth... and the wisdom, and discernment, to recognize it all. 😊🙏🌟
It takes courage to turn away from what you were raised to believe and realize you don’t believe what you have been taught. ❤
Brin said “My soul rejected the prayer circle.” Best summary of the Mormon Temple ceremony ever. I hope Brin’s parents follow her out of Mormonism.
I hope they do too but I highly doubt it. They clearly have the self imposed blinders on. “Just don’t look at that stuff.” “We’ll find out more about that after we die.” All thought stopping behavior. It’s really easy to leave the church, it’s hard to be ready to process the info that will quickly lead you out. Once you’re ready to take the blinders off, it happens fast. But from listening to her story, it was pretty apparent to me her parents clearly have blinders on.
If I were a mother, I'd be dying to know every last detail of my daughters story. so I could support her in her life, and learn from her unique worldview as well. I cant understand parents who dont see that as the biggest gift of parenthood. My mom followed me out of the church, but not everyone is lucky to have parents who value them as full human beings with meaningful human being experiences. It's so sad to see.
She certainly deserves better from her folks.. MY GOSH.. Ya gotta b PROUD of her 👊 👍🤗😊.. Amazing stories here and we REALLY Appreciate y'all 👏 👏.. B well 💙 OLD G 😁
I don't think if every Mormon left it would be an unquestionably good thing. Even if it was, I don't think it's the right move to judge those who stay. Don't get me wrong; I'm absolutely guilty of juging members, and even my own family. But I deeply regret doing so. I think it's best to love, and forget about what would be the best for them.
That’s because they perform Satanic rituals stolen from the Freemasons in the temple. That’s why her soul rejected that. It was the Holy Spirit telling her it was something dark and to not participate in it.
Wow! I’m so impressed by the wisdom Brinley possesses at such a young age
I love hearing the personal stories of your guests... but especially the female guests. Seeing things from this perspective is so eye opening. Keep up the great work!
I have listened to countless Mormon Stories podcasts/videos, & although ever one is excellent, this one w/ Brinley, Parts 1 & 2, is my favorite to date. It hit deep in my heart & soul, & held by interest from start to finish. What an amazing , beautiful, self-assured, & compassionate young woman she is, which is a stark contrast to the young woman on that mission. I love seeing young women own their worth, grab life, & run w/ it in the direction THEY choose.
Thank you John & Margi for all you do as your work is life changing, validating, & from a place of acceptance, unconditional love, & truth.
This girl has it together more than MOST PEOPLE EVER DO. Congratulations! The keys to enlightenment are yours forever!
Many ppl who are still active Mormons will never understand how long of a journey it is to make the choice to leave. At 17 years old I read in my scriptures that we are to become gods with our own planets and at that very moment, I was out. I left my Sunday school class and never went back again after being brought up in it since I was born. If you educate yourself as a Mormon, you can’t help but realize it’s a fake. That’s why they try to discourage members (aka customers) from asking questions. What a very brave girl you are Brinley. Courage is contagious.
Curious why you think questions can’t be asked?
Because, Denise, once you question the doctrine you become a troublemaker. Someone who needs to be put back in line. You can ask benign questions, but to have a good old debate? Nope. Signed, for the first time, Nevermo
I am not a Mormon, but often times missionaries will come to the house and I would welcome them but made it clear that I belong to the Episcopal church. I was told that I would become a God when I died if I became a Mormon. I told them that would be hell for me.
All these sounds like being in a cult😢that's not what Christ wants for us.
That was one of the most inspiring Mormon Stories I’ve ever listened to, and I have heard many! What an exceptional and lovely person Brinley is. Thank you all for having her on. By the way, love having Margie on the show. She is a wonderful counter balance to John. Sensitive and very intuitive! Keep them coming! Thanks
The very best interview
so far 🎉
I am a NeverMo’
After 9 years of listening to
Mormon Stories
It’s VERY exciting to see and hear
the embodied evolution of this
extraordinary generation …
as they step into adulthood
✨🙏✨
Thank Thank You
As a former member foe 35 years, I am so proud of and encouraged by the younger generation and their intolerance for unacceptable practices that others have been conditioned to accept without questioning. I love the open and safe culture to question everything that they are embracing.
Love love ppl gassing up gen z. They're the most intuitive and in touch generation yet. Reality transforms into profouns meaning seamlessly for many of them. It's so beautiful. The new human evolution towards peace.
I am so, so impressed by this young lady! She is so smart! Her courage is mind-blowing! I am not a Mormon, but have watched MSP for a long time now, and feel like I understand a little bit of it at least on how strong she must be to go away from this religion. So for her, with a dad being a bishop ,with her whole family being so into the Mormon church, and traditions, following and listening to her gut feeling, and really dare stand up for herself, and others, is amazing! She is smarter than most of the old men ruling the church, I am sure!
I hope her parents really have it in them to realize how amazing she is, and being very,very proud of her.
You're awesome girl! ♥️
Keep listening to yourself, and you will be happy and live a great healthy life going forward!
Love from Marte, a mom of 3 grown ups, in Norway! I would be so proud,if I was your Mom! 🇸🇯❤️
Taking out my endowments ended my relationship with the Church. I went through the Temple at the end of 1983 and was excommunicated in January of 1984 for Apostasy. The endowment ceremony was so dark and controlling that I was immediately confronted with the reality that the Church was a cult and not just a high demand religion.
I regret not walking out in the middle of the ceremony and never looking back.
There is nothing that is worse than remaining in the Church. I occasionally drink wine, don't do drugs and being a happy healthy person and being a good neighbor and a good member of my community is a far better purpose for life that being a slave to the Church's false morality.
Brinley, you're a rock star. The statement, "I never want to speak to people the way I viewed them when I was a Mormon" is the most beautiful thing.
My brain broke the first time I went to the temple. I was getting ready to go on a mission and I was there with my family and even if I was totally uncomfortable and freaked out, I didnt feel like I could get out of it. I hated the temple. I had nothing but bad experiences there. I feel like I was lied to and set up. This is the pinnacle of our worship? This bizarre creepy rituals? Signs and tokens? It is just so culty. Of course, you can't ask those questions or say any critical thoughts out loud with your friends or family.
All of the women on Mormon Stories are AMAZING! Such bravery
Harm reduction is the answer
I’m 68 years old and I’m inspired by Brin❤️And I’m not LDS- I’m a recovering catholic
Wow. She is a really good guest. So faithful. So sweet. So brave. So pure. Her story is so moving! I can relate to her even though I am not as extraordinary as her in her young life.
My mission president in France wanted us to make extra covenants to baptize people. He had no response when I asked why I would put my soul at risk of damnation like that. Every single missionary was counting the days until they could go home whether they would admit it or not. Depression was a huge problem and we couldn't talk to anyone about it. I finished the mission, but the depression didn't go away.
I listened to part 1 and I’m just a few minutes into part 2. I really feel for this young lady. She was under much pressure within and from the church.
I was in a different church and because of their non Christian actions, I wrote the district conference a letter stating that I disagreed with their direction and said I no longer supported them.
From listening to her, she was carrying a ball and chain around while searching for the truth.
In my 69 years of searching for the truth I have determined by experience that whatever is made by man is fallible.
I gave up on my church leadership but not on God. I actually feel closer to God than ever before.
This young lady is in my prayers.
I’m thinking just the same as you ❤
I’m a female, recently retired Presbyterian minister in Canada, and I spent a lot of my professional life working with young adults Brinley’s age. I hope she gets to read this. I was very impressed with her thoughtfulness, her willingness to struggle to question deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours honestly, and while rejecting Mormon teachings, still being gracious about those in the Mormon church. Although I knew the Mormon culture was very involving of members, I hadn’t realized it was quite so coercive of its young people. The interviewers were both so warm , and accepting of the fact that those in the years right after high school are necessarily in a time of great change. These are the years when our tasks are to become independent of our family of origin, decide who our closest companions will be, what principles will govern us, and what our professional calling will be. You acknowledged that in Brinkley in an encouraging way. Blessings on you all!
I pray that my daughters turn out like you. I’ll be watching this episode with my 11 year old for sure. Thank you for your wisdom, even at 21 years old.
These are by far some of the best Mormon Stories episodes I have ever seen. The other was with Tim Kosnoff. But Brinley sounds like such such an amazing person who's life for me is very relatable as far her struggle with mental health issue's and finding her way out although I didn't serve a mission and frankly never wanted to.
I was a volunteer with y therapy dog at Utah State Hospital. I can't tell you how many young women I met there who were just like Brinley. They may not have gone on a mission yet, but they had fear surrounding in, hated the attitudes in the church and some were thrown out of their homes at the age of 15. My heart broke for them. This young woman was put on this planet to do big things
This is something I do to my own children. I hold their face in my hands and say “You are a strong, smart, beautiful person.” And this you are Brinley! I mean Wow. I’m 61 years old, and I want to be just like you when I grow up. With love from Vermont, Mama Bee 🐝
Brinley has a very bright future ahead of her. She has crossed a bridge into a wonderful life especially those that she will come in contact with and share in her joy.
I spent Sunday afternoon listening to the entire interview with Brinley.
Quite the story for someone so young. I am glad she was able to share with both John and Margie.
I am CofC. Both of my son's are no longer members of the church. I am thankful and Blessed we are still supportive of each other on our journeys.
I hope that Brinleys story will help others to find happiness and grounding.
Thanks for a great interview.
What is CofC?
I am so impressed by this young woman. It took amazing courage to leave the church that was holding her and other women back. Jesus never taught that women were subservient. Some religions use the Old Testament or other texts to control and keep women down. I don't believe that was Jesus' teachings. I know that Brin will continue to thrive and will find her path in life and do great things. What a brave girl! Thank-you for this interview. I am not, and never was a Mormon. I had young people on their mission stop by our house multiple times. One day it was scorching hot so I invited them in. During our conversation, I mentioned that I was adopted from a Mormon woman. That really piqued their interest. They spent quite a lot of time talking about baptism. I told them that I was baptized as a child when I was old enough to understand what it meant. They were convinced that I should be baptized in the Mormon faith. I told them that I like learning about other religions, but I had no intention of becoming a Mormon. Then they were talking about baptism by proxy, which freaked me out a little. They wanted to know if I knew my birth mother's name. I only knew her first name. Is there any chance they did a baptism by proxy for me? It has always bothered me that they may have. I can't find out much about it, but I'd like to know if that's a possibility. If anyone can answer, I'd appreciate it.
Oh, I forgot to mention that I am really disappointed at the racism Brinley brought up about the African American man who was told he couldn't be baptized. He dodged a bullet, but it's disturbing that racism exists in the Mormon church.
I’m not even halfway through this and I hope that we get more information at the end about all the great things this very poised and intelligent young lady is planning on doing, such as her education and career goals! I predict a great future ahead.
Brinley Jensen. I grew up Coptic, it is one of the oldest churches in the world. Your story touched me a lot. I had a similar experience with my church. I admire your courage and I root for you. You won’t regret your decisions and you will never regret listing to your intuition , it will never fail you.
Brinley is so wise…”you can still have your kite and your string, but I feel like I’ve just changed what my string is.” Which is being grounded in your true self.
one of the best episodes. im so glad i left the church when my kids were young. i still have the odd moment where i remember the "rules" that were hammered in my head as a youth, but my daughter has been my best therapist because shes so liberated and has helped me deconstruct.
this girl went thru hell, and then came to a place where she has got it figured out!!! man she has completely 100% found herself and reality! solid solid girl. congrats for finding your best life!!
Brinley’s story of not listening to that still small voice is terrifying. She had doubts, and then was programmed to feel sinful for having those doubts. I can’t wait to see how her story will have a positive effect on others struggling.
Just beautiful. So many things Brinley was going through were so similar to my own young adult self. The beating yourself up at such a young age for minor sins. The fear of talking to anyone about it. My father was in the bishopric and then the stake presidency and it just was too hard to admit any wrong no matter how small. The forcing yourself to believe and be perfect even when you have questions and doubts.
I'm so happy for her that she figured it out so young. I am 38 and married in the temple with 3 beautiful children. I remember going through my own endowments and feeling so many of the same things and feeling like I could never say anything. It caused a rift in my marriage fo a while because I never wanted to go back after we were sealed.
For 14 long years I forced myself to hide my true self and to just keep going and to be perfect.
It has been 2 years since I started to let myself actually question and research. I remember like Brinley reading the CES letter and just feeling so many of the same things.
She is so brave. I still haven't found a way to tell my parents and siblings that I no longer believe. I just stay silent and scared. She really made me want to be brave like her.
Thank you all so much for this beautiful story.
Wow, what an impressive young lady. You should be very proud of yourself, so smart and well spoken. You are an old soul.
You certainly have the gift of leadership and all the qualities that go with it .. I wish you so much joy and happiness in your new found freedom Brinley .. thank you for sharing your story. ❤
Your story is so powerful in countless ways. At 86 yo, I still relate to the trauma and loss that you experienced leaving the LDS church, because to this day, I still feel the pain endured from leaving the Catholic Church 65 years ago. Your testimony is so valuable and I hope many young people who experience doubt about their religion will hear this interview.
What a wise young woman! As a questioning Christian I found het story very insightful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow! Margi with this, “it’s really difficult to extend to other people what you don’t have for yourself.” 🤯 Yeah. She hit the nail on the head with this. I’ll be thinking about it all day! SO TRUE. Also Brinley, you’re wise beyond your years! I cannot wait to see what life holds for you. So happy you’re out young and free! Great episode.
i just watched your show for the 1st time. the show was 1& 2 part about Brinley. Its a God thing that i found this because i just had 2 young women come and talk to me about becoming a LDS member. When i told my daughter she freaked out!! Now i see why. Thank you Brinley !! I I think you saved me from alot of sadness !!
The Church was right about one thing, Brinley is well-spoken! What a brilliant mind she has! I'm sure she will help a lot of people just by giving this interview.
Brinley you are such a gem. Thankyou for being vulnerable and real. Margi being on MS is so refreshing!!
I am now 63 years old and was raised in a very strict LDS home. When I was about 12 - 13 our young womens group was told that we were going to be doing baptism for the dead. I really didn’t understand it.
On the day we entered the temple and were escorted into a room that looked like a maintenance/boiler room. I was still kind of confused because I was always told that the temple was so beautiful. This was my guts first red flag. While there a woman started explaining everything that we were going to be doing and we were led into a changing room where we put in white clothing. From there we went into the baptism area. My thought was ok, cool, this is a great room, but then I got a pit in my stomach that something wasn’t right. When my name was called I went into the pool and started going through the names of people and being dunked under the water. My emotions were a train wreck. I really related when Brinley stated that individuals around her thought that she was “in the spirit” while crying in the temple ceremony.
I left the church at 21 and didn’t think I needed deconstructing until I started listening to this podcast. Needless to say, my therapist has been very busy for the last year!
Thank you Brinley for your strength and determination.
I am over 70 years old and am so proud of you. My heart is touched by your story. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness from age 6 - until I totally separated myself from that life in my 40's. So many similarities to your story of being able to see the difference between a religious organizations "truth" and the real truth about God andJesus. So hard to leave family, friends behind and walk in faith and spirit..
Maybe the best interview and presentation a guest has ever given. It took me back to my Mission in the 1980's. I came back realizing the Church was not all it bragged to be. It's like another Protestant Religion mixed with Pagan Free Masonry.
What a smart young woman Brinley is! Good for her for learning to trust herself and follow her heart. She is so bright and thoughtful, and wise beyond her years. It makes me sad that she had to endure the cult-like atmosphere while growing up, and will be recovering from that for a long time. She will go far in life, and I wish her the best.
What a beautiful, articulate,
intelligent young woman.
I’m so glad you survived your experience.
May God always protect you and be loving to you as you lead the life he had planned for you all along.❤
Brinley: You are a lovely, intelligent, articulate young woman. I'm very moved by hearing your story, and so very impressed by your deep awareness, at a young age, about the flaws in the teachings you had grown up with. But, especially significant is your ability to honor your Inner Voice -- which I have come to understand is our innate connection to Spirit and our connection to the Divine, aka God -- and the wisdom you possess, inherently, about when power is being abused by others.
I could write for hours on this, but I'll keep it brief. Blessings to you as you continue to honor the truth, the deeper truth that you have tapped into through you own Inner Voice, your Spiritual Connection directly to God, eschewing religious organizations that pretend to be the one-and-only avenue to God and the Afterlife. We may not use all the same terminology, but I do believe there is only one Divine Force, one God, in this unfathomable universe. And no religion, or cult, or organization of any kind that has been devised by the flawed human ego, can dictate how we access our connection to God, or Spirit, or the Great Divine. It is our birthright... it is inalienable. In fact God, and God's Divine Love, is the very life force that animates all forms of life on this earth, and makes us all the Children of God... and, therefore, all One.
May you continue boldly in your beautifully unfolding sovereignty, and your path toward the deepest spiritual awakening possible. Investigate the term non-duality in spiritual growth and human consciousness. Oh, there are so many threads to pull, so many paths to walk. There is so much discovery and awakening ahead of you! Bon voyage! Stand strong in your courage. Your well-developed heart, your self-love, and your ethics, will keep you in good stead. 🙏💕☮🌟
May as well have written this myself it matches my beliefs so clearly. 🙌
As much as I commend this young lady. She has a long way to go to rid herself of what has been programmed into herself over a lifetime. It took me over 20 years to feel somewhat normal after leaving. I wish her good luck.
Well done young lady. You have done so much for us who are still trying to move forward.
For me it’s been 35+ yrs.
I think everyone can learn from Briney. What a wonderful young girl with a wonderful attitude. She has such a knowing. I am 77. I can understand all her feelings. I was brought up learning about respect and trust and not really knowing all about life. Naïve . I hope everyone finds this program. There is so much to learn.
What an insightful, brilliant, beautiful girl. So wise beyond her years. So happy for Brinley and the fact that she’s living her best life now!
This is the best podcast ever! What a courageous young woman. And to you both how you handled her and giving her a safe place to share.
What a remarkable, smart young woman. Tons of respect to her. I know it's been posted a long time ago but i just saw it today. I wish her all the best for the future!
I watched both parts of this in one sitting. Such a fascinating and engaging conversation. Both interviewers asked amazing questions and Brinley is such an incredible communicator. So well done!
She's such a gem. 💗
A priceless Gem,far more worthy than the most expensive Gem known to mankind
You are absolutely amazing! Your experience is similar to mine so I especially loved hearing your beautiful perspective. I love how genuine and compassionate you are. I can tell you are starting to find peace and in turn are blooming into who you’ve always been inside ❤️