Processing Divorce With Faith

Faith can be a powerful anchor in the face of life's most challenging moments. This truth is beautifully exemplified in the story of Jenn Zingmark, a divorce and life coach from South Carolina. Jenn’s experiences as a divorced single mother to a remarried woman with a blended family of five children are not just a tale of personal triumph; they're a testament to the transformative power of faith in the midst of life's storms.

As a speaker at BYU's Life After Divorce Conference and BYU's Women Conference, Jenn brings experience and insight to those navigating the tumultuous waters of divorce. Her story shared on the "Why We Believe" podcast, offers invaluable lessons on trust, resilience, and the unexpected blessings that can emerge from life's most difficult chapters.

In this blog post, we'll explore Jenn's experience with divorce and faith. From making tough decisions to rebuilding a life and family after divorce. Let's dive into the powerful lessons of faith, perseverance, and the beauty of new beginnings that Jenn's story has to offer.

Embracing Faith in the Face of Divorce

Divorce is often seen as a failure, especially within religious communities. However, Jenn Zingmark's experience helps us understand that it is a necessity and can be a catalyst for profound spiritual growth. When her 11-year marriage ended, she found herself at a crossroads. Instead of letting bitterness take root, she chose to come closer to God.

In the midst of her pain, Jenn made a conscious decision to trust God more fully. She clung to her temple covenants, finding strength in renewing them whenever possible. This act of faith became her lifeline, providing her with the strength to face each day. Jenn's experience shows that even in our darkest moments, turning toward God can provide the comfort and guidance we desperately need.

Divorce doesn't have to be the end of our faith. Instead, it can be an opportunity to grow closer to God, to lean on Him in ways we never have before. By choosing faith over fear, Jenn not only got through her divorce but found a new purpose and direction for her life.

Making Difficult Decisions with Divine Guidance

One of the most challenging aspects of divorce is the number of decisions that need to be made, often in areas where we feel ill-equipped. Navigating legal documents, custody arrangements, and financial settlements while caring for children is precarious and daunting. In these moments of uncertainty, you can ask God for guidance.

Jenn's approach to decision-making during her divorce was rooted in seeking God’s wisdom. She recalls going to her attorney with ideas that seemed unconventional, ideas she felt had come directly from God. Despite skepticism from others, Jenn trusted these spiritual promptings, and time after time, they proved to be the right choices for her situation.

This reliance on spiritual guidance teaches us that when faced with life-altering decisions, we don't have to rely solely on our own understanding. By partnering with God in our decision-making process, we can find clarity and confidence, even in the most challenging circumstances. We can choose to trust in God's wisdom, especially when the path forward seems unclear.

3. Finding Purpose in Pain

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of Jenn's story is how she transformed her painful experience into a calling to help others. Recognizing the lack of support she had during her own divorce, she aims to fill that gap for others going through similar struggles. This has led her to specialize in helping individuals navigate divorce while maintaining their faith.

She understands firsthand the fears, doubts, and challenges that come with divorce. But more importantly, she knows the power of faith in overcoming these obstacles. Through her coaching, Jenn helps others see that divorce, while painful, doesn't have to define their future or shake their faith.

She stands as a living testament to the fact that life after divorce can be fulfilling, that faith can be strengthened through trials, and that God can bring joy and peace where there was loss and sorrow.

Lead With Compassion and Faith

For those currently going through a divorce, you are not alone in this journey. Seek God's counsel in every decision, big or small. Trust that He has a plan for your future, even when you can't see it. Allow your faith to be your anchor in the storm, knowing that this trial can lead to growth and new opportunities.

To those who know someone going through a divorce, it is a painful and often isolating experience. Offer support without judgment, understanding that the decision to divorce is rarely made lightly. Be a listening ear, a helping hand, and a reminder of God's love during this difficult time.

Ultimately, with faith, even our deepest pain can be transformed into purpose. Look for ways to trust God more fully, seek His guidance in our decisions, and believe that He can bring beauty from even the most challenging circumstances in our lives.

Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

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by Julia Denner
Sep 27, 2024

This week on the show, I got to speak with Andrew Van Noy. A successful entrepreneur, cancer survivor, and devoted family man, Andrew's life shows the transformative power of faith in the face of adversity. As the founder and CEO of Deep Power, former CEO of a publicly traded company, and operator of a cancer research company called Cancer Vax, Andrew has achieved remarkable success in the business world. However, it's his spiritual journey and unwavering faith that truly set him apart. Growing up, Andrew faced significant challenges that could have potentially ended his life. Diagnosed with cancer at just 17 months old, he lost an eye to the disease – an experience that would shape his perception of the world and his relationship with God for years to come. Yet, what began as a perceived weakness ultimately became the cornerstone of his spiritual strength and a powerful tool for sharing his faith with others. In this blog post, we'll dive into the moments of spiritual awakening that defined his path, including a miraculous experience in the Sacred Grove and a life-altering health scare that redefined his purpose. Through Andrew's unique perspective on vision – both physical and spiritual – we'll gain profound insights into living a purposeful life guided by faith. Join us as we uncover valuable lessons on choosing to develop faith in the face of struggles, understanding that while we may not always comprehend the reasons behind our trials, by choosing to follow Christ, we can become more than we ever thought possible. Embracing the Unexpected When faced with life-altering challenges, it's natural to question why we must endure such difficulties. For Andrew Van Noy, losing an eye to cancer as a child could have been a source of bitterness and resentment. Instead, it became the conduit for a spiritual journey that would shape his entire life. As a child, Andrew struggled with the visible difference that set him apart from his peers. A pivotal moment came when he stumbled upon a scripture in the Bible that would forever change his perspective. The passage spoke of a man born blind, not as a punishment for sin, but so that the works of God could be displayed in his life. This revelation opened Andrew's eyes to the possibility that his own challenge wasn't a curse but a blessing in disguise – a means through which God's glory could be manifested. This shift in perspective marked the beginning of Andrew's journey to transform his perceived weakness into a source of strength and spiritual insight. Developing Spiritual Vision As Andrew grew older, he began to recognize that his unique experience had granted him a different kind of vision – one that went beyond physical sight. This spiritual vision allowed him to see people and situations from a perspective that many others missed. One of the most profound realizations came during a mission experience, where Andrew encountered a scripture about having one's eye "single to the glory of God." For someone with only one eye, this passage took on a deeply personal meaning. It reinforced the idea that his physical limitation could be a spiritual advantage, allowing him to focus more intently on what truly mattered. This newfound spiritual vision manifested in various ways throughout Andrew's life. He developed a keen sense of empathy and compassion for others, particularly those facing their own challenges. His ability to see beyond surface-level appearances and recognize the inherent worth of each individual as a child of God became a powerful tool in his personal and professional life. Faith in Times of Crisis Andrew's faith was challenged when he faced a potential health crisis that threatened the vision in his remaining eye. Andrew suddenly found himself grappling with the possibility of complete blindness. 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Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blog posts and episodes here.

Working Out Our Exaltation With Jade Koyle

by Julia Denner
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This week on Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jade Koyle, a remarkable farmer and close friend from Eastern Idaho who's making significant strides in his industry. Jade shares his testament to the power of faith, hard work, and family unity through Christ. His path of faith is marked by personal trials, missionary experiences, and the miracles that come from working together as a family. His story provides valuable insights into overcoming addiction, the power of repentance, and finding strength through life's challenges. On the show, Jade opened up about how his experiences have shaped his understanding of God's love and the importance of choosing to turn towards God in all aspects of life. In this blog post, we'll explore Jade's journey and the lessons we can learn about finding faith in Christ one experience at a time. Family and Scripture Study Growing up on a farm in Idaho, Jade's faith journey began with the strong foundation laid by his parents. The Koyle family's dedication to daily scripture study, particularly focusing on the Book of Mormon, played a crucial role in shaping Jade's early beliefs. This consistent practice of coming together as a family to read and discuss the scriptures created a powerful spiritual atmosphere in their home. Jade recalls how his parents would lead the family in reading the scriptures every morning, even before early morning seminary. This commitment to spiritual education alongside their homeschooling and farm work demonstrated the priority the Koyle family placed on their faith. The impact of this daily ritual was profound, as it allowed Jade to witness firsthand the application of gospel principles in daily life. One particularly poignant memory Jade shared was of marking missionary verses in the scriptures with his family when he was 16. This experience not only prepared him for his future mission but also deepened his understanding of the scriptures and their relevance to his life. The combination of working together on the farm and studying the gospel together created a unique environment where faith and practical living were seamlessly integrated. Finding God's Love in Difficult Times At the age of 14 Jade lost his older sister in a car accident and that hard time helped him learn more about the importance of the fellowship of the people in his congregation. Valuable lessons about God's love and the importance of community support during times of grief. In the aftermath of this loss, Jade found himself wanting to isolate from others due to the pain. However, it was through the simple acts of love from family and friends that he began to feel hope. Choosing to show our love for our fellow man, especially in hard times is a part of God’s commandment to love one another. When we act on that commandment it allows God to use us for good. These experiences during a time of deep sorrow helped shape Jade's understanding of God's love. God works through the kindness and support of others to bring comfort and healing. Strengthening Faith through Service Jade's mission to West Virginia not only took him out of his comfort zone but also challenged and strengthened his beliefs in different ways. Serving in three different states within his first three months as a missionary exposed Jade to diverse perspectives and challenges to his faith. One of the most significant challenges Jade faced was encountering opposition to his beliefs, from those who questioned the Christian nature of his faith. Through this struggle Jade learned to rely more deeply on his personal testimony and the witness of the Holy Ghost. Satan wants nothing more than to keep you doubting your faith. As we choose to rely on what we know is true and the experiences we have had for ourselves, we can come to a stronger belief and understanding of our divine heritage as children of God and the witness of Christ we can receive as we ask God for truth. By focusing on the peace he felt when reading the Book of Mormon with his family, Jade could combat the negative feelings brought on by others' criticisms. This allowed him to approach his missionary work with renewed confidence and love for those he served. Jade learned to share his message of God's love regardless of how it was received, knowing that he was doing God's work. Working Together in Faith Jade's journey of faith continued as he entered marriage and began building a life with his wife, Julie. In his marriage, Jade learned about the importance of open communication and working together towards common goals and including God in your marriage. Jade learned about the value of actively choosing to address issues in marriage rather than avoiding them. He came to understand that building a strong marriage requires continuous effort, open communication, and a willingness to grow together. Seeing marriage as a partnership in faith, where both individuals work together towards shared spiritual goals, is crucial in strengthening any relationship and family life. Actions Will Always Speak Louder Than Words Jade Koyle's story offers valuable lessons for anyone seeking to deepen their relationship with Christ. From the foundations laid in childhood to the challenges of missionary work and marriage, Jade's experiences demonstrate that faith is built one experience at a time. I encourage you to take a moment to consider how you can apply these lessons in your own life. Perhaps it's starting a daily scripture study habit, reaching out to someone in need, or having an open conversation with your spouse about your shared spiritual goals. Whatever step you choose to take, remember that like Jade, you too can find faith in Christ through the everyday experiences of life. By actively choosing to seek God in all aspects of our lives, we can build a faith that withstands trials, strengthens relationships, and brings lasting peace and joy. Thank you for listening to this week’s episode of Why We Believe. If you are interested in more like this, you can check out our other blogs and episodes here.

Sacrificing Your Time to Serve the Lord: Lessons from a Collegiate Athlete Turned Missionary

by Julia Denner
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Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt

by Julia Denner
Jul 05, 2024

Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt I had the chance to speak with LaMont Leavitt this week. Leavitt has carved out a unique path in the business world that intertwines entrepreneurship with strong spiritual convictions. In this post, we'll explore his perspective on the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how he's managed to keep faith at the forefront of his business decisions. Leavitt's insights offer valuable lessons on letting God guide your path in both personal and professional spheres. 1. The Power of Divine Partnerships in Business In the world of entrepreneurship, we often hear about the importance of business partners, investors, and mentors. But for Lamont Leavitt, there's one partner that stands above all others: God. Throughout his work in building Lenovi Health, Leavitt has consistently turned to his faith as a source of guidance, strength, and even business strategy. Leavitt's approach to business is deeply rooted in the belief that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, including our professional endeavors. He views his relationship with God as a true partnership, where he puts in the work and effort while trusting in divine guidance and intervention. This perspective has shaped his decision-making process and given him the courage to take risks that others might shy away from. One example of this divine partnership was when Leavitt's company was facing a tight payroll situation. Instead of panicking or resorting to desperate measures, Leavitt chose to put his faith into practice. He decided to attend to his church responsibilities as a Scout Master, trusting that God would take care of his business while he took care of God's work. By the next day, unexpected online sales had come through, covering the payroll with $25 to spare. This experience reinforced Leavitt's belief that when we prioritize our spiritual commitments, God will help us manage our worldly responsibilities. 2. Faith Inspires Innovation and Growth For many, faith and business might seem like separate realms. Faith can be a powerful catalyst for innovation and growth in the business world. Your spiritual beliefs not only provide comfort during challenging times but also inspire creative solutions and bold business moves. One of the most significant ways Leavitt's faith has influenced his business approach is through his commitment to helping others. His father always taught him to focus on helping the most people rather than chasing money. Leavitt's faith has given him the courage to take calculated risks and venture into uncharted territory. When faced with the decision to leave a stable corporate job to start his own business, his confidence in God’s plan for him helped him take his first steps towards development. This transition was not just a business decision but an opportunity to seek God’s will, trusting that God would guide him through the uncertainties of entrepreneurship. 3. The Atonement and Entrepreneurship The Atonement is not just a religious concept but a powerful force that can be applied to all aspects of life, including entrepreneurship. Leavitt sees it as an infinite source of mercy and strength, capable of balancing out any shortcomings or challenges we might face. This understanding has given him the confidence to persevere through difficult times in his business, knowing that with faith and effort, even seemingly insurmountable obstacles can be overcome. Leavitt's analogy of the Atonement as a "capital A" in a spiritual equation is particularly poignant. Just as in mathematics, where both sides of an equation must balance, Leavitt believes that the Atonement (the capital A) is what makes our spiritual equations balance out, regardless of our imperfections or the challenges we face. This perspective has allowed him to approach business challenges with a sense of hope and resilience, knowing that with faith and hard work, things will ultimately work out. Let Christ Guide Your Path Leavitt's experiences demonstrate that far from being a hindrance to success, faith can be a driving force for innovation, growth, and fulfillment in the business world. As you navigate your own path in business and life, remember Leavitt's example of letting Christ be the guide. Integrating your faith with your professional pursuits may lead to not only success but also a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a business leader, or simply someone striving to balance faith and career, the lessons from Lamont Leavitt's experiences offer valuable insights. They remind us that success in business doesn't have to come at the expense of our values or spiritual well-being. By aligning our professional endeavors with our faith, we can create a harmonious blend of purpose, prosperity, and personal growth. How might letting Christ guide your path change your approach to work and life? The answers may surprise you, leading to innovations, opportunities, and a sense of fulfillment you never thought possible. When we partner with God in our endeavors, extraordinary things can happen. Thank you for joining us for this week's episode of Why We Believe! For more stories like this one, you can find more here!