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.

Related Blog

Never Let a Faith Crisis Go to Waste

by Julia Denner
Jun 07, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Stuart Draper, a successful entrepreneur and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, shared his inspiring story of faith and conversion. From a young age, Stuart's parents and church leaders played a significant role in helping him develop a strong testimony of the gospel. Despite the challenges he has faced throughout his life, including his daughter's ongoing health issues and his brother's temporary inactivity from the church, Stuart's faith has remained unshakable. In the episode, Stuart mentions a thought-provoking idea shared by Jared Halverson on the Unshaken Saints podcast: "Never let a good faith crisis go to waste." This concept encourages individuals to view their faith crises as opportunities for growth and deeper understanding rather than as obstacles that threaten to destroy their beliefs. By embracing this mindset, we can navigate through our doubts and emerge with a stronger, more resilient faith. The Power of Scripture Study and Prayer One key factor that has helped Stu maintain his testimony is his dedication to daily scripture study and prayer. He credits his deacon's quorum leader, Scott Sauners, with instilling in him the importance of this habit at a young age. By consistently engaging with the scriptures and communicating with God, Stu has found answers to his questions and strengthened his faith. Stu's experience highlights the transformative power of regular scripture study and prayer. When we prioritize these practices in our lives, we open ourselves up to receiving personal revelation and guidance from the Holy Ghost. During times of doubt or uncertainty, turning to the scriptures and prayer can provide the comfort, clarity, and direction we need to press forward in faith. The Influence of Family and Church Leaders Throughout my interview with him, Stu emphasized the crucial role that his parents and various church leaders played in his spiritual development. From his parents' unwavering example of faithfulness to the countless Sunday School teachers, seminary instructors, and home teachers who invested in his spiritual growth, Stu recognizes these individuals' impact on his testimony. This serves as a reminder of the importance of surrounding ourselves with people who can support and encourage us in our faith journey. When facing a faith crisis, isolating ourselves or seeking out those who share our doubts can be tempting. However, by staying connected to family members, friends, and church leaders who are strong in the gospel, we can find the strength and guidance we need to navigate our challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Eternal Families and the Plan of Salvation Another central theme in Stu's story is his testimony of eternal families and the Plan of Salvation. Having witnessed the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the tragic loss of his young nephew to cancer, Stu finds comfort in the knowledge that families can be together forever through the sealing power of the temple. When confronted with a faith crisis, losing sight of the bigger picture and the eternal truths that anchor our beliefs can be easy. We can find hope and perspective amidst our struggles by holding fast to our testimony of the Plan of Salvation and the promise of eternal families. Remembering that this life is just a small part of our eternal journey can help us approach our doubts and questions with patience, humility, and trust in God's divine plan. Navigating Faith a Faith Crisis Stuart Draper's story is a powerful reminder that faith crises while challenging, can ultimately lead to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with God. By following his example of consistent scripture study, prayer, and reliance on the support of family and church leaders, we can face our doubts head-on and emerge with a stronger, more resilient testimony. As you navigate your own faith journey, always remember to: Hold fast to the truths you already know Seek answers through daily scripture study and prayer Surround yourself with people who can support and encourage you in the gospel Keep an eternal perspective and trust in God's plan for you and your family By embracing the idea of never letting a faith crisis go to waste, you can view your challenges as opportunities for growth and allow them to refine and strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel. Key Takeaways 1. Stuart Draper's faith journey began with the examples set by his faithful parents and ancestors, who paved the way for him to develop a strong testimony at a young age. 2. Stu's personal conversion came through powerful spiritual experiences, such as feeling the Spirit during testimony meetings and learning to repent and seek forgiveness. 3. Consistent scripture study, a habit Stu developed at age 12, has been instrumental in his spiritual growth and helped him make better choices throughout his life. 4. Serving a mission in Argentina provided Stu with numerous experiences where he felt he was exactly where God wanted him to be, doing what God wanted him to do. 5. Stu's faith has carried him through difficult trials, such as his daughter's ongoing health struggles and watching his brother briefly step away from the Church. 6. A vivid dream and a powerful spiritual impression led Stu to recognize his wife, Lindsay, as his eternal companion shortly after they first met. 7. Stu's testimony of eternal families has been strengthened by the challenges faced by his niece with severe disabilities and the passing of his young nephew. 8. When struggling with faith, Stu advises holding fast to the principles and truths one already knows, recognizing that faith is a work in progress and that doubts can lead to spiritual growth. 9. The intricacies of the Earth, human body, and universe are evidence to Stu of a divine creator and a master plan for all of God's children. 10. Living the teachings of Jesus Christ and striving to be more like Him has brought true happiness and blessings to Stu's life and family. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Stu’s message of never letting a faith crisis go to waste that will strengthen your testimony to do the same. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

Faith and Vision With Christ Along the Way

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. This forced Andrew to confront his deepest fears and reassess his priorities. In the face of potentially losing his sight, material success and professional achievements paled in comparison to the things that truly mattered – his faith, family, and ability to make a positive impact on the world. Through fervent prayer and unwavering faith, Andrew navigated this challenging period. The experience not only strengthened his relationship with God but also clarified his life's purpose. It led him to refocus his career on endeavors that could make a significant difference in people's lives, such as sustainable energy and cancer research. This period of crisis became a powerful testimony to the transformative power of faith in action. Trust in God as You Choose to Keep Moving Andrew Van Noy's story reminds us that our greatest challenges often hold the key to our most profound growth and purpose. By choosing to develop our faith in the face of struggles, we open ourselves to transformative experiences that can shape not only our own lives but also the lives of those around us. As you reflect on Andrew's journey, consider the challenges in your own life. How could you view them differently? What perceived weaknesses could you transform into strengths? Take a moment to identify one area of your life where you can put your faith into action. Perhaps it's a long-standing insecurity, a professional challenge, or a personal relationship that needs healing. Commit to approaching this area with renewed faith, trusting that God can work through your circumstances to manifest His glory. Your experiences with faith are unique and ongoing. Like Andrew, you have the power to choose how you respond to life's trials. By placing your faith in God's hands and remaining open to His guidance, you can transform your greatest challenges into your most powerful faith-building experiences. 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.

Shooting with Lexi Lagan: A Journey of Faith, Joy, and Perseverance

by Julia Denner
Sep 13, 2024

In this week’s episode of Why We Believe, Lexi Lagan, a two-time Olympian, shared her incredible journey from a small-town Nevada girl to an internationally recognized Olympic shooter. Having competed in the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, Lexi has risen to prominence in the shooting sports world, but her journey hasn’t been solely about medals and accolades. She speaks candidly about how her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ has guided her through life's trials and triumphs. Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Lexi came from a close-knit family and pursued a physics and political science degree at the University of Utah. While her academic journey was impressive, her athletic career soon took center stage, leading her to Colorado Springs, where she began training as a professional shooter. But Lexi’s story is not just about athletic prowess—it’s about how faith and perseverance have shaped her into the resilient, driven woman she is today. This blog post will explore four core areas of Lexi’s faith journey: finding strength in Jesus Christ, leaning on prayer in difficult moments, understanding the role of divine timing, and experiencing joy through adversity. Each section will explore how her faith has intertwined with her Olympic career and personal life, inspiring readers to incorporate faith into their own daily experiences. 1. Finding Strength in Jesus Christ Lexi’s journey as an Olympic athlete has been deeply intertwined with her faith in Jesus Christ. From a young age, she recognized that her athletic abilities were gifts that needed to be nurtured, not just for personal success, but as a way to glorify God. Through her many achievements, Lexi credits her strength, perseverance, and resilience to her reliance on Jesus Christ. Throughout her training and competitions, Lexi found that whenever she strengthened her spiritual relationship, her shooting performances would improve as well. She realized that the more she leaned into her faith and sought strength from Jesus, the easier it became to face challenges in her sport. Whether it was a tough training day or a high-pressure competition, she felt an overwhelming sense of peace and capability when she centered her thoughts on Christ. Her time competing on the world stage wasn’t always smooth sailing. One particularly challenging moment occurred during her trip to New Delhi for a World Cup competition when she was stuck in a potentially dangerous situation due to political unrest. Despite the chaos, Lexi turned to prayer, finding solace in her unshakable belief that God was watching over her. This profound trust in Jesus Christ provided her with the calm and strength to navigate uncertainty with grace. 2. Leaning on Prayer in Difficult Moments For Lexi, prayer has been an essential part of her daily routine, especially during moments of uncertainty or fear. In her Olympic journey, Lexi frequently encountered situations where the stakes were high, and the pressure was overwhelming. However, she consistently turned to prayer as a way to find peace and connect with God in those critical moments. One of the most viral moments of her career came from a photograph of her praying before stepping onto the shooting line at the Tokyo Olympics. This image captured the essence of Lexi’s reliance on God—before competing, she doesn’t pray to win, but rather for comfort, guidance, and the reminder that He is always with her, regardless of the outcome. Her prayer was a moment of grounding and reflection, helping her stay focused on what truly mattered: her relationship with Christ. During the interview, Lexi also recounted a terrifying experience while stranded in New Delhi amidst escalating political tension. Rather than succumbing to fear, she prayed for comfort and protection. Lexi’s faith assured her that she was being watched over and that her Heavenly Father was with her every step of the way. It was through prayer that she found the strength to face each challenge with a calm and steadfast heart. 3. Understanding the Role of Divine Timing Lexi’s life is a testament to divine timing—how every event, no matter how unexpected, aligns with God’s plan. One of the most significant instances of this was how she met her husband during a simple mini-golf outing with friends. At the time, Lexi had no idea that this casual event would lead her to the love of her life. Yet, as she looked back, she saw that everything happened according to God’s perfect timing. Even in moments of professional uncertainty, Lexi trusted that God had a plan for her. She shared a story of how her funding was unexpectedly cut just two weeks before Christmas, leaving her with the prospect of homelessness. Instead of despairing, Lexi leaned on her faith, trusting that God would provide. Through the support of friends and her own resourcefulness, she found a way forward, and the experience only strengthened her resolve. Lexi encourages listeners to trust in the process, even when the road seems difficult. She emphasizes that God’s plan may not always align with our personal expectations, but it is always for our greater good. By focusing on the bigger picture and trusting in divine timing, Lexi was able to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, both in her personal life and career. 4. Experiencing Joy Through Adversity A common misconception is that faith in Jesus Christ eliminates the challenges and hardships of life. Lexi’s story shows that while challenges are inevitable, faith offers a path to experience joy even amidst adversity. Despite facing numerous personal and professional struggles, Lexi has always found joy in her relationship with Christ. Lexi speaks openly about how the church has been a guiding light in her life, teaching her the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is often fleeting, tied to circumstances, joy is a deep, abiding feeling rooted in faith and the knowledge of God’s love. This joy has carried her through some of the most difficult moments of her life, including the pressures of competing on the world stage, financial struggles, and moments of fear. Reflecting on her journey, Lexi emphasizes that joy comes from recognizing how deeply God loves each individual. Despite the millions of people on Earth, she feels a personal connection with her Heavenly Father, who knows her by name and has guided her steps every day of her life. This recognition fuels the joy that she carries with her, even during the toughest times. Conclusion: A Call to Action Lexi Lagan’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith, prayer, and trust in God’s plan can shape a life filled with joy, perseverance, and purpose. Her journey from a small-town girl to an Olympic athlete is not just a tale of athletic achievement but of spiritual growth and reliance on Christ. Lexi’s ability to turn to Jesus in times of triumph and trial has enabled her to navigate life’s challenges with grace, resilience, and unwavering faith. If you feel inspired by Lexi’s story, consider taking steps to invite Christ into your daily life. Here are some simple ways to start: Dedicate a few minutes each day to prayer, asking for guidance and strength in your personal journey. Reflect on moments of hardship and look for how God’s hand has guided you, even when the outcome wasn’t what you expected. Share your faith with others, just as Lexi did with her husband, and encourage those around you to seek a relationship with Christ. As Lexi’s story shows, finding strength in Christ can transform every aspect of your life—whether you’re striving for an Olympic gold or simply navigating the challenges of daily life.

Having the Faith to Go, See, and Change with Sean Luangrath

by Julia Denner
Jun 21, 2024

Having the Faith to Go, See, and Change with Sean Luangrath In this week's episode of the Why We Believe show, we are joined by Sean Luangrath. Sean is the CEO of a portable solar generator company. Sean and his family came to the United States as refugees from Laos when he was just six years old. Growing up, Buddhism was their family's religion and cultural tradition. However, while in refugee camps, Sean's parents were introduced to Christianity and were baptized. Later, after settling in California, missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints began teaching Sean's family, leading to powerful experiences that would shape the course of Sean's life. Sean's story beautifully illustrates the profound impact the gospel can have when individuals and families embrace its teachings. His experiences demonstrate the transformative power of faith, not only in his own life but in the lives of all who earnestly seek truth. In the rest of this post, we'll explore four key parts of Sean's journey and the powerful lessons we can learn as a result of acting in faith. The Gospel Brings Love Sean shared that one of his earliest testimonies of the gospel came from witnessing the changes in his own family, especially his father after they joined the Church. Sean's dad, who was previously not very expressive or affectionate, quit smoking and drinking and became a more loving, involved father and husband as he lived gospel principles. Through the Church, Sean's parents learned more ways to teach and guide their children. Rather than cultural traditions of harsh discipline, they began showing increased love and using positive reinforcement. Sean felt that the gospel helped his father become a better man because it helped him choose to be a better man. These changes had a profound impact on young Sean. Seeing the love the gospel fostered in his family was his first powerful witness that the Church was a good influence and that living its teachings led to peace and joy. Transforming his home environment through gospel living became fundamental to Sean's faith. The Gospel is Meant to be Shared At age 19, was called to the Australia Melbourne Mission Mandarin-speaking. Sean was assigned to work with the Chinese community there, largely made up of immigrants and refugees. As a missionary, Sean focused on helping people come to Christ. Coming from a Buddhist background, Sean could relate to those who believed differently. He found joy in teaching, and as he did so, he recognized God’s love and felt the peace the gospel brought. Daily sharing his beliefs as a missionary strengthened Sean's own testimony. Teaching others inspired Sean to ponder how he knew God was there and that Jesus Christ was his Savior. Sean's mission gave him spiritual experiences that solidified his witness of gospel truths. The Gospel Teaches the Atonement Recently, Sean had the opportunity to serve in the leadership of a young single adult ward. As Sean served, he had powerful spiritual witnesses of God's love for His children and the reality of Christ's Atonement. In counseling with ward members going through challenges, Sean often felt he was a conduit for Heavenly Father's love to these young adults. He was sometimes overcome with emotion as he experienced God's care for them. Sean's heart expanded as he conveyed God's love and saw it uplift and heal others. He developed an unshakable testimony of the power of the Savior's Atonement as he saw it transform people’s lives. Working with individuals striving to change and come unto Christ, Sean witnessed the complete "180-degree" turnarounds people could make through repentance and coming to feel God's love and forgiveness. Come and See Sean's experiences show us that a testimony of the gospel is built line upon line as we live its teachings and open our hearts to God's love. Whether we see the impact of gospel principles on our families, share our beliefs with others, rely on the Lord in trials, or witness His love and the Atonement's power, each of us can come to know the joy and peace the gospel brings. As Sean points out, all people are children of God, regardless of their background or circumstances. God wants us each to feel His love and experience the happiness that comes from living the gospel. Sean's invitation to "come and see" and learn of Christ is extended to all. How have your experiences with “come and see” inspired your own testimony? And how could your experiences maybe help others? Take a moment to ponder and perhaps write down some of these faith-building moments in your life. Consider sharing them with a family member or friend to lift them up and strengthen your own testimony. As we each live and share our faith, we will gain a deeper understanding of the power of the gospel and the impact it can make in our lives. 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!