Posted on Sep 20, 2024

Processing Divorce With Faith

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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Faith-Filled Improvements with Troyce Miskin
Faith-Filled Improvements with Troyce Miskin
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

In this week’s episode of the Why We Believe show, I sat down with my close friend and spiritual role model, Troyce Miskin. Troyce, the deputy fire chief of the Rexburg Fire Department and an educator for EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters, shares his powerful story of why he believes. Troyce opened up about his experiences that have shaped his unwavering belief in God's presence and love. He has found his own “sacred groves” on his path of discipleship, and the experiences that have shaped him into the man he is today have never left him. Troyce's journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of turning to Heavenly Father. In this blog post, we will explore how we, too, can find our sacred spaces, recognize God's miracles in our lives, learn to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and seek inspiration to become more like Christ. Seeking Your Sacred Grove The Sacred Grove is located in Palmyra, New York. It is where a young Joseph Smith had a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. While this location holds special meaning for many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and is often associated with powerful spiritual experiences. Troyce pointed out that we don't need to the one and only Sacred Grove to have similar experiences because we can make spaces of our own to invite that kind of spirit. Some of the most prominent spiritual experiences we have in this life happen in places like our homes or the temple or on top of mountains. It is different for everyone, and that is a part of what makes spiritual experiences so special. The fact that God knows each of us so individually that he knows what experiences we need to progress in the best way. As we seek to strengthen our faith, our sacred groves don't have to be limited to specific locations. God speaks to us in the moments when we are ready and when He knows we are prepared to hear His voice. By creating sacred experiences with our loved ones and opening our hearts and minds to the promptings of the Spirit, we can find our own personal sacred spaces that will fortify our testimonies. God is a God of Miracles It is no surprise that life is hard and complicated. One of the coolest things about miracles is that a miracle for one person will not be seen as a miracle by another. We pass through hardships, and we are told in scripture that all these things will be for our good. Sometimes, we don’t see God’s hand in the matter until the trial has passed. This was the case for Troyce when he and his family embarked on a road trip. Their car was having noticeable amounts of trouble as they were trying to make their way to the temple. They said a prayer that the car would not break down as they were driving and they were fine for a bit. As they followed the GPS, they were not at their location at all. Troyce was infuriated to be stuck in the little podunk town. It wasn’t till after the fact that Troyce realized that their GPS had led them to the only location that would be able to service their car as soon as it was having problems. As we navigate life's challenges, it is crucial to trust in God's plan and have faith that He is leading us toward something great. And even if we don’t realize it until later, we should give thanks for the miracles and blessings God gives us when we can’t see the big picture yet. By recognizing the miracles in our lives, no matter how small or unexpected, we can strengthen our belief in God's love and guidance. The More We Listen, The More We Hear By heeding the promptings of the Holy Ghost, Troyce was able to bless the lives of others and strengthen his own faith. In church callings and as a parent, he has chosen to listen and heed these pomptings leading to more opportunities for the spirit to keep helping him. The more we pay attention to the whispers of the Spirit, the more God will trust us and guide us in our lives. When you ask someone for help, and they give you advice, you normally take it. So, give God the same courtesy. If you ask God for help and receive a prompting about it, no matter the outcome, what results will be something that will help you in the long run. As we act upon them, we open ourselves up to receive greater inspiration and direction. Here are some tips for prioritizing the voice of the Holy Ghost: Create a quiet space in our lives to listen for promptings Act upon the inspiration we receive, no matter how small Express gratitude for the guidance and direction we are given Continue to seek opportunities to serve and bless others Finding Inspiration to Become Like Christ A big part of this life is the connections we build with others. We are capable of inspiring one another to do the best we can and continue to fulfill our potential. For Troyce, his wife, Wendy, is one of his inspirations. Despite his struggles with anxiety and feeling spiritually disconnected, Wendy's unwavering commitment to the gospel and her ability to see Troyce's potential inspired him to search for the truth as well as their love for each other. We can find inspiration to become more like Christ through the love and example of those around us. As we observe the light and goodness in others and open up to others, we can be motivated to develop those same qualities within ourselves. The Atonement helps us overcome our weaknesses and mistakes. By creating a relationship with the Savior and allowing His love to work within us, we can experience the enabling power of the Atonement and progress on the path toward becoming more Christlike through our interactions with others. Fueling Your Faith By finding our own sacred spaces, recognizing God's miracles in our lives, seeking inspiration to become more like Christ, and learning to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can strengthen our testimonies and develop an unshakable belief in our Heavenly Father. Take a moment to reflect on your own faith journey. What steps can you take today to nurture that spark of faith? Consider setting aside time for personal prayer and scripture study, seeking out opportunities to serve others, and spending quality time with your loved ones. As you do so, you will feel the love of God and Jesus Christ encouraging you, uplifting you, and guiding you along the path of discipleship. Thank you for joining us for this episode. I pray Troyce’s message building faith will lead you to experiences that will strengthen your testimony. If you would like to learn more about the Why We Believe show, please visit WhyWeBelieve.com.

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Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 07, 2024

Developing A Strong and Simple Foundation in Christ with Priscila Teodório da Silva In the latest episode of Why We Believe, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Priscila Teodório da Silva, a talented software developer from Brazil who shares her incredible story of faith and personal growth. Born and raised in a family of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Priscila's journey is one of resilience, perseverance, and a deep love for Jesus Christ and His gospel. Priscila shared with us details of her spiritual journey, from her early years attending church and seminary to her experiences serving a mission in Chile. Her story is a testament to the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement in our lives. In this blog post, we talk about lessons and insights from Priscila's journey, exploring how small and simple acts of faith can help us develop a stronger relationship with our Savior and overcome life's challenges. Priscila's experiences can help us discover how we, too, can find strength and purpose through Christ. The Power of Personal Commitment Priscila's foundation in the gospel began with her parents taking her to church as a kid. As she entered her teenage years, family issues sometimes made it difficult for her to attend church with her family. Priscila took it upon herself to help get her family ready to go in the mornings and even attend church alone if need be. Her intrinsic motivation to attend church helped build and strengthen her faith. Even when faced with challenges this played a prominent role in developing her testimony. By taking responsibility for her own spiritual growth, has helped her find her center in Christ. Each spiritual journey is ultimately a personal one. While the support of family and friends is invaluable, it is our own commitment to Christ that will carry us through life's trials and help us grow closer to Him. Finding Strength in Adversity One of the most striking aspects of Priscila's story is how she found the most meaningful spiritual experiences during the most challenging times. Priscila discovered that these moments of adversity often lead to the greatest spiritual growth. Discipleship was not meant to be easy, but it is worth the struggle. As we face obstacles and challenges in our efforts to follow Christ, we have the opportunity to turn to Him for strength and guidance. We can build our spiritual muscles and in doing so, we not only overcome the immediate difficulty but also develop a deeper relationship with our Savior. There are always challenges that come with living the gospel. Being humble enough to ask God for help when we need it brings us closer to him. Letting God’s grace have a chance to work in our lives brings peace and strengthens our faith. The Transformative Power of Christ's Atonement Christ’s Atonement is God’s most important gift to His children. Because of Him, we are not lost to sin and death. We can progress in this life, and we can someday become perfected through His sacrifice. Anyone who chooses to turn to Christ and apply the Atonement in their lives can feel peace and healing that cannot be found or felt anywhere else. By learning about the Atonement and applying it in her life, Priscila found the strength to continue pursuing her goals and responsibilities, even in the face of mental health struggles such as OCD and anxiety. She sought help from trusted family members, friends, and professionals, while also relying on the healing power of Christ. A big part of the Atonement is change. And change is never “comfortable.” It shouldn’t have to be. Part of the transformative power of the Atonement comes from the opportunities we are given to make choices that help us come closer to Him. And without these numerous opportunities to make these decisions, we would only have so many chances to do that. Christ gives us every opportunity. The Impact of Small and Simple Acts of Faith Small but significant acts of faith have guided Prescila’s journey of faith. Throughout her life, she has experienced numerous moments where seemingly small decisions or actions have had a profound impact on her spiritual growth and the lives of others. You don’t need to move mountains to help someone come closer to Christ. Priscilla was able to share her testimony with friends at school, which led to some of them learning more about Christ. Her mission in Santiago, Chile helped her to develop a deeper relationship with Christ. Putting aside time to work on simple things like studying the scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit made a difference in her own life. Choosing to share her testimony every Fast Sunday, even when it was difficult, and learning that her words could be exactly what someone needed to hear helped her understand how God could use her for His work. These experiences demonstrate that it is often the small, consistent choices we make that have the greatest impact on our spiritual journey. By being faithful in the little things, we open ourselves up to the blessing and guidance of the Holy Ghost, which can lead us to make a profound difference in the lives of others. Starting a Spiritual Foundation Priscila Teodório da Silva's story is a beautiful reminder of the power of faith and the transformative impact of Christ's Atonement. Through her experiences, we learn that personal commitment, perseverance in the face of adversity, reliance on Christ, and small acts of faith are all essential elements of a strong spiritual foundation. As we navigate our own spiritual journeys, consider how you can apply these lessons to your life. Let us strive to be more self-motivated in our church attendance, find strength in the challenges we face, turn to Christ's Atonement for healing and guidance, and recognize the significance of small and simple things through acts of faith. By doing so, we can develop a deeper, more meaningful relationship with our Savior and find the purpose, hope, and joy that comes from living His gospel. Take a moment today to look for God's hand in your life, and trust that He is guiding you through the small and simple things that will lead you back to Him. Key Takeaways: 1. Priscila Teodório da Silva, a software developer from Brazil, shares her inspiring story of developing faith in Jesus Christ and His restored gospel from a young age. 2. Despite facing challenges such as family issues and living far from church, Priscila remained committed to attending church and seminary, even if it meant going alone. 3. Priscila found that the most meaningful spiritual experiences often occurred during the most difficult times, such as when it was raining and hard to get to church. 4. Discipleship is not easy because the Atonement of Jesus Christ was not easy for him, and as members of the Church, we must uphold the truth and face our own challenges. 5. After returning from her mission, Priscila faced challenges such as the pandemic and dealing with anxiety and OCD, but she turned to God and trusted in Christ's Atonement to overcome these difficulties. 6. Small yet significant experiences, such as feeling the Holy Spirit in the temple or during baptisms, helped build Priscila's testimony over time. 7. Serving a mission in Chile helped Priscila understand that developing a deeper relationship with Christ is based on simple things like studying scriptures, sincere prayer, and following the Holy Spirit. 8. The restored gospel of Jesus Christ has positively influenced every aspect of Priscila's life, from making better choices to meeting positive influences and discovering her passion for programming and computer science. Thanks for joining us for this episode of Why We Believe! We wish you the best as you look for the small and simple ways God has been guiding your life. If you would like to learn more about this podcast or see past episodes, head to WhyWeBelieve.com to find more!

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Let the Gospel Guide All Things With Lamont Leavitt
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!

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Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner
Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner
  • by Julia Denner
  • Jun 28, 2024

Growing Faith Through Life's Challenges with Cheryl Conner This week on Why We Believe, I had the privilege of sitting down with Cheryl Conner, a remarkable woman whose experiences are just as inspiring as she is. Cheryl is the founder of SnappConner PR and the author of the Forbes ebook Beyond PR: Communication Like a Champ in the Digital Age. Her expertise in public relations and communications has earned her a spot among the top 20 business influencers to follow, as recognized by Clear Points. Cheryl's story is a testament to the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges and finding purpose in our experiences. From childhood miracles to navigating personal struggles, her life experiences illustrate how faith is a guiding light through both triumphs and tribulations. We'll explore insights on growing faith through repentance, scripture study, and meaningful interactions with others. Growing Faith Through Repentance Repentance is fundamental in our faith, and Cheryl's experiences highlight its transformative power. Understanding the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ gives us the gift of forgiveness. When genuine repentance occurs, the sin is truly forgiven and is not held against the individual. It allows us to move past our sins and overcome them in ways we didn’t think we could. Understanding forgiveness and repentance helps grow our faith. Actively participating in the Atonement can bring so much more peace and happiness than any of us can imagine. It is never our job to be the judge of others, and the Atonement helps anyone come closer to Christ regardless of their past. The Power of Scripture in Strengthening Faith The Bible and the Book of Mormon, demonstrate how the study of scripture can profoundly impact the growth rate of faith. For Cheryl an intensive study allows her to approach each day with new eyes. Each day brings new blessings and new challenges and she is able to face it all when she has scripture and prayer to fall back on. Regular scripture study can provide anyone with strength and perspective during difficult times. It has helped Cheryl maintain focus on her beliefs and values, even when faced with personal and professional challenges. The scriptures became a source of comfort, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment that sustained her faith. Learning Faith Through Others' Examples Interactions with others can significantly influence the growth of our faith. It all comes down to how we choose to react and what we choose to do as we talk to others about our faith and in turn, listen to them and foster communication and understanding. Cheryl's mother, a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has demonstrated unwavering faith throughout her life. Even in the face of losing her husband, Cheryl's mother maintained her faith and chose to see the positive side of things. This example of steadfast faith has been a constant source of inspiration for Cheryl, influencing her own approach to life's challenges. Putting Faith to Action Cheryl's experiences demonstrate that faith is not merely a set of beliefs, but a guide for how to approach different aspects of life. She has found numerous ways to put her faith into action, strengthening it in the process. One of the key ways Cheryl has lived her faith is through service. During particularly challenging times in her life, Cheryl found that as she focused on serving others her own worries dissipated. She discovered that by losing herself in service, she often found the peace and happiness she was seeking. Some ways to work on your faith include: Regular scripture study Serving others, especially during personal challenges Standing firm in your beliefs in all aspects of life Seeking opportunities to share your faith with others Practicing forgiveness and repentance with others and yourself Conclusion: A Call to Action Faith is not static. It grows and deepens through our life experiences, challenges, and interactions with others. Consider how we can apply these lessons to our own lives. Are there opportunities for us to deepen our understanding of forgiveness and repentance? Can we commit to more meaningful engagement with our spiritual texts? How can we learn from the faithful examples of those around us? Let's challenge ourselves to put our faith into action. Whether it's through service, standing firm in our beliefs, or seeking opportunities to share our faith with others, each action we take can strengthen our convictions and potentially impact others. Our words and actions can have far-reaching effects that we may never fully comprehend. By living our faith authentically and courageously, we not only strengthen our own beliefs but also have the potential to positively influence others, creating a ripple effect of faith and goodness in the world. Let us take inspiration from Cheryl's journey and commit to nurturing our faith, not just in times of ease, but especially in the face of challenges. For it is often through these trials that our faith grows strongest, shaping us into individuals of deep conviction and positive influence. 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!

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