I was born and raised in Houston, Texas by devout Mormon parents. To this day I feel my church membership was a benefit during my youth on almost all accounts. Nevertheless, I am now grateful to understand that not everyone experienced these same positive effects, including members of my family. I attended BYU, graduated in 2002, married an Air Force physician in the temple, and have called Oklahoma my home since 2008. I am the mother of three children, one son and two daughters. I currently stay at home with them and am sincerely happy to be able to do that at this phase in my life. I spend much of my personal time pursuing hobbies I enjoy, including gardening, cooking, playing piano, reading, triathlons, and running races. I’ve also recently discovered a love for building and designing furniture.
Mormon Stories became a sacred place for me soon after my husband expressed his concerns with Mormonism and told me he was an atheist. Many of you are familiar with the pain, depression, identity loss, confusion, and loneliness that is characteristic of these situations. Amidst my “dark night of the soul,” I found Mormon Stories and immediately experienced a rush of healing and empathy upon discovering that there were other people who could relate to me. I now attribute much of the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual peace I enjoy to the Mormon Stories community.
I particularly admire the way Mormon Stories deals with the tougher issues. By telling the stories of real people, it builds bridges of understanding among all of us, regardless of where we might be on the Mormon belief spectrum. I am particularly interested in Mormon Stories discussions about LGBTQ and feminist Mormons, and I stand firmly behind its efforts to ease the burdens of these good people.
I am currently semi-active in my LDS ward but find most of my spiritual nourishment from personal study and a fairly regular meditation practice. As a mother, I hope to give my children the tools, space, and trust they need to find their own rich spiritual life, whatever that may be. The Mormon Stories community pulled me through a very difficult yet formative time of my life. I hope to give back a little of what the people in this community have selflessly given me. Much love to you in your efforts to find peace and clarity on your journey.
