Voices of Hope

011 - Preston Jenkins

Tanya and Jeff Bennion talk with Preston Jenkins, who shares his journey as a gay man in a mixed-orientation marriage with his wife, Taryn. Preston opens up about the two years of bitterness he experienced after enduring abuse on his mission, and how his mother played a vital role in helping him work through that bitterness with love and teaching him correct principles. Preston also discusses his journey of overcoming PTSD triggers related to the church and emphasizes the importance of staying clean to be a vessel of Christ's love. He shares how embracing truth sets one free from emotional burdens and encourages listeners to take control of their lives by choosing Christ. Throughout the conversation, Preston encourages self-reflection by asking the question, "What doctrine, if I understood it better, would help me overcome this burden?" He addresses the claim that "the gospel doesn't work for everybody," emphasizing the importance of listening to the proper spirit. Preston also shares how he and Taryn cultivated a beautiful relationship through intentional courtship. This inspiring episode offers hope, understanding, and guidance for anyone navigating complex challenges while seeking a path of stalwart discipleship. Follow [https://www.instagram.com/northstarsaints/] us on Instagram @northstarsaints Visit us online at https://www.northstarlds.org/ [https://www.northstarlds.org/] Check out Preston’s Voices of Hope video and a personal essay here [https://www.northstarsaints.org/voh-preston]. You can buy Preston’s book here [https://www.amazon.com/This-Boy-His-Mother-Latter-day/dp/B0BB3G7B35/ref=sr_1_1?hvadid=631611147314&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9060571&hvnetw=g&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14105812017080742875&hvtargid=kwd-1702303403754&hydadcr=7665_13589719&keywords=this+boy+and+his+mother&qid=1686430513&sr=8-1]. Please leave us a review and consider sharing this episode with someone you think would benefit from its message.

010 - Lexi Weyland

Jenn and Anjanette speak with Lexi Weyland, who identifies as bisexual. She shares experiences and insight on how she is able to sit in uncertainty while still choosing to keep her covenants. They also discuss the dynamics between Lexi and her husband, Benj, who identifies as gay. Lexi shares their story and why they decided to get married and remain committed members of the church. Lexi’s Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/lexiallthewey/] Follow [https://www.instagram.com/northstarsaints/] us on Instagram @northstarsaints Visit us online at https://www.northstarlds.org/ Please leave us a review and consider sharing this episode with someone you think would benefit from its message.

009 - Nathan & Cristin Hessing

Jeff & Tanya speak with Nathan and Cristin Hessing. Nathan shares his experience of same-sex attraction and his desire to remain faithful to the Gospel. They talk about finding North Star later than other resources, and how both emotional and physical pain caused him to seek out help. Nathan and Cristin talk about the personal issues Nathan faced and the impact that had on their relationship, but how therapy had given him tools to move past those challenges. Nathan shares some of the details of what those challenges looked like, and how the ability to make a personal choice was important to him in multiple facets of his life. Cristin is able to talk about her own experiences of being prompted early on in their friendship to consider this marriage long before she and Nathan ever started dating.  Nathan’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/nathan.c.hessing] Cristin’s Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/cristin.blankenship]

008 - Mary Thompson

Sallie & Danielle speak to Mary Thompson. She shares her perspective of learning of her husband Spencer’s same-sex attraction and why they decided to share their story publicly. Mary processes things through writing and shares many experiences on her blog, which is available to read. Sallie and Danielle echo the challenges that have existed at points in their marriages and personal experiences; conversely, they talk to the healing that have come from those and how marriage is really a process of learning and growing together. Whenever troubles would arise in their marriage, Mary talks about how she would hold to her wedding day and the feelings she had then as a grounding point for herself. They each share that they are grateful for these personal challenges as those have ultimately shaped who these women have become. Mary talks about the importance of learning to allow herself to be happy and to have fun, instead of living in anxiety. They also discuss how God can make us more than what we are without him, comparing that to Mary and Spencer acquiring some caterpillars and watching them grow into butterflies. Mary closes by opening up about her personal challenge of longing to be desired and the journey that feeling has given her. Links Mary and Spencer’s Voices of Hope video [https://www.northstarlds.org/voh-profile-spencer-mary]Spencer’s article in the Liahona [https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2021/10/digital-only/same-sex-attraction-and-my-journey-from-shame-to-joy?lang=eng] Mary’s blog As Dews From Heaven [https://asdewsfromheaven.wordpress.com/]@asdewsfromheaven [https://instagram.com/asdewsfromheaven]@redefiningromance [https://www.instagram.com/redefiningromance]Mary on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/mary.b.thompson.77]

007 - Trent as a Branch President

007 - Trent as a Branch President Jeff & Joseph speak with Trent, who was Joseph’s Branch President in Vermont. He gives insights into how church leaders can be more understanding of different circumstances in a branch or ward. Trent talks about how he spent a lot of time and effort trying to better understand Joseph when he first heard that a member of his branch experiences same-sex attraction. They all discuss the internal conflicts that come from being a member of the church while simultaneously knowing how to support and love anyone making choices that don't align with church values.  Many commonalities exist between all members of the church as we strive to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ, which they expound on as they talk about the roles that Grace and Mercy play in ward leadership. They talk through the importance of providing safe spaces in all areas of the church where people can feel safe to have conversations seeking understanding. Trent also looks back on his own experiences as a Branch President to share advice with other church leaders, which includes the importance of putting trust into those around us regardless of what their personal challenges may be. Trent on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/karie.t.shelton] Show Notes: That We May Be One [https://deseretbook.com/p/cd-that-we-may-be-one?variant_id=155907-paperback] by Tom Christofferson