Beyond Coincidence Podcast
Ep 086: Dr. Ben Schilaty on Faith, Identity & Knowing You’re Here on Purpose
Beskrivelse
“I am here for a purpose, and I am here 'on purpose'.” For Dr. Ben Schilaty, that truth became the anchor that carried him through faith, heartbreak, identity, and learning how to live openly as both a gay man and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. Dr. Ben Schilaty’s story begins before he was even born. During his mother’s pregnancy, doctors warned that something was seriously wrong and urged her to end the pregnancy. But through all the fear and uncertainty, she felt clearly impressed that his name was Benjamin Schilaty — and that this child was meant to come to earth. He was born healthy. And hearing that story his whole life gave Ben a deep-rooted belief that would later shape everything: He came to earth exactly as he was supposed to. Raised in a loving Latter-day Saint home by devoted convert parents, Ben always knew he was deeply loved. By age 12, he knew he was attracted to boys, and for years he wrestled with what that meant inside the context of his faith. Like many, he hoped a mission would “fix” him. It didn’t. He dated more than 100 women trying to force a path that didn’t fit, stayed in the closet for years, and quietly carried the weight of believing his life might already be over. But God had another plan. A simple walk with his two best friends became the hand-of-God moment that changed his life. Their love, support, and compassion gave him the courage to finally come out and begin healing. That path was not easy. There was confusion, heartbreak, and the painful ending of a relationship with someone he deeply loved when their faith paths moved in different directions. But in the middle of that heartbreak, Ben received a spiritual prompting that he was meant to 'build a life within the gospel'. That impression brought him profound peace and joy. Today, Ben lives openly and authentically as both a gay man and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a professor, therapist, author of A Walk in My Shoes, Questions I Am Often Asked as a Gay Latter-day Saint, and cohost of "All Out in the Open" with Charlie Bird, he helps LGBTQ Latter-day Saints and their families find hope, language, and belonging. His message is powerful: When we look for the hand of God in our lives, we remember that we are loved, valued, and never alone. God is involved. God is kind. And every one of us has worth. Look for his book "A Walk in My Shoes" available on Amazon or Deseret Books. Charlie Bird's books "Without the Mask" and "Expanding the Borders of Zion" also available. If you or someone you love has ever wrestled with faith, identity, and belonging, this conversation offers so much compassion and hope. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now. 📺 Watch the full interview on YouTube. 💬 Comment below: What helps you remember that your life has purpose? #DrBenSchilaty #FaithAndIdentity #LGBTQLDS #LatterDaySaint #GodLovesYou #PurposeAndWorth #AllOutInTheOpen #HealingJourney #RecognizeHisHand #ChristianPodcast
Prøv gratis i 14 dager
99 kr / Måned etter prøveperioden. · Avslutt når som helst.
- Eksklusive podkaster
- 20 timer lydbøker i måneden
- Gratis podkaster
Alle episoder
95 Episoder
Kommentarer
0Vær den første til å kommentere
Registrer deg nå og bli medlem av Beyond Coincidence Podcast sitt community!