The wisdom of this young woman is jaw-dropping. I hope she continues on her healing path with the same openness and kindness she's shown in this interview... I don't want the world to ever lead her to another dark place again.
Such a sweet old soul at 21! 🥹 far more mature and brave than I was at that age. I grew up in a different fundamentalist religion, but they’re all so similar in the aspect of patriarchy, control and fear. Extra proud of you. 💕
AMEN!!! I feel so angry that this church does this to these children! AHHHHHH!! This beautiful young lady is SO SO SO SMART!!! Intuitive!! I feel so incredibly PROUD OF HER. To have to choose between her family (the Mormon church) and her life!!!😢😢😢😢😢 God Bless her! And keep her safe!! Keep her heart STRONG!!!!!!!! I’m so grateful for this Heather lady, God Bless her also!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I thought your comment was going to go in a really different direction at first before I read the whole thing. You are so right though! Her story is giving me some much needed strength right now so I'm really glad I found this video. Hopefully I can keep her resilience in mind with the things I'm facing right now in my own life. I need to remember that I have what it takes too. So thanks for your comment.@@OssieRichards
I believe it is God, not her experiences who gifted her! But I totally agree with you that I, also could listen to her all day! Sure would love to hear what she is doing now!
Since you know Brin, I hope you'll reach out to her and encourage her to come read all these comments. I think she would be additionally buoyed by the extraordinary support, appreciation, acknowledgment of her wisdom and strengths, and the love that is expressed in this forum. It is always good to be 'seen and understood' when one is sharing from their own authenticity. 🌟🙏☮
Yea with no church compromise.. anyone can feel happy.. but. Jesus said l. Never said it's gonna be easy... And she is running away.... For responsibility.... But eny one has freedom to choose the Free will... A one day we going to be face to face with the heaveling father... And this goes for everyone.... Thanks
@@prrtygrrl1 well that's the way to running away... Don't see other...... The worst is the way talking.... You said that l judge her but you don't see she is judging the church.. if you said that she feels pease.. maybe in her way..and . you're same as her... Girl of Satan... Child of Doom...
@@zppln139Didn’t Matthew 7, vs 1 and 2 say: “1. Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” You just called someone a child of Satan. Never ONCE did Brin say she no longer believes in The Lord. She was removing herself from the evils of the organized religion she was tied to. Never ONCE in the Bible did God of the Old Testament nor Jesus in the New Testament say you needed to cleave into a specific religion/church/denomination in order to be saved. Matter of fact, He seemed to be VERY much against them. Maybe you need to put your nose back into your Bible and out of these RU-vid comments…..then next time you’d think twice before condemning someone 🙄😒.
@@504CreoleCrystal well.. you and her and everyone is doing the same... Judging the church what's you guys have to do if don't like the rules.. just walk away... And lose yourself.. do not take people with you like Satan did.. by deceiving many souls like or not you know no l right... You think that Said all that. You will. Be blameless.. you're wrong.... And like l said if don't like the rules.. just don't go the church because..you become son.of perdition..like or not.. so easy.... And l feel good. Explaining.. to you that you're wrong.. .. and God bless you.......
I’m a senior non LDS, who has watched your programs for years,but this young woman is just the best! She has reminded me and all watching,to trust and honor ourselves,no matter what the cost. Thank you for such an outstanding interview♥
Please read& believe a non exclusive KJV bible. You MUST BE BORN AGAIN TO NOT GO TO HELL Read the book of John God did not want anybody to have any religion. He wants a relationship with you Repent (change your mind) Put all your faith in the BIBLICAL JESUS READ JOHN AND GET INTO A GOOD BIBLE BELIEVING CHURCH - no religion but relationship Make sense?
@@lisedale6767 I get his drift. A relationship with Jesus as one's personal saviour is the ONLY way to heaven. Furthermore, James 1:27 says that true religion is "to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world". Denominations tend to divide and, as far as I know, are never condoned in the Bible.
This afternoon I watched both episodes; 5 hours of inspiration. This articulate wonderful human is a hero and as she travels on spreading her message of intuitive confidence I will be cheering very loudly for her. Thank you Mormon Stories for featuring this up-and-coming thought leader. Miss Brinley, you truly know, that without a test there is no testimony. Congratulations on regaining your autonomy. May you be surrounded by love and compassion, all the days of your life.
As a 60 yr old woman who was excommunicated at 21 yoa I relate to much of what Brinley speaks about. Her intuition spoke to her over & over. She questioned, education, prayed/meditated. She told her story with so much respect to those who are still in the church she grew up in. The respect & admiration I gained for for this young lady has been refreshing for my views on this younger generation. Mormonism as in many religions I’ve studied doesn’t encourage intuition. She continually speaks of it. Thank you Brinley for speaking out on the importance of intuition because that has been one very important factor in her mental health journey.
I am over 70 years old and am so proud of you. My heart is touched by your story. I was raised as a Jehovah's Witness from age 6 - until I totally separated myself from that life in my 40's. So many similarities to your story of being able to see the difference between a religious organizations "truth" and the real truth about God andJesus. So hard to leave family, friends behind and walk in faith and spirit..
I an ab 85 year old who resigned my church membership 1n 1980. I was sent to Denmark on a mission in 1956 and, although I no longer believe in the Church, and was sent home from my mission after two years, six months early, I will be forever grateful for having had that experience. Learning Danish awakened an interest in foreign languages. Having been raised in a very small town in southeastern Idaho, the only time I heard another languages was when missionaries reported back. To make a long story short, I completed my PhD in Spanish and had a very long and rewarding career as a Spanish professor in Washington State. It never would have happened without my mission. I have also traveled the world and continue to do so.
@@jodiosborne5056 Jodi, I really have none to tell! I started checking into Mormonism after following the trial, looking into the Coz family and realizing there is something fundamentally (no pun intended here) wrong. Indeed there is! I was raised Catholic and made a quick exit once I left home. No religion for me! And none for my children. There may well be a supreme life force behind the initial creation of the universe. Everything else was “created” by the natural desire to wish death weren’t the end. And it might not be. But then again it might. But it sure isn’t a matter of rituals, superstitions and get-rich schemes for “leaders”. How sick.
Brinley, I dont know if you'll ever see this, but you have soooo much light that just exudes from you!! I see so much goodness, love, and joy in your face! Thank you for sharing your experience and for just being yourself!
Oh my gosh! Brinley, you are so inspired in the truest sense. So young, so brave, so honest! I pray that God be with you and stay with you on this incredible truth seeking journey.
When I found out some of the toxic behavior, cover ups, miss treatment of my daughter we left. However it’s extremely lonely because Utah/Mormons are very judgmental when you leave no matter the reason. I’m still trying to heal. Great pod cast ! Thank you for your openness & sharing.
Thank you for being rational and responsible enough to choose your child over your beliefs. It's super unfortunate that you were in the situation in the first place but it says everything about your character and your soul that you put your family first. Good job mama ❤️
Omg, I had the exact same experience Brinley had in the temple. I went back one more time, the next day and eventually left the Mormon church in 1994. One of the best decisions I've ever made. I've never heard another person experience that matched mine. I hope this helps so many people. Bravo to her.
So true. I just hope the backlash from her Mormon family and acquaintances from doing this on RU-vid isn't too severe. But she has proven to be a tough little mama, so I'm sure she'll be just fine. Go Brin!
Agree! What an amazing, intelligent, strong, confident young woman. Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story Brinley. You are an inspiration. I'm so happy you survived all the trauma and are changing the world for the better and leaving such a positive example.
"In a system that teaches you to be self critical, you are just one decision away from shame... It’s really difficult to extend to other people what you don't have for yourself." Margi is amazing.
To be moral, regardless of whether that involves religion, you must be self-critical to some extent to determine if your actions will harm others or yourself, and if it does, you should be ashamed of your actions. Without some form of negative feedback, you probably won't learn right from wrong. Without some form of morality and consequences for one's harmful actions, society can get real ugly, real fast. You certainly don't want to encourage sociopathic behavior where you have no compassion for your fellow man.
I am having a "crisis of faith" and deciding who I truly am and what I believe. It is crazy because I am 60 years old and am finally figuring myself out. I was so entrenched in the LDS church that I felt like a person could not have morals if they weren't a member. As if there is one moral standard that fits all people!! Having a son who has a drug addiction has been devastating. But he is truly the kindest most moral person I know. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone and literally has before! But as a member of the church, I have been so disappointed and even embarrassed of him. He is one of the people who I love most in the world. And yet, I have had such negative feelings about him. It makes me sick! I am learning to love and accept people as our Savior would. Something that the church has kept me from doing! Since changing my views, I still feel heartbroken, but for my son and his struggles, instead of how it looks to my LDS peers. He is beautiful, kind, and amazing! I am blessed to be his mother!!
This is beautiful. I can't imagine how strong you were/are. He can rely on you, to the point of your changing you spiritual journey. He can see that you did a incredible journey and hopefully his addictions can be done also. I wish you the very best.❤
so proud of this young WOMAN - brave ,courageous, well spoken , and a good role model for others who want to leave the Fearful , patriarchal cult . My young Karen’s life was very similar to Brinley - took me until my mid forties to question and then leave the organization at 50. Grateful ❤to be Out. 😂 especially love having Marghie joining John . You both are amazing and the work you are doing is changing the world for GOOD !!!!
I went through a 7-8 year faith crisis and can completely relate to this interview. It was by far the hardest thing I have ever gone through because my identity blew up along with my family. I was a convert that joined at age 19. I am so proud of this young girl’s integrity and bravery. Soooo many members are suffering behind closed doors.
Wow, Brinley's answer to the kite & the string question, plus earlier about how living in the moment is less stressful, shows just how mature she is. I'm in awe. I'm nearly 50yrs old, to put that into perspective! I hope she continues to share her truth, especially with her generation (my kids generation). If you think about it, her mission training has prepared her for exactly that. I wish her all the very best.
Margi was perfect for this conversation. Also wow, what a smart and well spoken young woman. I’m a nevermo, having my own little epiphanies from some of these topics as it relates to the broader context of women in humanity. Thank you for this great discussion and bravo for her courage and strength 🙏🏼
Galatians 1:8 No Other Gospel ]LDS ANOTHER GOSPEL [ 6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ Unto Another Gospel: 7Which is NOT ANOTHER; but there be some that trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8But though we, or an ANGLE From Heaven, preach ANY other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be ACCURSED 9As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preaches any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed
@@KT-od6zq - Please just stop. So inappropriate to cherry-pick a verse from the Bible that you feel is relevant here. Anyone can do that and there are multiple verses in the Bible that conflict with one another, so you’re not the expert. You are the expert for yourself, but not for this young woman or anyone else.
@@liseklerekoper2441 God is an expert. The true and living God offers forgiveness of sins, eternal life and salvation for free. That is how much God loves everyone! ❤ John 1:9 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift 🎁of God; 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift 🎁of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 3:24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Brinley, I am so proud of you and you have found your true mission, spreading love and acceptance for all. When I left the church, my mother kept sending my address to have missionaries come around. I finally had to tell her to stop, that I was not teaching my children the morman teachings. My non-LDS husband rescued me from going to the temple. The Stake President's office tried to tell me I had to come speak with him to have my records removed from their rolls, so the missionaries would stop coming around. I told them I was not, and did not care about meeting with the Stake President. I was told my soul would be lost, etc. So sad that my family, many generations back, have been programmed and mind controlled. I tried going to a nephew's baptism and was so appalled at the brain washing that I heard out in the open. I left the building, new to return to hear such heart wrenching language. I couldn't even stay in my father's funeral service after hearing all the church teachings that were presented, instead of a celebration of his life. My mother thinks I left the chuch because of a rude comment some member made. Even after I specifically told her that I don't have the same beliefs and I'm ok with what I believe and not being a member, she still doesn't understand. She somehow sees this as something that effects her salvation. I know it definately doesn't effect my relationship with Christ. I too was dismayed when my uncles came to my parent's house to give him a blessing and I was nit allowed to be apart of the prayer circle. In the non- denominational church I ws apart of at the time, it was common place for everyone to lay healing hands on those being prayed for. I know I will not be able to change the minds of my mother or sisters, so I respect their decision to worship how they like and ask that they respect my decions on how I choose to practice spirituality. I too no longer choose to follow an organized religion. You will save many lives and bring Light in to this world just as you have share your new life here and now. You will navigate this new mission from a place of love. Thank you for sharing. You are truly amazing.
Appreciate Brinley's quest, her authenticity and her story. Hope her parents are very proud of her. The female interviewer asks compassionate and important questions. The entire interview was tastefully done. Thank you.
I love that Brinley’s 3rd eye tattoo is on her throat Chakra. Seeing her truth and speaking it. I got chills when she said the temple crumbled when Jesus died. And when she said “I don’t need the church,” I thought “the church/organized religion needs us (in order to exist.)” I love Margi’s questions. Amazing work, guys. Go Brinley!☀️
Brinley is a victim of a religion. Jesus is God and he saves, heals and sets free. I hope she gets to the point in life when she starts asking Jesus to show the the way, the life and the truth. No need for religion, Jesus is all.
She’s a victim of a cult that pretends to be Christian, but it is not. She doesn’t know or understand true Christianity, the “temple did not crumble when Jesus died” because He rose on the third day. She said through out the video that she always felt she had to be perfect, but true Christians know they cannot be perfect. Jesus is the only one that was perfect and sinless. She also said she is “not a sinner”, but she is wrong, we are all sinners in need of a savior. The Mormon church is not Christian, it is a cult that tries to pose as Christian, but it has blasphemous doctrines and it does not worship the true and has a false image of Jesus.
I worked with a Mormon bishop once and he said that “Temple shock” is a big thing for the church. Just shows the peer influence is strong. Many people find the temple alarming and that it feels wrong. Always go with your gut!
I’m in my 30s right now and I’ve spent over a decade deconstructing my evangelical upbringing. It’s truly amazing to hear Brin having the strength and wisdom to be doing her own deconstructing and reprogramming even while still in the faith. It makes me so happy to see people able to get out younger and reclaim more of their lives for themselves. It makes me feel like my own years of struggle contributed to the kids having more access to information
I LOVE Brinley's version of the famous "kite needs a string" metaphor. The string isn't cut but it changes where it is attached to. LOVE that! I'm inspired and relieved.
"I was living the standards of the church exactly, and I almost died". -- WOA! One of the things I love about my exodus from the church is my sense of being a moral person is so much stronger and authentic. Because all my choices belong to me and I'm able to make healthy choices that bring me happiness.
As I heard you say, '...I'm 21 years old, I feel like I've been given the gift of...,' and the word that popped into my head was discernment! Honoring your authenticity, and your values, and your truth... and the wisdom, and discernment, to recognize it all. 😊🙏🌟
I enjoy Margi’s insightful observations, the way she validates the guest’s lived experience and demonstrates that she is carefully listening by summarizing what the guest has said and then adding a bit of analysis or synthesis of the guest’s answers. Most of all I appreciate that she is respectful and doesn’t interrupt the guest. That is one criticism I have for John. John, you are sometimes too tied to your agenda and interrupt guests too often to keep them on task. It’s annoying. But, hats of to you John for creating this forum and doing the work that you’re doing. Clearly many people are benefiting from it. Kudos to you-dos.
That was one of the most inspiring Mormon Stories I’ve ever listened to, and I have heard many! What an exceptional and lovely person Brinley is. Thank you all for having her on. By the way, love having Margie on the show. She is a wonderful counter balance to John. Sensitive and very intuitive! Keep them coming! Thanks
I have listened to countless Mormon Stories podcasts/videos, & although ever one is excellent, this one w/ Brinley, Parts 1 & 2, is my favorite to date. It hit deep in my heart & soul, & held by interest from start to finish. What an amazing , beautiful, self-assured, & compassionate young woman she is, which is a stark contrast to the young woman on that mission. I love seeing young women own their worth, grab life, & run w/ it in the direction THEY choose. Thank you John & Margi for all you do as your work is life changing, validating, & from a place of acceptance, unconditional love, & truth.
I love hearing the personal stories of your guests... but especially the female guests. Seeing things from this perspective is so eye opening. Keep up the great work!
I was LDS from 1972 to 1989. I was a convert and married in the Manti Temple. We had 4 children. I heard from the pulpit that you won't go to the Cesestial Kingdom unless.....The week before You won't go to the Celestial Kingdom unless... I remember thinking some very loud thought "I'm GOOD ENOUGH!" At the time I had about 3 Church callings. And I was caring for as many as 14 children in a daycare I created so I wouldn't be working outside the home. Even waking moment I was doing something for others, praying, and reading the scriptures. I left and didn't know the power of the Church. I lost long time friends. I even lost the ability to keep my kids. I feel good now. It took a lot.And a long time I'm 71 years old.
Thank you for sharing your very moving story. I’m sure there were some years - esp. after losing custody of your kids - that were extraordinarily difficult to navigate. Being an outcast is one of the biggest threats, and harshest punishments, of any religion, cult or isolated community… all humans are social animals and can’t thrive without those connections, so those losses can be devastating. I hope you, in time, found your way into new forms of community, with more support, unconditional acceptance and love. You don’t sound like you regret your decision. I’m glad to hear you say, ‘I feel good now’. ❣️🌟🙏🏻☮️
I spent Sunday afternoon listening to the entire interview with Brinley. Quite the story for someone so young. I am glad she was able to share with both John and Margie. I am CofC. Both of my son's are no longer members of the church. I am thankful and Blessed we are still supportive of each other on our journeys. I hope that Brinleys story will help others to find happiness and grounding. Thanks for a great interview.
I listened to part 1 and I’m just a few minutes into part 2. I really feel for this young lady. She was under much pressure within and from the church. I was in a different church and because of their non Christian actions, I wrote the district conference a letter stating that I disagreed with their direction and said I no longer supported them. From listening to her, she was carrying a ball and chain around while searching for the truth. In my 69 years of searching for the truth I have determined by experience that whatever is made by man is fallible. I gave up on my church leadership but not on God. I actually feel closer to God than ever before. This young lady is in my prayers.
The very best interview so far 🎉 I am a NeverMo’ After 9 years of listening to Mormon Stories It’s VERY exciting to see and hear the embodied evolution of this extraordinary generation … as they step into adulthood ✨🙏✨ Thank Thank You
As a former member foe 35 years, I am so proud of and encouraged by the younger generation and their intolerance for unacceptable practices that others have been conditioned to accept without questioning. I love the open and safe culture to question everything that they are embracing.
Love love ppl gassing up gen z. They're the most intuitive and in touch generation yet. Reality transforms into profouns meaning seamlessly for many of them. It's so beautiful. The new human evolution towards peace.
You certainly have the gift of leadership and all the qualities that go with it .. I wish you so much joy and happiness in your new found freedom Brinley .. thank you for sharing your story. ❤
Such a very inspiring and heartwarming interview! I would love to see an update with Brinley a year later to see where she’s at. Such poise, grace and spiritual maturity for someone only 21. But it’s great to see! So many wise souls incarnating on Earth at this time and Brinley is definitely one of them. The speed in which Brinley got out of this toxic Mormon cult is truly admirable and worth celebrating. Brinley is truly an heroic role model that has successfully overcome her share of obstacles growing up in such a shame based restrictive environment. Brinley is too much of a free spirit to allow the Mormon religion to clip her wings. The illusion of safety is like living in a gilded cage. The idea of security and safety can be such a confining trap like living in an emotional straitjacket. What is the use of security under such dire circumstances? It is inspirational to see a free spirit like Brinley spread her wings and live in the Moment. This Moment is all we have, we are not promised a future Moment. We can only abide within this Holy Instant which can help us to touch the Eternal. I hope we get to watch some future Brinley updates for another dose of positivity, inspiration, happiness and joy. To the Mormon elder that pontificated that ex Mormons will be sorry they left the LTD cult, I say such negative toxic comments only validate the toxicity of the Mormon religion. By whose Authority does he make this judgement and condemnation? Would Jesus ever make such a castigating comment? These Mormon elders are intoxicated with their bloated egos and power and condemn anything that deviates from their dark and evil worldview. Brinley stands in defiance of such toxic and shaming proclamations and completely invalidates the credibility of these misguided men. 🌀 ✨☀️✨🌘🌞🌒✨☀️✨
Your story is so powerful in countless ways. At 86 yo, I still relate to the trauma and loss that you experienced leaving the LDS church, because to this day, I still feel the pain endured from leaving the Catholic Church 65 years ago. Your testimony is so valuable and I hope many young people who experience doubt about their religion will hear this interview.
I am so, so impressed by this young lady! She is so smart! Her courage is mind-blowing! I am not a Mormon, but have watched MSP for a long time now, and feel like I understand a little bit of it at least on how strong she must be to go away from this religion. So for her, with a dad being a bishop ,with her whole family being so into the Mormon church, and traditions, following and listening to her gut feeling, and really dare stand up for herself, and others, is amazing! She is smarter than most of the old men ruling the church, I am sure! I hope her parents really have it in them to realize how amazing she is, and being very,very proud of her. You're awesome girl! ♥️ Keep listening to yourself, and you will be happy and live a great healthy life going forward! Love from Marte, a mom of 3 grown ups, in Norway! I would be so proud,if I was your Mom! 🇸🇯❤️
I'm a 65 year old male, former member, who served a mission in '78, '79, and 1980, 45 years ago. Obviously most of the specific details of my experience were vastly different, but I see many parallels between this fine young lady's and my own experience, with my mission and afterwards with the church. Thank you for sharing this.
I hope Mormon stories does interviews with more people such as yourself who are from a different generation and their own personal perspectives and experiences.
Wow… she is so brave. Thank you Brinley for talking to openly about your story and struggling with mental health. She is so well spoken and intelligent, and seems like a really kind, sweet soul.
I watched both parts of this in one sitting. Such a fascinating and engaging conversation. Both interviewers asked amazing questions and Brinley is such an incredible communicator. So well done!
Brinley Jensen. I grew up Coptic, it is one of the oldest churches in the world. Your story touched me a lot. I had a similar experience with my church. I admire your courage and I root for you. You won’t regret your decisions and you will never regret listing to your intuition , it will never fail you.
The Church was right about one thing, Brinley is well-spoken! What a brilliant mind she has! I'm sure she will help a lot of people just by giving this interview.
I’m a female, recently retired Presbyterian minister in Canada, and I spent a lot of my professional life working with young adults Brinley’s age. I hope she gets to read this. I was very impressed with her thoughtfulness, her willingness to struggle to question deeply ingrained beliefs and behaviours honestly, and while rejecting Mormon teachings, still being gracious about those in the Mormon church. Although I knew the Mormon culture was very involving of members, I hadn’t realized it was quite so coercive of its young people. The interviewers were both so warm , and accepting of the fact that those in the years right after high school are necessarily in a time of great change. These are the years when our tasks are to become independent of our family of origin, decide who our closest companions will be, what principles will govern us, and what our professional calling will be. You acknowledged that in Brinkley in an encouraging way. Blessings on you all!
I am so impressed by this young woman. It took amazing courage to leave the church that was holding her and other women back. Jesus never taught that women were subservient. Some religions use the Old Testament or other texts to control and keep women down. I don't believe that was Jesus' teachings. I know that Brin will continue to thrive and will find her path in life and do great things. What a brave girl! Thank-you for this interview. I am not, and never was a Mormon. I had young people on their mission stop by our house multiple times. One day it was scorching hot so I invited them in. During our conversation, I mentioned that I was adopted from a Mormon woman. That really piqued their interest. They spent quite a lot of time talking about baptism. I told them that I was baptized as a child when I was old enough to understand what it meant. They were convinced that I should be baptized in the Mormon faith. I told them that I like learning about other religions, but I had no intention of becoming a Mormon. Then they were talking about baptism by proxy, which freaked me out a little. They wanted to know if I knew my birth mother's name. I only knew her first name. Is there any chance they did a baptism by proxy for me? It has always bothered me that they may have. I can't find out much about it, but I'd like to know if that's a possibility. If anyone can answer, I'd appreciate it. Oh, I forgot to mention that I am really disappointed at the racism Brinley brought up about the African American man who was told he couldn't be baptized. He dodged a bullet, but it's disturbing that racism exists in the Mormon church.
I'll be 63 years old this year. I spent most of those years jumping from cult to cult (for lack of a better word), hoping that God would fix me. I was born with an intersex condition, but was told I should be male. The LDS church was the second church in thst journey, and I didn't get off that ride until a few years ago. I wish that I could claim now the emotional maturity that Brinnley is showing here. What an amazing and insightful young woman.
What a smart young woman Brinley is! Good for her for learning to trust herself and follow her heart. She is so bright and thoughtful, and wise beyond her years. It makes me sad that she had to endure the cult-like atmosphere while growing up, and will be recovering from that for a long time. She will go far in life, and I wish her the best.
one of the best episodes. im so glad i left the church when my kids were young. i still have the odd moment where i remember the "rules" that were hammered in my head as a youth, but my daughter has been my best therapist because shes so liberated and has helped me deconstruct.
Brinley has a very bright future ahead of her. She has crossed a bridge into a wonderful life especially those that she will come in contact with and share in her joy.
What a remarkable, smart young woman. Tons of respect to her. I know it's been posted a long time ago but i just saw it today. I wish her all the best for the future!
Thanks to all 3 of you for this priceless share from Brin. I'm 68 and never a Mormon, but after my own path with organized religion, I only can say that from the moment she began speaking I knew that I was meant to hear this. I'm a writer, so a true lover of words, but none seem adequate in response to such a meaningful gift and message, except my most heartfelt thanks. ♥️ Brin is undoubtedly a leader, and unforgettably brave and honest. Thanks again.
As an ex Mormon I know what it is like to get you confidence back. Proud of you for handling what the mission president said. I also had a mission president that would have said the same thing. Honestly it took me a couple years to not be concerned about what others in the church thought. I went about 15 years before I stepped foot into a church again. Before that I had a tumultuous relationship with Jesus and Heavenly Father. However, now that I know the real God and Jesus I understand we don’t have to be perfect. Jesus is a loving God who meets us where we are!!! I’m not trying to push Christianity on you but in my case I felt the pull to try another church a couple years after I left the Mormon church. I didn’t do it until many years later. I wish I had done it sooner but we all have our timeline. Funny you said you hope to live longer now that you have freed yourself from the cult mentality. I was 59 when I got baptized and I told my pastor I hope I live another 20 years in the true gospel. It is so empowering!!!
So much of Brinley's story reminds me of my mission. I had a companion who was just like Brinley but also was ill physically, first with typhoid then hepatitis. Later she had the beginning of rheumatoid arthritis. She was not allowed to leave and in my foreign mission the mission president and his office held our passports so even though I tried to help her escape, she could not leave. Finally we pleaded to her parents and let them know of her health situation. They reached out to the mission president immediately and told him to send my friend/companion home ASAP. The president had no choice but to act then as they were fairly well known Mormons in Utah. Before she left the president told her "that if she didn't completed her mission where she had been called that she would forfeit her eternal exaltation". Can you imagine the impact that has on a very faithful small town Utah girl who is just trying her best to survive in a foreign country with depression and illness. That was the beginning of the end for me. I left the church a year or so after my mission and have never looked back!
I pray that my daughters turn out like you. I’ll be watching this episode with my 11 year old for sure. Thank you for your wisdom, even at 21 years old.
Brinley: You are a lovely, intelligent, articulate young woman. I'm very moved by hearing your story, and so very impressed by your deep awareness, at a young age, about the flaws in the teachings you had grown up with. But, especially significant is your ability to honor your Inner Voice -- which I have come to understand is our innate connection to Spirit and our connection to the Divine, aka God -- and the wisdom you possess, inherently, about when power is being abused by others. I could write for hours on this, but I'll keep it brief. Blessings to you as you continue to honor the truth, the deeper truth that you have tapped into through you own Inner Voice, your Spiritual Connection directly to God, eschewing religious organizations that pretend to be the one-and-only avenue to God and the Afterlife. We may not use all the same terminology, but I do believe there is only one Divine Force, one God, in this unfathomable universe. And no religion, or cult, or organization of any kind that has been devised by the flawed human ego, can dictate how we access our connection to God, or Spirit, or the Great Divine. It is our birthright... it is inalienable. In fact God, and God's Divine Love, is the very life force that animates all forms of life on this earth, and makes us all the Children of God... and, therefore, all One. May you continue boldly in your beautifully unfolding sovereignty, and your path toward the deepest spiritual awakening possible. Investigate the term non-duality in spiritual growth and human consciousness. Oh, there are so many threads to pull, so many paths to walk. There is so much discovery and awakening ahead of you! Bon voyage! Stand strong in your courage. Your well-developed heart, your self-love, and your ethics, will keep you in good stead. 🙏💕☮🌟
I think everyone can learn from Briney. What a wonderful young girl with a wonderful attitude. She has such a knowing. I am 77. I can understand all her feelings. I was brought up learning about respect and trust and not really knowing all about life. Naïve . I hope everyone finds this program. There is so much to learn.
I hope they do too but I highly doubt it. They clearly have the self imposed blinders on. “Just don’t look at that stuff.” “We’ll find out more about that after we die.” All thought stopping behavior. It’s really easy to leave the church, it’s hard to be ready to process the info that will quickly lead you out. Once you’re ready to take the blinders off, it happens fast. But from listening to her story, it was pretty apparent to me her parents clearly have blinders on.
If I were a mother, I'd be dying to know every last detail of my daughters story. so I could support her in her life, and learn from her unique worldview as well. I cant understand parents who dont see that as the biggest gift of parenthood. My mom followed me out of the church, but not everyone is lucky to have parents who value them as full human beings with meaningful human being experiences. It's so sad to see.
She certainly deserves better from her folks.. MY GOSH.. Ya gotta b PROUD of her 👊 👍🤗😊.. Amazing stories here and we REALLY Appreciate y'all 👏 👏.. B well 💙 OLD G 😁
I don't think if every Mormon left it would be an unquestionably good thing. Even if it was, I don't think it's the right move to judge those who stay. Don't get me wrong; I'm absolutely guilty of juging members, and even my own family. But I deeply regret doing so. I think it's best to love, and forget about what would be the best for them.
That’s because they perform Satanic rituals stolen from the Freemasons in the temple. That’s why her soul rejected that. It was the Holy Spirit telling her it was something dark and to not participate in it.
I’m not even halfway through this and I hope that we get more information at the end about all the great things this very poised and intelligent young lady is planning on doing, such as her education and career goals! I predict a great future ahead.
Just beautiful. So many things Brinley was going through were so similar to my own young adult self. The beating yourself up at such a young age for minor sins. The fear of talking to anyone about it. My father was in the bishopric and then the stake presidency and it just was too hard to admit any wrong no matter how small. The forcing yourself to believe and be perfect even when you have questions and doubts. I'm so happy for her that she figured it out so young. I am 38 and married in the temple with 3 beautiful children. I remember going through my own endowments and feeling so many of the same things and feeling like I could never say anything. It caused a rift in my marriage fo a while because I never wanted to go back after we were sealed. For 14 long years I forced myself to hide my true self and to just keep going and to be perfect. It has been 2 years since I started to let myself actually question and research. I remember like Brinley reading the CES letter and just feeling so many of the same things. She is so brave. I still haven't found a way to tell my parents and siblings that I no longer believe. I just stay silent and scared. She really made me want to be brave like her. Thank you all so much for this beautiful story.
These are by far some of the best Mormon Stories episodes I have ever seen. The other was with Tim Kosnoff. But Brinley sounds like such such an amazing person who's life for me is very relatable as far her struggle with mental health issue's and finding her way out although I didn't serve a mission and frankly never wanted to.
What a beautiful, articulate, intelligent young woman. I’m so glad you survived your experience. May God always protect you and be loving to you as you lead the life he had planned for you all along.❤
This is something I do to my own children. I hold their face in my hands and say “You are a strong, smart, beautiful person.” And this you are Brinley! I mean Wow. I’m 61 years old, and I want to be just like you when I grow up. With love from Vermont, Mama Bee 🐝
i just watched your show for the 1st time. the show was 1& 2 part about Brinley. Its a God thing that i found this because i just had 2 young women come and talk to me about becoming a LDS member. When i told my daughter she freaked out!! Now i see why. Thank you Brinley !! I I think you saved me from alot of sadness !!
I was a volunteer with y therapy dog at Utah State Hospital. I can't tell you how many young women I met there who were just like Brinley. They may not have gone on a mission yet, but they had fear surrounding in, hated the attitudes in the church and some were thrown out of their homes at the age of 15. My heart broke for them. This young woman was put on this planet to do big things
Taking out my endowments ended my relationship with the Church. I went through the Temple at the end of 1983 and was excommunicated in January of 1984 for Apostasy. The endowment ceremony was so dark and controlling that I was immediately confronted with the reality that the Church was a cult and not just a high demand religion. I regret not walking out in the middle of the ceremony and never looking back. There is nothing that is worse than remaining in the Church. I occasionally drink wine, don't do drugs and being a happy healthy person and being a good neighbor and a good member of my community is a far better purpose for life that being a slave to the Church's false morality. Brinley, you're a rock star. The statement, "I never want to speak to people the way I viewed them when I was a Mormon" is the most beautiful thing.
My brain broke the first time I went to the temple. I was getting ready to go on a mission and I was there with my family and even if I was totally uncomfortable and freaked out, I didnt feel like I could get out of it. I hated the temple. I had nothing but bad experiences there. I feel like I was lied to and set up. This is the pinnacle of our worship? This bizarre creepy rituals? Signs and tokens? It is just so culty. Of course, you can't ask those questions or say any critical thoughts out loud with your friends or family.
Brinley is so wise…”you can still have your kite and your string, but I feel like I’ve just changed what my string is.” Which is being grounded in your true self.
this girl went thru hell, and then came to a place where she has got it figured out!!! man she has completely 100% found herself and reality! solid solid girl. congrats for finding your best life!!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this lovely young girl in her spiritual struggle, as well as the interviewers. When I struggled to come out of my denominational institution it was emotionally very difficult for me. It forced me to open my Bible and begin to look at what it said about God, and His plan of salvation through His son Jesus Christ as the only mediator between Him and us. I soon realized I had to be saved from my own self destructive pattern of following the ways of man made doctrines. Then BECAUSE I WAS SAVED by receiving Jesus as my own personal savior, I began to follow the pattern Jesus set forth. He was always obedient to his Heavenly Father, kept the Ten Commandments, and the holy days that pointed to his second coming to earth. In the process of doing so, I was delivered from idolatry, received a physical healing, and still am in the process of learning and receiving deliverance from anything that will keep me from coming forth in the image of Christ. Like Job said in the scripture I AWAIT MY CHANGE.
