Why We Stay Kalyx Christensen

Brayden shares his journey from growing up in an active LDS family to serving a mission in South Carolina. During his mission, his parents began questioning their faith, which caused Brayden to doubt his beliefs. However, he found strength in his mission experiences and the power of prayer. Brayden's testimony was strengthened by the miracles he witnessed and the guidance he received while serving. Upon returning home, he faced the challenge of transitioning back to regular life and navigating the differences between mission and church cultures. This is Why He Stays

Brayden McLaughlin shares his story of growing up in an active LDS family and his decision to serve a mission in South Carolina. During his mission, his parents went through a faith crisis and left the Church, which caused Brayden to question his own beliefs. Despite the challenges, he found strength in his mission experiences and the power of prayer. He shares stories of finding people to teach and feeling the Spirit guide his words. Brayden's testimony was strengthened through these experiences and he continues to rely on them when facing doubts. This is Why He Stays

Amy’s episode touches on her family’s journey and test of faith with managing and coping with her father’s challenge with addiction.

It can be incredibly challenging to be around circumstances that have inevitable negative consequences and just negative feelings towards someone you love and care about. There’s a lot of decisions to be made in scenarios like Amy’s.

Amy shares her childhood journey into adulthood that was guided by her resilient mother which evidently portrayed in this episode, set up Amy with the confidence and foundation of faith in Christ, despite the circumstances, to choose to lean on Christ during this season of her life.

While these circumstances are subjective to every family, perspective is key in all aspects of faith challenges.

This episode highlights the importance that we are not defined by our pasts or our mistakes but by the intents of our hearts.

We CAN heal from our traumas all because of faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement.

As someone who’s been everywhere else but church, Sariah shares her story of experiencing intense circumstances as a result of her own choices and the choices of others. Having dealt with judgmental church leaders and family members, personal vices, being placed in situations with no control, and wanted to do anything but what was expected, she shares her story of conversion, growth, and Why She Chose to return and to stay in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 9 years ago. Her story comes full circle. Listen now!

Listen to this Easter/Holy Week Podcast Series: Why We Stay Podcast Version, Finale: Resurrection Sunday. I share my personal thoughts and feelings about the Saviors resurrection and what that means for us as his disciples.

Listen to this Easter/Holy Week Podcast Series: Why We Stay Podcast Version, Part Seven: Silent Saturday. I share my personal thoughts and feelings about the seventh day of the last week of the Saviors life.