This episode is guest-hosted by Tonya Miller. Tonya interviews Sarah and Josh Sabey, who run For Little Saints (@forlittlesaints). Sarah and Josh share the experiences they've had in creating their newest publication, "The Book of Mormon Storybook." Sarah and Josh talk about wishing that they had a way to share the scriptures with their children that would help them connect more deeply. They recognized that the more traditional way of storytelling from the scriptures, which has often been based on teaching sequences of events or memorizing names and places, can omit some of the more relatable, human, elements of the stories.

Sarah and Josh highlight some specific examples from the Book of Mormon that follow character arcs. This way of looking at people, or Peoples, in the Book of Mormon ensures that we do not define them by one story, or one single moment in their history. Taking the long view, or being able to zoom in and then zoom out, can provide perspectives about spiritual growth, and emphasize real ways that people can change. They discuss the importance of moving away from polarization, towards peace.

I am grateful for Sarah and Josh, and the inspired work they are doing to help all of us connect more deeply through thoughtful storytelling. Stories connect us. Christ taught with stories during His earthly ministry, and those stories can still connect us to Him. Stories can instruct and heal us. In fact, "Listen, Learn and Love" was founded on the principle that all stories can serve as important connecting points. They can bridge gaps of understanding and provide pathways to love and peace.

Sarah and Josh are also filmmakers and have published earlier books. The link for their Instagram is found below. As a side note, I’m focusing only on sharing stories associated with the Queer-LDS experience now. However, if you would like to share your story about a different Church- or gospel-related topic on Listen, Learn and Love, please contact Tonya about the possibility of working with her as my guest-host (e-mail Tonya at [email protected]).

Links:

@forlittlesaints