My friend Elder Jax Smith (multi-racial, from Highland Utah, Age 25) joins us to bravely share his story:

Middle school: “My personal hell”

Coming out to older siblings

Suicidal ideation, hospitalization, “choosing to stay”

Decision to serve a mission/called to Alabama Birmingham

Reason for ending his mission and leaving the Church

Role of good people (like Elder Jenkins) to help him return to Church

Difficult YSA experience attending with his boyfriend—left the Church for a second time

Focusing on Jesus and attending Baptist Church

Bishop’s (also his uncle) invitation to attend his YSA Ward

Calling that led him to full activity, becoming a temple worker, and going back on a mission

Others (like Elder Wright and Brother Monson) that helped him accept himself and feel like he belonged

Navigating church generated pain/trauma/difficult experiences

Powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and His power to heal

This is another super powerful/brave podcast from a remarkable Latter-day Saint. Thank you Elder Jax Smith for being on the podcast. You are a remarkable disciple of Christ, and your story helps others walking difficult roads—and it helps the rest of us have more insights to help everyone feel like the belong and better create Zion. You are a good man!

Links:

Jax Smith Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556810127958

Jax Smith Instagram: @smith_3_55_