Return Missionary Next Chapters

In this heartfelt episode, Spencer Johanson vulnerably shares his journey through darkness — from personal health struggles, grief over the loss of a nephew, to battling addiction and finding hope in the power of Jesus Christ’s love and repentance. These stories are not only a testament to resilience but also a guiding light for others navigating their own difficult transitions after serving a mission or facing unexpected hardships.

In this episode:

• Spencer's childhood in a musical, faith-filled home and the roots of his testimony
• The profound impact of his nephew Oliver's diagnosis and passing, and how it shaped his faith
• His decision to serve a mission amid personal trials and how the mission transformed him
• The realities of transitioning back home, including grief, cultural adjustments, and mental health
• An open discussion on the challenges of pornography addiction, shame, guilt, and the path to healing through Christ
• The concept of "flashes of light" — divine moments that illuminate faith during dark times
• The importance of repentance, ongoing self-improvement, and trusting God's love and power
• Practical advice for missionaries returning home, emphasizing listening to God and embracing the next chapters

Timestamps:

• (00:01) The fire within long before the mission: Spencer’s childhood and faith foundation
• (01:23) Growing up in a musical family: roots of creativity and love
• (03:06) How a spiritual experience during baptism shaped Spencer’s testimony
• (05:23) Grieving the loss of nephew Oliver and finding peace through scripture
• (08:08) Wrestling with faith and theodicy during a heartbreaking season
• (11:07) Deciding to serve a mission amid expectations and family tradition
• (13:12) Serving as a COVID missionary: blessings, challenges, and memories
• (14:42) Returning home amid loss and emotional transition
• (17:40) The struggle and hope regarding pornography addiction — honesty and faith
• (24:42) Turning to Christ through repentance: pivotal moments and spiritual renewal
• (33:23) Flashes of light: divine miracles and divine interventions in everyday life
• (34:47) Discovering type 1 diabetes post-mission: a surprising blessing
• (40:36) Overcoming shame and the importance of divine love and forgiveness
• (44:54) Words of encouragement: listening to God and embracing future chapters

Resources & Links:

• Stephen J. Lund - BYU Address on Flashes of Light
• Book of Mormon in Gospel Library
• Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - "The Laborers in the Vineyard"
• Your Path to Healing and Repentance
• Information on Type 1 Diabetes
• https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org

In this heartfelt episode, we explore the inspiring journey of Japrix Weaver Stubbs—a talented athlete and dedicated missionary—who faced multiple knee injuries, personal doubts, and the challenges of redefining her identity. Her story offers hope and practical insights for those navigating setbacks and crafting their next chapters with faith and perseverance.

In this episode:

• Japrix's experience of tearing her ACL twice and the emotional toll it took
• The pivotal role of her mother’s faith and the powerful impact of small, uplifting truths
• How her injuries shaped her spiritual growth and strengthened her reliance on the Atonement
• The importance of redefining success and identity beyond physical achievements
• Navigating college sports with faith, values, and authenticity in a competitive environment
• The intertwining of her athletic pursuits, mission service, and future career ambitions
• The unique support her husband provides, including participating as a practice player
• Practical advice for missionaries and returnees facing hardships and delays
• The lessons learned about humility, patience, and trusting Heavenly Father’s plan

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcoming Japrix Weaver Stubbs and her remarkable story

01:21 - The devastating impact of her first ACL tear before a state tournament

02:39 - Emotional pain and loss of identity beyond being an athlete

03:12 - Discovering the Atonement’s power during recovery

04:22 - Her mother’s faith and the small notes that uplifted her during difficult days

06:35 - Returning to basketball after multiple surgeries and the perseverance involved

07:51 - The frustration of tearing her second ACL and feeling God’s timing

08:45 - How her surgeries prepared her spiritually for her mission

09:39 - Supporting her mission while staying connected to basketball

11:05 - Transitioning successfully into college basketball and balancing faith and competition

14:02 - Navigating team dynamics with integrity and exemplifying her values

15:20 - Dealing with comparisons and understanding blessings through faith

17:25 - Her experience of three ACL surgeries and the lessons in resilience

19:41 - The significance of prayer and reliance on Heavenly Father through setbacks

21:28 - How her hardships have built her character and prepared her for future challenges

23:34 - Supporting her future goals and trusting God’s plan for her next chapters

26:16 - Words of encouragement for others going through trials and setbacks

27:41 - The power of humility and Christ-centered faith in overcoming life’s difficulties

Resources & Links:

• Ether 12:27 - Book of Mormon
• Physical Therapy as a Career

In this episode, we explore the inspiring journey of former missionaries who have navigated the often challenging transition from post-mission life back to the real world. These stories reveal vulnerability, growth, and the profound ways faith and experience shape their next chapters, offering valuable lessons and encouragement for others walking similar paths.

Key Topics:

• The personal journey from corporate career to mental health counseling
• The power of listening to the Spirit in making life decisions
• How late-life education and career changes can be rediscovered at any age
• Lessons learned from handling mental health challenges during and after service
• The importance of empathy, understanding, and love in leadership and service
• Navigating feelings of inadequacy and finding confidence in new pursuits
• How experiences and spiritual guidance influence major life shifts
• The significance of chapters and transitions in personal growth
• Practical advice for those prompted to change directions

Timestamps:

00:00 - Rewind to understand how career struggles and personal challenges sparked a new calling
02:22 - Returning to school in late 50s: overcoming feelings of inadequacy and awkwardness
03:44 - The power of vulnerability and authentic connection in therapy practice
04:42 - Sacred moments that affirm life-changing career pivots
05:14 - The importance of understanding empathy and walking in others' shoes
06:12 - Transitioning from mental health practice to full-time mission leadership
07:25 - Culturally adapting and empathizing with diverse missionaries
08:02 - Common mental health challenges faced by missionaries in Hawaii
09:15 - How clinical training enriched leadership and pastoral care
10:14 - Walking away from a PhD program: trusting spiritual promptings over plans
11:01 - Recognizing the need to pause and re-evaluate life pursuits
11:51 - The power of prayer, divine guidance, and the Spirit’s promptings
12:20 - Confidence in changing paths after listening to divine guidance
14:07 - The value of understanding the Spirit’s language in decision-making
14:54 - Developing deeper love through understanding others’ journeys
15:47 - The instant love for missionaries and the importance of knowing their stories
16:28 - The ultimate hope for the podcast: helping others feel they are not alone
17:33 - The influence of stories in inspiring, teaching, and motivating change
18:22 - Viewing life as chapters; embracing change and growth
19:01 - Moving forward through challenges, trusting the Spirit, and starting new chapters
19:41 - Gratitude and excitement for the upcoming journey of sharing stories

Resources & Links:

• Preach My Gospel
• Gospel Library App

Additional Notes:

This episode highlights that our "chapters" are ongoing and ever-evolving. Whether it's a career change later in life, navigating mental health during missions, or reassessing our life direction, embracing change with faith and divine guidance can lead to profound personal growth and purpose.

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