In this episode, we explore one woman's journey of faith, identity, and self-discovery within and beyond the Mormon Church. From her experiences in musical theater auditions, serving a mission, and navigating family trauma, to struggles with infertility and finding her own path, she shares deeply personal insights. We discuss the cultural pressures of motherhood, the challenges of deconstructing religious beliefs, and the impact of leaving the Church after COVID. Her story also touches on her evolving perspective on topics like polygamy, women's roles, and Heavenly Mother, along with finding empowerment through fitness, creative expression, and fantasy literature. Join us for a candid and heartfelt conversation about redefining purpose, embracing authenticity, and thriving in "Plan B."
Show Notes: https://www.mormonstories.org/my-wicked-mormon-journey-abbie-clark-ep-1966/
00:00:00 Beginning
00:01:35 Intentions for coming on Mormon Stories
00:04:25 The story of her parents
00:10:50 Her Mormon adolescence
00:13:25 IRS agents came and asked about her dad
00:19:00 Her parents announced their divorce
00:28:10 Her dad was excommunicated
00:33:50 Her dad’s faith crisis
00:40:33 Her adolescent years
00:42:20 Acting and singing in plays
00:48:00 How did she cope with not having a dad
01:00:35 Auditioning for the Musical Theater Program
01:06:10 The prospect of serving a mission
01:09:00 Her dad went to prison after her mission
01:11:30 Her first temple experience
01:14:00 The prayer circle
01:15:19 Her mission experience
01:24:50 Coming home from her mission in 2017
01:27:26 Meeting her future husband on her mission
01:31:30 Her mom got remarried while she was on her mission
01:42:20 Different selves in the mission versus out of the mission
01:44:45 Marriage classes at BYU about healthy sex
01:50:20 Life after getting married
01:54:30 How her family reacted to brother coming home from his mission
02:03:44 Patriarchal blessing is Mormon fortune telling
02:06:32 PCOS and struggling with infertility
02:14:20 How she felt being the one that couldn’t have kids
02:22:15 They didn’t go back to church after COVID
02:29:55 Deconstruction of the idea of Satan
02:39:50 We never talk about Heavenly Mother
02:43:10 Sad Heaven explained
02:51:40 Tom Phillips and the Second Anointing ritual
02:58:00 Letter for My Wife, feeling relief that it was all false
03:07:40 She didn’t know how to listen to herself or decide what she wanted
03:12:20 How she views her identity now than before
03:18:20 Challenges in deconstructing and rebuilding
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At Mormon Stories we explore, celebrate, and challenge Mormon culture through in-depth stories told by members and former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as well as scholars, authors, LDS apologists, and other professionals.
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