I loved your Mormon Stories episodes and was so impressed with your journey, obvious intelligence, and loving countenance that I booked a session with you next Sunday. My faith crisis is kicking my ass and I look forward to talking with someone who has lived through Mormon entrenchment and climbed out to the freedom of open thoughts and devotion to being untamed! Thanks so much for being you.
I listened to your Mormon Stories episodes and found myself breathing sigh after sigh of relief to hear yet another person express things I never knew I could put words to. This poem is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing here!
This is beautiful. Thank you for putting this into the world. I've listened to part 2 of your Mormon story twice now and will listen again. There are so many takeaways I need to memorize, so many books I need to read. For now I'm a PIMO, desperately trying to keep my marriage, and staying in the church to protect my two young girls from the harm and potential harm of the patriarchal church. I'm a male, but I too think it's time for the feminine goddess to be noticed and embraced. Thank you again for this succinct and truthful dismantling of Jesus. With love to you all, Robert Hohosh.
I've never connected with any poetry before. But this poem is so relatable and beautiful and catches two sides of my heart at the same time. Thank you!!
Deconstructing Mormonism eventually leads to more deconstruction of other belief systems we may not even be aware of. It's like going on a cleaning binge. Once you get started it's hard to stop. I have deconstructed so much over the last 12 years that when someone asks me what I believe, I find the question to be irritating. I am a dynamic and evolving human being, and I need now to be able to just be, not to be-lieve. I don't need to believe anything at all to be a being of deep value. Just saying.
I just got to my office this morning. My commute and runs that past few days have been listening to your Mormon Stories episodes. This morning, just before arriving at the office, I had the honor of hearing you read your poem. It was so moving to me that I actually began to cry in my car while working on exiting the freeway. As a male, and one who is deconstructing Mormonism and the Mormon Jesus I have felt more anger and resentment than sadness, but your poem touched something in me that I am not sure was touchable anymore. You are a master wordsmith (there's a gold star for you).
I also am a recovering Gold Star seeker for signs of my self-worth, which was inextricable ties to the Mormon church. I was refreshing to hear your story. Thank you for being vulnerable with us all.
I'm in Georgia. There are not enough exmos around to start a community. I wish there were, I think it would be easier to dismantle the negative aspects of Mormonism and keep the good aspects of there were people around to talk about it with.
I so dislike the roots of the tree that is the church. I so dislike the institutional self protection that allows children to be hurt.
I love the beauty of the concept of Kolob. I love the belief of eternal progression. I love the teaching of being prepared and of self reliance (especially when the tithe is removed). I wish there were a place to meet folks with a similar upbringing in GA.
This poem is an exquisite articulation of the real Jesus, and how too many people have used, miused, and abused his name for their own diabolical purposes. This poem is pure inspiration and truth. Thank you, Celeste, for sharing it with the world! 🙏🏼❤️
Jesus' last wish in life was to make sure his Mother was taken care of. The amount of respect he had for the women around him was truly unparalleled amongst other leaders. I am eternally grateful that he took all of the pain and anguish in his name by absorbing the mistakes and sins of everyone male or female. I often wonder how tainted would be Heavenly Mothers name if she was made openly known in revelation in the World. I see how abused and misunderstood Jesus and Heavenly Father is and how his name is used for good and evil today. Would that have happened to Heavenly Mother too? Wouldn't Jesus and His Father do whatever it took to protect her honor? I know I would.
Perhaps look at it from a less male-centric point of view. Imagine a Heavenly Mother so divine in her own right that she didn't need "protection". Imagine a woman who understands her children so well that even if they "abuse" her name, she still stands tall and eternally loving in her divinity. I'm a mother with three kids and if they were counseled not to speak directly to me, told there isn't much information out there about me so it's best not to ask questions, and told that they should just focus on building a relationship with my husband... well, I don't know what I'd call that, but I certainly wouldn't call it "protection."
I see what you're saying and its because I'm a man with natural born feelings of being a protector that I understand why Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would rather absorb the abuse than to see it on the women they love. It is born in men to go to war and get strong and even die so they can fulfill their duty and be protectors of those they love. Yes Heavenly Mother is so divine and powerful. I absolutely know she loves me too. Her influence is definitely not unnoticed and reflected so plainly in the women that I love. I consider my earthly mother an image bearer of Heavenly Mother. If I want to talk to Heavenly Mother all I have to do is call my Mom. The comfort and advice I would ever need comes from her, but I know is a reflection of Heavenly Mother. I know She would say the same thing to me. She is also a protector and caregiver. Unlike Heavenly Father who can seem distant and only available in prayer and in Spirit. I feel Heavenly Mother is much more involved and personal with us. She is the Earth, she is Eve, she is wisdom. Jesus very much taught us of Heavenly Mother through Mary his Mother. He taught us of Heavenly Father through Himself. And he taught us the Holy Ghost through a dove the sign of peace. Oddly enough we probably have more information on Heavenly Mother than the others, without even realizing it.
This! You capture the oxymoron that the name Jesus plays within my ex-mormon heart! Thank you!🙏😘🤗
Loved your Mormon Stories interview!
Thanks so much Pamela!
I loved your Mormon Stories episodes and was so impressed with your journey, obvious intelligence, and loving countenance that I booked a session with you next Sunday. My faith crisis is kicking my ass and I look forward to talking with someone who has lived through Mormon entrenchment and climbed out to the freedom of open thoughts and devotion to being untamed! Thanks so much for being you.
Thank you so much Lorraine! I can't wait until next Sunday!!!
I listened to your Mormon Stories episodes and found myself breathing sigh after sigh of relief to hear yet another person express things I never knew I could put words to. This poem is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing here!
Thank you Laura!
Your two episodes were some of the most relatable I’ve ever listened to. Thank you for sharing your story!
That's so kind- thank you so much!
This poem is incredible. Thank you so much for your Mormon Story!
You’re so welcome- thank you Tanner!
This is beautiful. Thank you for putting this into the world. I've listened to part 2 of your Mormon story twice now and will listen again. There are so many takeaways I need to memorize, so many books I need to read. For now I'm a PIMO, desperately trying to keep my marriage, and staying in the church to protect my two young girls from the harm and potential harm of the patriarchal church. I'm a male, but I too think it's time for the feminine goddess to be noticed and embraced. Thank you again for this succinct and truthful dismantling of Jesus. With love to you all, Robert Hohosh.
Thank you so much Robert ❤️ my heart is always healed a little when I hear from men calling for more divine feminine ❤️❤️❤️
Celeste, your poem so beautifully captures the heartache and complicated relationship with Jesus for this ex-mormon. Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad! Thank you Trina ❤️
I've never connected with any poetry before. But this poem is so relatable and beautiful and catches two sides of my heart at the same time. Thank you!!
I’m flattered! Thank you Jared!!
I just love this so much! Thank you ❤️
Thanks Robyn ❤️
Deconstructing Mormonism eventually leads to more deconstruction of other belief systems we may not even be aware of. It's like going on a cleaning binge. Once you get started it's hard to stop. I have deconstructed so much over the last 12 years that when someone asks me what I believe, I find the question to be irritating. I am a dynamic and evolving human being, and I need now to be able to just be, not to be-lieve. I don't need to believe anything at all to be a being of deep value. Just saying.
I just got to my office this morning. My commute and runs that past few days have been listening to your Mormon Stories episodes. This morning, just before arriving at the office, I had the honor of hearing you read your poem. It was so moving to me that I actually began to cry in my car while working on exiting the freeway. As a male, and one who is deconstructing Mormonism and the Mormon Jesus I have felt more anger and resentment than sadness, but your poem touched something in me that I am not sure was touchable anymore. You are a master wordsmith (there's a gold star for you).
I also am a recovering Gold Star seeker for signs of my self-worth, which was inextricable ties to the Mormon church. I was refreshing to hear your story. Thank you for being vulnerable with us all.
I'm in Georgia. There are not enough exmos around to start a community. I wish there were, I think it would be easier to dismantle the negative aspects of Mormonism and keep the good aspects of there were people around to talk about it with.
I so dislike the roots of the tree that is the church. I so dislike the institutional self protection that allows children to be hurt.
I love the beauty of the concept of Kolob. I love the belief of eternal progression. I love the teaching of being prepared and of self reliance (especially when the tithe is removed). I wish there were a place to meet folks with a similar upbringing in GA.
This poem is an exquisite articulation of the real Jesus, and how too many people have used, miused, and abused his name for their own diabolical purposes. This poem is pure inspiration and truth. Thank you, Celeste, for sharing it with the world! 🙏🏼❤️
Wow thanks so much Elias!
Jesus' last wish in life was to make sure his Mother was taken care of. The amount of respect he had for the women around him was truly unparalleled amongst other leaders. I am eternally grateful that he took all of the pain and anguish in his name by absorbing the mistakes and sins of everyone male or female. I often wonder how tainted would be Heavenly Mothers name if she was made openly known in revelation in the World. I see how abused and misunderstood Jesus and Heavenly Father is and how his name is used for good and evil today. Would that have happened to Heavenly Mother too? Wouldn't Jesus and His Father do whatever it took to protect her honor? I know I would.
Perhaps look at it from a less male-centric point of view. Imagine a Heavenly Mother so divine in her own right that she didn't need "protection". Imagine a woman who understands her children so well that even if they "abuse" her name, she still stands tall and eternally loving in her divinity. I'm a mother with three kids and if they were counseled not to speak directly to me, told there isn't much information out there about me so it's best not to ask questions, and told that they should just focus on building a relationship with my husband... well, I don't know what I'd call that, but I certainly wouldn't call it "protection."
Well said Rachel - thank you ❤️
Amen!
I see what you're saying and its because I'm a man with natural born feelings of being a protector that I understand why Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would rather absorb the abuse than to see it on the women they love. It is born in men to go to war and get strong and even die so they can fulfill their duty and be protectors of those they love. Yes Heavenly Mother is so divine and powerful. I absolutely know she loves me too. Her influence is definitely not unnoticed and reflected so plainly in the women that I love. I consider my earthly mother an image bearer of Heavenly Mother. If I want to talk to Heavenly Mother all I have to do is call my Mom. The comfort and advice I would ever need comes from her, but I know is a reflection of Heavenly Mother. I know She would say the same thing to me. She is also a protector and caregiver. Unlike Heavenly Father who can seem distant and only available in prayer and in Spirit. I feel Heavenly Mother is much more involved and personal with us. She is the Earth, she is Eve, she is wisdom. Jesus very much taught us of Heavenly Mother through Mary his Mother. He taught us of Heavenly Father through Himself. And he taught us the Holy Ghost through a dove the sign of peace. Oddly enough we probably have more information on Heavenly Mother than the others, without even realizing it.