Wonder Woman's FAIRblog Podcast

Yesterday afternoon, as I was procrastinating getting ready to go into work on my day off for a few meetings,  I noticed that a former roommate of mine posted a link to a FAIRblog podcast.  Seeing who was involved with it, I was instantly floored, and contemplated rescheduling the meetings I had so I could listen to the 70 minute podcast without interruption.  DH talked me out of being irresponsible, and suggested that we both listen to it while I get ready to go to work. 

The podcast itself is excellent.  The interviewer was polite and his questions didn't ooze churchiness.  Samantha expressed herself excellently. After I got home DH and I put on the new Harry Potter movie, ordered Chinese food and we talked about the  interview for almost the entire length of the film.  He mentioned how amazingly well spoken she was during the podcast, her experiences and opinions and loved what she had to say and identified with it more than I thought a never-Mormon ever could.  I responded to his awe by saying "Of course Samantha is amazing, don't you remember she's Wonder Woman?"

Most of the current members in the Moho blogosphere really have no recollection of who I am, and most probably don't know Samantha.  Five (or has it been six?) years ago we met on blogger and have become very close.  Since the time Samantha has stayed a constant in my life.  She has helped me through the most hurtful and scary portions of my life so far.  And I believe that because she reached out to me when I was a scared lost teenager, I am still alive today.

When I left the church a little under 4 years ago, I put the doctrinal issues that I had on a shelf for a while.  This was not a good idea, my feelings festered and I became very angry and have been a snide, bratty person in regards to the church for some time.  In most ways I feel justified with those feelings, they helped me put proper boundaries in place in regards to the LDS church.  Those intense feelings have started to go away and soften and it's like an amazing weight is being lifted.  Forgiveness is important.

The strange easing up of emotions directed at religion started two weeks ago when I purchased Emily Pearson's book Dancing With Crazy.  Most know her story, or stories like hers.  She put into words feelings I had about the LDS church but couldn't formulate on my own because they are so big.  I finished her book with the knowledge that another person has survived and has become a whole person after leaving such an all encompassing culture and religion, and that I can too.

Adding to my emotional response of reading Emily's Book, Samantha's podcast helped to remind me of the great things that having a connection to the LDS church has done for me, including bringing her into my life.  Samantha mentioned a fireside that was held in her stake that I was able to be a part of, and I remembered how incredibly healing that night was for me.  I think I am finally ready to start processing past feelings of spirituality, and reintegrating that portion of my life with who I am today.

I'd suggest that anyone who has a few minutes to spare listen to it here.  It has vast appeal and there are many things that can be learned from what was discussed.