After leaving the church, Elise felt misunderstood. How God reached out and softened her heart.

[@jerry_phillips]

I’m so happy for you and so uplifted by your story. I’m in my theater with family and friends watching your story instead of the Super Bowl. I hope that conveys my love these wonderful stories.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Wow, you are seriously so awesome, thank you for your support!

[@kristastrong]

When my former spouse left the church, he shared all of the things he discovered about the church, and though at times I felt a little shaken, I chose to believe and continue forward. He later pushed for divorce and despite my efforts to stay in the marriage, the divorce happened anyway. Even though the mists of darkness seemed to continuously swirl around me during that time, choosing to believe each day is what kept me on the path. Had I stopped praying, reading the scriptures, or quit attending church and the temple, I know I would have lost my testimony. 3 years later I found a wonderful man who I am privileged to be sealed to! Unfortunately, all 3 of my children from my first marriage have followed the path their dad has taken, and though my heart aches as I watch them live a life where they don't believe God exists, I know Heavenly Father loves them more than I do and wants them to return home. I hope one day they will remember moments in their lives when the Spirit touched their hearts, and ultimately they will find their way back into the loving arms of their Savior.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you for sharing your touching story, I wish you the best

[@tererere462]

Keep praying for them sister and fasting for them one day the Lord will bring them back according to our faithfulness like Alma and Mosiah continue to pray for their sons and they did return stronger then ever i have 8 children as grown to adult they all fell away in to the world but including one served a mission but now each one are slowly coming back so keep the faith and the Lord will bring them back love u sister

[@lafrancehannele6884]

I absolutely enjoyed this episode. It will hit home with many people whose faith has "had to be tested!" Jared Halverson has a lesson on youtube about our continual cycle of creation- fall- atonement that this young mother has now learned. I agree that sometimes we are taken down so we can rise and shine stronger than ever before.Beautiful testimony!! Thank you again!

[@ThreeD.s]

I have a coworker and other friends who have left the church and I just want to shout “don’t go too far because you’ll be back!” Sometimes I think members need a “rumspringe”, as the Amish have, to release from the church and explore the doubt side so they can come back strong and faithful!! When we grow up in the church we can take it for granted. Now IM NOT SAYING TAKE A RUMSPRINGE, but when doubts rock your world you have to find out what’s real! And then I want to say, don’t be afraid of finding out the church is really true!😉

[@FaithCrisisSurvivor]

Regarding Joseph Smith: “I gave him the grace that the atonement gave to me when I fell to my knees.” Nothing Joseph did is beyond the Savior’s grace. SO powerful and so true. 🙌🙌🙌

[@geoffreypalmer2661]

he was a con artist and a fraud

[@_inveterate]

@@geoffreypalmer2661cope

[@johns1834]

Yes, you hope when those last few seconds when bullets pierced Smith's body, he woke up and begged for forgiveness.

[@geoffreypalmer2661]

amen he looked like swiss cheese@@johns1834

[@trustitcoaching]

Nothing anyone does!

[@zionmama150]

This reminds me of when people lost the fruit at the tree of life and wandered in forbidden paths and were lost… BUT CHRIST FOUND YOU AGAIN! He found you. You weren’t ultimately lost. So glad God rescued you 💟🙏

[@Whatiftheresmore1314]

What a beautiful, inspiring experience! I love how she recognized the feelings of the spirit. How she recognizes we all need to have a “fall” experience. “Build upon the Rock”. “Truth is not scary”! ❤️☀️

[@laceybawden9929]

Elise, I absolutely loved hearing your story and testimony! This is going to comfort many people. Thanks for being willing to share all the things, good and bad. Love you!

[@ahh-2-ahh]

19:25 That statement just hit me like a ton of bricks! Soooo true! Now i can see that when we are so desperate for answers, we probably have a habit to run to anyone who will listen.... Not even realizing that some listeners may not be the ones you should go to for spiritual advice. Very smart words! This was a great episode and i wish we could talk to the husband! I love her saying her husbands testimony was built on a rock. When I heard her say that, it made me feel protected & safe, knwing how easy we are to forget our testimony sometimes.

[@darlayeates510]

What a wonderful story of triumph. How wonderful that you were able to overcome despite such obstacles. Your experiences have made you so much stronger, and you are an inspiration.

[@crystalclarity6766]

Elise’s journey away from the church and then back again is very inspirational. I can identify with similar spiritual and physical disconnections from the church and the resulting sensation of emptiness. Thank you Elise for your bravery and for your renewed convictions. Your rich testimony strengthened mine! ♥️

[@phav1832]

Wonderful story. We are living in a time when faith is being tested like never before. It is devastating to have our loved ones leave the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This message gives me the hope the scriptures describe. When people leave the Church, there is a bit of a dilemma. They don't want you to reach out to them, but then they complain that they're being shunned. It's a difficult challenge.

[@dcarts5616]

This is such a clear statement of the difficulty in handling it!

[@goodoboytw]

Yes dead on.. It's frustrating . They walk away , yet everyone else has abandoned them. 😢

[@dcarts5616]

Correct! And those who don’t are easier to handle. It’s the 80-90% who leave but go full woke or atheist (redundant I know) and anti who are being discussed. My two siblings who left actually just left and cut it off completely. They don’t peruse Latter Day Saint YouT.ube, Instagram, or other social media Latter Day Saint content making rude or combative remarks. They don’t believe in god, they are good, and they don’t try to hurt others. But, they do complain that they’ve been abandoned when we get together to do church related activities and they don’t want to be part of. They left, we didn’t push them out, or disinvite them but they still act like it. Neither will remove their records so they keep getting calls or outreach from missionary or ward representatives and they get mad about that. It wasn’t until recently I told one to just do the right thing and put a “do not contact” on their records so that they wouldn’t keep getting triggered when they get contacted by a harmless well meaning member trying to fulfill a calling or truly reach out for concern. It’s a two way street. That’s all we’re talking about.

[@Jace28142]

Listening to Elise I feel the spirit so strong. Tears are flowing. I have so many family and friends who have read and are listening to the anti LDS propaganda. My heart has been aching for them. I have so many questions yet I have been blessed with the gift of Faith. I don’t worry about what happened in the past. I have no control over what has happened, I can only control my thoughts and actions. Thank you so much so sharing your past and what you are doing today.

[@livingtruth2374]

Such a set of miracles, thank you so much for sharing your testimony - it is so inspiring and helped me have greater hope for friends and loved ones. So many are coming back right now, it's amazing.

[@scottvance74]

26:00 "I didn't care [about the anti-mormon arguments and anachronisms] because I felt the love of the Savior". This is a great summary of the entire presentation.

[@jam5843]

I am in this right now and everything she is talking about in a mixed faith has and is happening to me now. 😢 Definitely felt connected to this story. Thanks for coming on and sharing.

[@fstaheli]

I come from a very mixed religious family. One thing that I have learned from that is that there is (or should be) no fear from a spouse or a child or extended family deciding that the Church is not for them. One of the major benefits of being an LDS-believing family member is that my testimony that we are all children of the same heavenly parents has given me great comfort that regardless of the individual paths that we are on as family members, we are all heading the same direction as a family. That perspective has dramatically reduced the amount of stress that we could have felt, and it allows us to see that, despite our differences, we are a very happy and together family. The reason Nephi in the Book of Mormon loves quoting Isaiah is because Isaiah has a great skill for pointing out that, no matter how bad things might be or seem in the moment, everything can turn out wonderfully great in the end.

[@Beautiful_world32192]

Love this story! Thank you, for sharing!

[@salustone6545]

Thank you sisters for sharing your awesome testimonies and your faith in the great atoning sacrifice of our loving Savior. I believe it was Elder Maxwell who said “It doesn’t matter how far you have gone or fallen away, you are never too far from the reach of the atonement.” The atonement is where love, justice and mercy meet. May the Lord continue to guide and bless your families.❤️❤️❤️💗💗💗💗🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💗

[@robotteson4355]

I hope that i get to hear this story from some of my children some day. I appreciate you and your story and your testimony. Thank you for your strength and courage.

[@Laura-ch7fl]

I loved this! Thank you!

[@elsajensen3896]

“A heavenly answer to an earnest question will satisfy that need in your heart to answer that question” - amen and amen. So truthful and so powerful.

[@lanelgallentine58]

I was struck with your feelings about returning to wear your Garments. I remember they are a symbol of taking the Savior upon us; you had a softening of your heart but they are truly a SHIELD against the powers of Satan. I believe having them on, helped you continue on the path.

[@geoffreypalmer2661]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 sheild against satan ha ha satan isnt stopped by underwhere

[@dcarts5616]

Our diversity isn’t our strength, it never has been and never will be. Our strength is that amongst our diversity, there is a single path that we can all converge on that Christ created for us. That is the gospel message, that we can ALL be saved and supported by what Jesus taught and still teaches through his prophets and apostles who align with him.

[@heidisimons6659]

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It was very touching. ❤️

[@ChadSolberg]

You guys are doing great work. May God bless Elise and her loved ones.

[@carterpault]

Thank you so much for this episode, Elise and Ashly. I was inspired by your experiences, especially with coming back to church and your relationship with the Savior. I was overcome with the spirit sitting here listening in my office! This was one of my favorites in the Come Back Podcast, and I have listened to most of the episodes, but this is the first time I have commented. Ashly, thanks for the great work you are doing, which is much needed in this world now. I really love your interviewing style, how you allow the guests to openly share their feelings and experiences, and pick just the right time to ask probing and insightful questions. Your story is also an inspiration, and so important to so many. Thanks again, and keep up the good work. I loved it!

[@galcomom]

This is one of the best podcasts I have heard. So many good thoughts! Thanks to both of you girls for making this happen ❤

[@rdancranston]

I think truth always stays with us. Its our pride that gets in the way of acting on that truth during certain times in our lives. I know from experience. Thanks for sharing your story. Welcome back....home.

[@geoffreypalmer2661]

the mormon church is not the truth

[@meghandicou501]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. My husband has been leaving the church more and more over the past year, and a lot of the feelings he's expressed are what you experienced as well. It means so much to hear what it was like for you through the whole process and helps me to not be afraid of what my husband is going through. Thank you so much ❤️

[@_inveterate]

Thank you for sharing. Listening to this has softened my heart 🌞

[@JaneHallstrom1]

The Prophet Joseph Smith declared that all “things which pertain to our religion are only appendages” to the Atonement of Christ. This conversation is helping me to feel that in real time application!🙏♥️

[@aliceduren6542]

This episode was 🔥 Love how much Elise emphasized to not be scared of anti material or members struggling with their testimonies. We build our testimonies on the rock: Jesus Christ. When we come across those things, we can be a beacon of light to our brothers and sisters. As the Savior said, “Fear not.” Also, love how she said that people call the church a cult because members avoid ex members, mainly out of fear. Jesus Christ is perfect and is our anchor. I hope for members to be less fearful when dealing with antagonists and to act with love in all things and show confidence in their testimonies.

[@mulheresdefe4567]

Amazing. Marci from Brazil here. Great episode. It really touched my heart. Thank you.

[@jjalbrecht85]

I love this so much. Thank you both for sharing. ❤

[@scottvance74]

18:45 "The ex-mormon community is so dark". Thanks for telling us how you really feel.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

Just finished! Thank you so much for telling about your marriage and testifying that the Savior and the Atonement are real. I’m a big fan of Shawna Edwards’ music, too. In her father’s day song video there is a picture of my husband and our 2 oldest (little at the time) kids.

[@Ancientrepentor]

I know that what Dusty Smith said is true to go back to the basics of when you had spiritual experiences and the spirit is what helps me to Return to my love of Jesus who blessed me with the spirit that gave me the testimony I experienced comes from the basics of where truth lives in my heart ♥️!

[@goodoboytw]

This was so good.. Its just what I needed.. Whith all the confusion in and out of the church its easy to start doubting what you know to be true.

[@matthewhessler3257]

So GREAT!!! Two GREAT SISTERS!!!! Thank you for your testimonies!!!

[@jerry_phillips]

38:56 this! Everyone regardless where they’re at on the path needs to understand this. Everyone is welcome! God works only with sinners. Some wear their sins on their sleeves and others not so much but everyone has sins they’ve yet to lay on the alter and it’s ok.

[@ScrivenArt]

Thanks for sharing. Few escape the Creation, Fall, Atonement and because of that we love each other more than ever realize. When it’s our dark night we feel so judged and alone.

[@tammigarlick1234]

This is so powerful and so needed! Thank you for sharing your beautiful experience!

[@derekpratte7259]

These are all so good! Each one has an element that touches me personally. But I have to say that this is one of the better ones and touched me in several ways and which I found rather profound at times. Thank you for sharing this! It was truly wonderful. Welcome back!

[@robsterzer2696]

6 mins in and my eyes are tearing up and I need to work. The grandma story touched me because I remember at my baptism my grandmother telling me that my grandfather was proud of my decision and he died before I was born. I remember feeling like he was there. It's funny how we forget the anchor points the Lord gives us when times get difficult. It doesn't seem to jive that the same Being would allow such contradictory experiences. But He does both out of love and we need to see His love in those hard times

[@deanbunnell4822]

I too especially love this story,it is really addressing a serious ailment in the testimony of many wonderful sainfs right at this time. Thank you, Elise.

[@Jace28142]

Shawna Edwards music is my go to Sunday play list…whenever I’m feeling down I listen to her music.

[@RobertBriggs-h5x]

there are many valuable points made in this podcast, to be short I would like to comment on just one. 41:30 "just as our own personal path is not perfect"... is a different way of saying what was said at 21:50... both beautiful statements. Beauty is found in diversity, even in our divergent paths, in which the God of creation creates a soul of great worth and beauty. Thank you sisters for your beautiful testimonies and examples of the fruits of the gospel of Christ in your personal lives.

[@danevans9347]

Another great video! Thanks.

[@BettyHorn]

Excellent episode! I learned so much! Thank you!

[@andrewolsen2711]

Beautiful testimony. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@jerry_phillips]

Thanks!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you so much Jerry!

[@debbienott1642]

Thank you for this wonderful story, and for the wonderful work that both of you do!

[@melissawalk2468]

Such a beautiful story! I loved this so much. Would love new episodes more frequently! 😉 They are so powerful and bring such a strong spirit!

[@lindanelson1495]

Beautiful interview! Thanks both of you for sharing your faith

[@BraveGirlization]

The end of this episode really resonated with me. ♡ The importance of the Sacrament and discovering the Savior for oneself.

[@dcarts5616]

I loved this one, I love this sister in Christ. I want to say that before I say what I am going to say next. It’s not fear of those who leave or who have valid but borrowed questions, it’s sadness for them. Yeah the antis will run with that, I don’t care! But, I am sad for ALL people leaving faith for their own fears. I am sad if someone leaves the Catholic Church, the Baptist church, the Methodist church, the Pentecostal church, Islaam faith and yes I am sad even when people leave the Calvinist church 😂! Look, there is an opposition church out there, it’s a relativist mindset, it’s all destruction based and pulling you down and chaos and divisionist thinking. That’s what makes me sad. Statistics can kiss my butt on this, but most people who leave their faith go atheist or go full self worshipping. It’s ugly, it’s hopeless, it’s fickle. That is the only fear I have, but it’s more sadness for them than fear of them. I got that makes sense, and I bet it’s what most of us feel. This was one of my favorite “episodes” btw! They just resonate more and more! You are a delightful spirit, both of you.

[@KristyBaxter-w4j]

I love that you were both able and continue to choose faith over fear.❤

[@jasonblankenagel5412]

Thank you for this!

[@shantel4960]

❤

[@loranewallwwork8745]

Thank you for your podcasts. I love them. I hope you listen to Jared Halverson Unshaken-2 Nephi 3-5 (part 1) Go to his discussion on 2 Nephi 3. It is amazing.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

We love Jared Halverson!

[@jandawoman]

What an amazing experience you shared! Thank you❤️

[@loriatkinson548]

Beautiful.

[@amylinares2153]

What a wonderful episode! Thank you for sharing your story and your testimony ❤

[@alongtheway3840]

Needed to hear this. Thank you

[@tonabean7506]

I loved this so much! Thank you for sharing your story.

[@sktmango]

Beautiful 🤗💜

[@wendyfoster5579]

As unfortunate as it was that your family was away from the church for a while, Maybe you experienced this so your kids would see how hard it was and won’t want to experience it themselves.

[@henryponnefz1419]

Who knows all the answers of the universe? I feel like there are so many good things that we have to do so many people going hungry, even members of the church in other countries. That is what I love to spend my time doing and there are wonderful miracles happening like yours, but I do not really care at all about their questions because the Holy Ghost told me this is TRUE. If God answers who cares about all this satan provocations and inside the big and spacious building. There are missionaries of prospective missionaries who need money to buy a passport, and other things, that need my energy and attention. The gospel changed my life. I think we can decide what comes into our lives. I know that life is worth it and this is the KINGDOM of GOD. The biggest lie out there is that we are all going to read the satanic stuff? Just because it is there? Those people destroy lives and that is EXACTLY THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT GOD DOES. Life is Wonderful and much good will come to you. Thank you for sharing!

[@austinmichaels7654]

God bless you both. ❤

[@jenniferhansen499]

I LOVE that! The Savior is CHASING them!❤

[@CarlosMunoz-hw1zj]

This made me very happy ☺️

[@lindaayre]

Excellent!

[@inspireme37111]

I've heard the story about the person in China asking about the picture of Jesus from a friend named Jessie. I'm wondering if she was your roommate. I thought about a quote from Sister Neal Marriott that goes something like this "before you can be made whole you first have to be broken" not her exact quote, but I love it. Thank you for sharing your story and the sweet and tender mercies of spiritual experiences you had.❤

[@elainekoeppel7250]

I also felt the Holy Ghost go into my body when my dad said receive

[@TrebizondMusic-cm6fp]

When people leave, and when they also become antagonistic, those who remain faithful might fear "afraid" of them, but maybe the more common emotion is disgust: at the antagonism that they pick up. There is a qualitative difference between sincere doubt and antagonism. I went through my own crisis, and part of my problem was copping this attitude that I didn't fit in and that the people at Church didn't understand me and didn't like me, etc. etc. I went through that same process: awakening to the reason why I go, and it is not to get love or validation or support from the others. Having thrown away that childish thing, I actually feel a lot more love and appreciation for the very people I previously viewed with distrust and disdain. So I want to think about and better understand what it means to continue to love those who leave, or just go through crises. There was a time when I was near my lowest and I sent an anonymous message to local leadership. The response was kind, but it was not trying to placate me or stoop to my attitude.

[@dcarts5616]

I just wrote a comment similar. You put it in a different way than I was heading, I like god comment that I often see more than not, is the antagonist attitude towards us that they equate our love for them as the same. Our sadness isn’t fear though. Our simple testimony that is built on a rock of faith (Holy Ghost inspired testimonies trump physical evidence and a “faith crisis” - which I’ve struggled with in a different way - ) isn’t wrong even the scriptures say many a time blessed are they who don’t see but believe, even though God loves us the same if we have to go on a scavenger hunt to believe.

[@LynetteSessions]

♥️♥️♥️

[@Commenter2121]

I know this isn’t the point of this particular podcast but it would be interesting to hear how some of these guests are able to reconcile and settle some specific issues. It seems people come back because they miss the community and dedicated time to focus on God, but they never seem to find answers. I have taken an extremely deep dive into the troubling aspects of doctrine and history and I choose to stay because the church is a net positive to me. I do not pretend however that there are not still many false traditions and teachings that are alive and well in the church today. We can all work together to root out the false doctrines like polygamy, the priesthood ban etc. We can stop perpetuating these false narratives, repent from them, and move on. Many members don’t necessarily struggle with what happened in the history, they struggle with a church who will not admit past mistakes for fear of looking uninspired.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

It seems to me that the majority of the people in these stories that come back are because of spiritual experiences. When God speaks to you, it is undeniable, and like many others they realize the details of history etc. becomes minutiae. I have always found that questions I study on my own and receive my own answers to with understanding are much more treasured and memorable than someone else's answers. - Lauren

[@kathrynburgess8987]

Are you Sylvias daughter? Either way, I love your channel. I love a few things mentioned today. I have friends in my ward who have left the church. To continue to be their friend, does mean a lot.

[@krysaliyah]

A msg for Come Back admin, ASHLY. Please contact this person whose story I am watching right now. I tried to find the easiest place I could to send you a message (and this was it), so apologies to Elise. This was the quickest place I could find to get this msg to you as I was also listening to Elise’s story. The podcast is Latter-day Believers and the guy I’m listening to is an Englishman, Richard - don’t even know his surname - but PLEASE connect with him. His story is not a come back story in the sense of a member of the church coming back, but in a general sense, I think it IS a come back story from being agnostic to his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I hope you can find him Ashly. He, Richard, the guy who SWORE AT THE MISSIONARIES, is an inspiration. Love, Love your channel. You are the best!!! And sorry for posting this message in this comments section of Elise’s story.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thanks for the suggestion! Could you try commenting on his episode to contact us? Have him email [e-mail] Thanks!-Lauren

[@zacdavis8234]

Have you guys listened to 132 problems podcast?

[@aaronmcdonald9469]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@trainguy7261]

There are 2 realities that everyone will experience no matter what: birth and death. Death is unavoidable and when we get to the other side, a new reality will be in front of us. The purpose of Earthly life is to prepare for eternity. No one has all the answers and maybe we don't need all the answers. We just need to believe in God and the Saviour and find the truth. In all my years, the only plan that makes sense is the plan of salvation. This church is the only way to follow that plan completely.

[@johns1834]

It is always difficult to leave a church you've been associated with for a long time, but the good news is, you've gotten away from the LDS church, which was a 'false' religion to begin with. Congratulations.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

If you watched the episode you would know that she came back, and she's happier than before

[@johns1834]

@@Come.Back.Podcast Yep, you are correct. I missed that. What a shame. Mormons are some of the nicest people I know, unfortunately mormon gospel is a sad travesty of the true gospel of Jesus Christ, especially considering a LDS apostle Bruce R. McConkie, in a speech given in March 1982, said; “Mormons worship the Father and him only and DO NOT worship the Son or the Holy Ghost”. While, mormons smile and nod their heads approvingly and NOBODY says this as heresy. Jesus built one (1) Church (not churches) and promised to be with us until the end of the age. So there is no need to 'restore' His Church, since he never abandoned it in the first place. Unlike the mormon jesus who abandoned his flock twice and waited 1600 years until he could find some clown to stare at some rocks in a hat to restore it for him. Equally amazing is mormons are foolish enough to believe this guy, satan's brother, will actually keep his promise the 3rd time.

[@hollayevladimiroff131]

Sadly, going back to a church who does not believe in the uncreated biblical Jesus is not a good choice. Mormonism believes Jesus is created by heavenly parents; this is false. When you have a Jesus that is NOT completely divine you do not have salvation, please read John 1:1, not the JST, with a childlike heart and you will know the true Jesus.

[@elioli123]

How very sad to have left the false religion of Mormonism only to get sucked right back in. Very sad...

[@_inveterate]

Cope

[@livingtruth2374]

Sucked back in - that's your description of her sacred experiences with God himself? Because God and Jesus Christ are leading this Church, Dehlin and Runnells and MormonThink and exmoReddit and the rest have miserably poor retention rates. A flood of people deceived by them have returned and are returning to the true religion of Jesus Christ - the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

[@kristinrichmond8185]

Don’t be sad. If I’m sad about something, I serve someone. Maybe someone you know is sick and needs a meal or needs childcare. Maybe they need a ride to the store or to the doctors. It will help any sadness you are feeling. 😊

[@Irvingdector]

Thanks!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you so much!

[@daneillwilliams5351]

❤

[@vesitagoiaega3891]

❤❤❤❤❤