I was excommunicated then re-baptized in the LDS Church | with Elizabeth

[@charlie99210]

Many years ago, my membership was withdrawn. I have been struggling with a few issues keeping me out of the baptismal font. This episode of Saints Unscripted is just what I needed to hear. It's been almost 4 years since I finally had the courage to go talk to my ward bishop. The love that was evident in that initial interview amazed me. He and I have become very good friends. My first interview with the Stake Presidency went as I expected, with the issues I'm still contending with, the answer being "keep working on these things, and you WILL make it back. Thank you Elisabeth, for having the courage to come on and tell your story.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Thank you for sharing your heart! So glad this episode could help.

[@franklebatista1091]

Thanks for sharing brother, don't give up, it all about determination, I was there in my 20s . The enemy tried all means to deviate my focus. I kept praying and then with the power of God and mercy, I really was able to be truly converted and followed up my Savior. Best ever decision ever done. Now a happy married husband and the most beautiful kids which are Misionaries now. Did you see what the devil wanted back then ?

[@Sablespartan]

I spent 10+ years disfellowshipped. There were times where I questioned if I would ever make it back. I am now endowed and sealed to my family. Do not lose your hope. The Lord loves you and will help you return to him.

[@JJBrown-lw1dv]

[@dwRS1]

I have two brothers that have been excommunicated. They are both talking about being re-baptized. I'm so proud of this sister. When members are excommunicated we need to love them back into the church.

[@rich2209]

So the first baptism was invalid?

[@dwRS1]

@@rich2209 No, if you understood excommunication you wouldn't ask.

[@stardustgirl2904]

I pray your brothers are rebaptised!

[@dwRS1]

@@stardustgirl2904 Thank you, I know faith and prayers are answered.

[@stardustgirl2904]

@@dwRS1 🕊✨️🙏🏻💜🌟✨️🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍩🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🍪🕊😊

[@K1DFR3SH77]

Was excommunicated for almost ten years. It’s a lonely and tough road. Glad I’m back. I don’t wish it on anyone and if you’re thinking about leaving, don’t. Stay on the covenant path. I lived in sin constantly while away. Choose Jesus Christ, His church has the fullness of His gospel and it has been restored again on earth through Joseph Smith. When Jesus asked his apostles if they would leave him, Peter replied, where will we go? You have the words of eternal life. Don’t leave Jesus Christ’ church where the words of eternal life are taught through the principles, ordinances and power thereof.

[@markcavandish1295]

Tell that to all the members who jumped ship (not me, mind you) during Covid and are living their lives happily as ever as less-active/inactive members now! Not everyone leaves the church so that they can “sin”. In fact most people who leave the church go on living their lives exactly the same as they were minus the pressures they felt being in the church full time. I’m certain the Presbyterian, the evangelical, or the Orthodox Jew, Muslim or Catholic all feel the same about their “fallen” members, and probably label them the same. But let’s not assume everyone who leaves shares your same experience.

[@brianwaller7383]

I excommunicated myself because I feel god has let me down when he knew better. He pretty much made buffoonery out of me. So I walked away. No more I will not be a subject of his nonsense. I’m going to live my life as I see fit then once my mom passes I’m self deleting. The only thing keeping me from doing it now is my mom already lost her daughter

[@Jacob0506]

@@brianwaller7383 He loves you, Brain... He loves you.

[@brianwaller7383]

@@Jacob0506 funny that’s what my missionary told me before she ghosted me

[@Jacob0506]

@@brianwaller7383 Do you mind telling me what happened, and how God let you down?

[@leslyvevedmc782]

"We raised our hand in the premortal life and we agreed to fail miserably." I love that!

[@JJBrown-lw1dv]

The only reason we needed a plan of salvation was because there was already a very important plan for failure, called The Fall.

[@jeremytpaul]

News flash for this chick, but the leaders, like bishop, Stake President, can still see all the information about your own church record, that even you can’t see. They can still see your ex-communication date, your new baptism date, that you have been married/sealed previously, etc. they can see it all, even though you can’t.

[@HelibearWomble]

I know right! That hit me so hard! ❤️

[@TheHappyNarwhals]

Not true

[@rtwookie]

Nice to know we are failures before we get started. VERY ENCOURAGING!!

[@ronpalmer2u]

I am an 85 years old widower. I was married to my dear wife for 66 years. I am a former Baptist minister. Thank you Elizabeth for your Faith and testimony. We must all be born again. Repent and Confession with a Contrite spirit. Your enduring faith and the repentant process is admiral. God bless you. I am currently the Ward organist and a Ward missionary. We joined this Church 53 years ago and my wife and I were Sealed in 1972. This Church is TRUE.

[@zachmoss8896]

love your story bro

[@jodieatherly8469]

The church is false. Read your New Testament Bible

[@PKEDRM]

AMEN Sister! I, too, have been there and everything you shared is so true. Thank you for reaching out and sharing so emphatically! Many people will benefit from your wisdom. I just wish I hadn't been so rebellious - standing my ground that if the branch presidency would have run amok if they had experienced the same things that I had experienced. I kept spewing justification for my actions and welcomed excommunication to put it all behind me. My parting words were something like this : President, I still have a testimony and when I am ready I will return to the church. Unfortunately it took me about 12 years to do so, and my second (and current hubby of 40.5 years) performed the baptism. During my apostasy I was approached by several people who expected anger and a "spilling of the beans" regarding temple activities. I would politely tell them that I would not sully the sacred covenants I had willingly made and then handed them information to contact the missionaries - explaining that they should investigate and determine if the gospel is true, and work toward entering the temple themselves. What brought me back? Our daughter did. When we discovered I was pregnant in 1984 I knew I could not raise a child without the gospel in my life. It created some angst for my hubby (non member and contentious at that time in his life), but he has the most awesome conversion story and the rest is history! God is good and repentance, pure and simple, is the way to peace.

[@regg5144]

The Spirit is strong with this one. Amazing how the Spirit rejoices when a daughter returns to the fold. Thanks Saints Unscripted!

[@gregheideman1060]

I had an interesting thought come to me one day during a disciplinary counsel (Old Terminology) when I was Bishop - not proclaiming its doctrine - but the thought was to think about how wonderful the Savior really is - When we make covenants with Him and then violate those covenants to the point that we are hurting ourselves by having that accountability - how Merciful, How wonderful is He, for then being willing to "let us out" of the deal so we do not have the weight of those covenants working against us. Rather He allows us to "exit our spiritual contact" with Him and regroup and repent and then prove to ourselves we are ready to again renew our original covenant. So powerful!

[@rdancranston]

When I was excommunicated I though of it at 1st as a form of punishment. However when I took a step back...humbled myself...and listened to what my Heavenly Father was trying to tell me I realized it is a form of love and hope that I couldn't understand until I began my journey back to the fold. It may not make sense to people who read this but it made perfect sense to me...I am so grateful to my Savior Jesus Christ and His atonement that allowed me to truly repent and be re- baptised as a member of His Church on the earth...thanks for sharing your story...

[@bobettepage4440]

It’s impossible to explain what it is like to be excommunicated. It’s the most dark, empty feeling ever. Like the guest said you don’t know what you had until it’s gone. I had decided I would never get rebaptized. I was baptized one year later and it’s been the biggest blessing. The Holy Ghost is really “The Comforter” and I will never do anything to lose that gift again. The members of the church never treated me differently and were always living and kind. God bless all those who are struggling with belief or sin. Repent and come unto the Lord. You won’t regret it. There is no record of my excommunication on my records! It was an amazing thing and I felt the same as the guest.

[@tylerdurden4080]

It is a beautiful truth that Lord remembers our sins no more. God be praised for the gift of His precious Son

[@wendyfoster5579]

When you think of excommunication as a way to bring your accountability in line with with where you are at in the gospel then you realize how beautiful that is.

[@sagegallagher]

Well said. We can't walk forward until our feet are firmly planted on true ground.

[@richardholden3039]

as someone who has gone through excommunication I can attest to the fact that it is a form of love ,it is not a punishment ,it is necessary for your repentance, I cried when she told how she felt when she was rebaptized, I really loved her testimony

[@mgeuleinstsear]

But Jesus never preached about excommunications and re-baptisms 🤷🏻‍♀️ Not even the BoM mentions them. I have never read of a sin that makes your baptism invalid. It is definitely for shaming people who have sinned and for silencing people who speak up.

[@evongardner9770]

Elizabeth, YOU ROCK! This is the church and all that it stands for! I love your willingness to share your story with pride! You are the Light of Christ!

[@rinasuesue8936]

I couldn’t stop crying when I heard your testimony, and how I can feel the sincerity of your story. I felt that besides the Apostles the Prophets and few Saints who knows the deepest importance of the Atonement of our Savior, wouldn’t the world that we live in be a better place? If we ALL understand Our True Divine Identities and know it’s spiritual knowledge of truth obtained by the Power of the Holy Ghost, our church members will take Our Heavenly Father’s work to a totally different level. TY for that awesome clarification of understanding true meaning of ex-communication and it’s process.

[@tdwagner1]

I love that the grass is greener where you water it

[@echandlerchilds]

Thank you Elizabeth and SU team. Repentance is such an amazing gift! The sooner we repent, the better, but it's never too late to repent. The Savior is sooo merciful. Thank you for your witnesses and testimonies in this episode.

[@joeswife]

Excommunication is a merciful blessing. It removes the possibility of continuing to break covenants and provides a path to a truly clean slate.

[@jmean8665]

such a sad terrible story- so sorry to hear it all. God bless you for sharing your story!

[@andevious4743]

This woman is incredible. I thought the most interesting part was when the bishopric told her she would be lost to the Lord if they didn't excommunicate her. You can tell from the energy and passion in her voice about Christ and the joy of repentance that she definitely is not lost to Him. Not that I'm advocating for excommunication to strengthen your testimony, but it is wonderful to know that Heavenly Father knows what we need at every moment in each of our lives to come closer to Him. He doesn't find joy in punishing us. He is only interested in our eternal life and exaltation. Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing.

[@juliebey8240]

I was baptized at 16, went into the Air Force at 18, had a boyfriend…made some bad choices and was excommunicated at 19. I remember when the Holy Ghost left and the sweetness of His return when I was re-baptized a year later. I remember the love I felt from my bishop and the stake high council throughout the whole process. The love and encouragement I felt from them and my friends who stood by me was part of the experience I will never forget. It was hard not being able to do all the things I took for granted. But I returned, served a mission and was married in the temple. And yes, my record shows my original baptism date. The Lord remembers our sins no more and we should strive to do the same. Great interview 🥰thanks for sharing 😊

[@Lyraa357]

The grass is greener where you water it!! What a statement. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Killthesefears]

This is so awesome and I am so thankful for the wonderful testimony she shared. Elizabeth is awesome and a total powerhouse. I’m so glad that she’s back in the church and that we have that lightning rod with us. She is so awesome.!!!!!!

[@DovahkiinScythe]

I almost had my membership withdrawn, and I find the confession and repentance process to be the most atonement enabling time in my entire life. My testimony has never been stronger. There are 3 levels of church discipline: 1) Informal/Verbal Restrictions, 2) Formal/Public Restrictions, 3) Excommunication/"Membership Withdrawal". I was of the first one after I was certain I'd be excommunicated, for as an endowed priesthood holder breaking covenants in an egregious and frequent manner. I gain my full temple recommend back in a few months, which will mark a year after the stake council. I must tell all that struggle, that daily repentance is the way to do it. However you will struggle with inner hypocrisy for you will fall down and feel as if you've thrown away your second chance for redemption. After slipping up in less egregious ways each day, daily repentance will turn the frequency into each other day, to a few days, to weeks, and to months. That inner hypocrisy you'll experience when falling down, is shame designed to discourage you and to give up. "Why bother, if I keep messing up?", simply put, as soon as you sin, you IMMEDIATELY pray, weep, and say you won't do it again. And when the next day comes and you do indeed go against your word, and become a hypocrite once more, twice more, and even thrice more, it is do keep IMMEDIATELY praying, and weeping, and hypocritically saying you won't do it again. That is why it is to "Endure to the End", for when we become hypocritical, we deem the best response is to withdraw ourselves and steep into the sewer of shame. DONT DO IT! Face your hypocrisy and continue to daily repent. What I do everything time I slip up to pornography is I IMMEDIATELY (typically at 3am) to go downstairs. Here is my process: 1. START your prayer, and confess about what you have done wrong. 2. DURING your prayerful state, don't close it; open up a hymnbook, and mark in it. I annotate a hymn per night/early morning, each time I sin. 3. After the annotation, I go to KZbin on my TV, and I search up a lyric version of that same hymn. 4. I LISTEN to 1/3 of the hymn 5. I SING the rest of the hymn according to it's emphasis in the top left ("With Spirit, Resolutely, Humbly, etc.") 6. After the hymn is done, I ponder and continue the rest of my prayer, and I talk about two things: 1) Who in my life needs blessings, and 2) Things I am personally grateful for. 7. Before I close my prayer, I record my impressions into my prayer journal, and then I read it, and I go back to bed. The first two weeks I had done this, I embraced my hypocrisy each night where I would watch pornography and then proceed to immediately pray and weep. After 15 days of doing this however, the frequency of my hypocrisy diminished, and I began to feel the grace of Jesus Christ slowly to fill my soul. I became humbler, and less shackled by addiction. Before I could give less than two craps about church service, and the simpler things of the gospel, obsessing solely upon the deepest of doctrines. But during this process, I learned to be less cerebral, and more spiritual understanding something very crucial. Elder's Quorum/Relief Society = SERVING; Sunday School/Gospel Doctrine = TEACHING; and Sacrament Meeting = HEALING. I realized that sacrament meeting, general conference, missionary lessons, aren't to discourse upon doctrine. It is to help heal through the enabling of Jesus Christ's atonement. And I used to discount women, for they were all "feels" during sacrament meeting, whereas the men of my ward were "truly deep". I presupposed wrongly. I have noticed that many members, both men and women, want their crack and turn at being a "Sunday School" teacher on the pulpit; they want their moment as a pastor. These people, like myself miss the point of the sacrament: TO HEAL THROUGH THE SACRAMENT AND TO BE MOTIVATED THROUGH THE EXPERIENCE AND TESTIMONY OF THOSE ON THE PULPIT. So since then, I have taken notes for sacrament meeting, each and every Sunday to be my collage of weekly quotes of Christlike encouragement. Never in my life has the thought of potentially being excommunicated completely converted my whole soul unto Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. FROM the impending doom of the stake council had given me a panic induced seizure in the middle of a parking lot, TO the truest conception of "Daily Repentance": "Have Patience, and BARE with those afflictions with a firm HOPE that one day ye SHALL REST from your afflictions" ~Alma 34:41 (My conversion verse)

[@anichols2760]

Thanks for sharing. It got me thinking too. Sin is serious for all of us and we all engage in our own types of sin. And the atonement is not a backup plan but is the plan because we are here to develop as we naturally (natural man) make mistakes as spiritually undeveloped children. Then we recognize the sin and try to not do it much like an athlete or musician tries to correct themselves by learning and practicing better techniques. Brad Wilcox Discussed this in his talk "his grace is sufficient" when he explained we are all practicing heaven. We are mortal, we all sin, and it is comparable to every area of our lives such as with education, talents, etc that require development through practice until we become the spiritual athletes we are trying to become. But that won't make us perfect in this life but only engage us in a process that will continue long into the next life until Christ perfects us. Of course we aren't perfect. You mentioned pornography as an example. Well, the reality is that because the world created that garbage and displayed it for all to see the exposure and subsequent habits of looking can affect members at any level of church service (lay member, quorum, bishoprics, high councils, stake presidencies, seventy, etc. We are all just trying to develop in a way that we become really good at casting the devil's influence out of our lives, learn to choose righteousness in the face of private temptations so that we become more like God. I've witnessed pride in leaders who think they are righteous who later slip up into sin and go through repentance, some who have membership withdrawals as part of the process. We will all learn the lessons of learning to deal with sin. It isn't a competition. It does us well to ignore the prideful voices of others whose weakness is comparisons. And we can ignore the comments that seem to indicate they are better than the sinner because they are sinners too. With focus being placed on our own spiritual development we will rejoice in the progress we make as we involve the Saviors help. Only he can make us perfect. Thanks again for your thoughts. Great things to think about on our road back to God.

[@tracystoutbehunin9303]

Elizabeth glows with the Spirit and rebirth. I’m humbled by her honesty. This video is going to help many more than she will ever know.

[@Kadjoh77]

I was excommunicated. My bishop didn't want to excommunicate me either. But it was the best thing that ever happened!

[@anichols2760]

Are you back in now? Or on your way? Thanks for your testimony and efforts to try. It's an example to all of us

[@Hawkquill]

A perfect example of how to respond to her situation. She had been a victim and that led her to do some bad things and when going before the bishopric and hearing their decision could of been easily offended and walked away. But was humble enough to admit and own her wrongs and then put it right. A good shout for the bishopric for being so loving about it. We know it's not there decision but Christ and He always knows what's best. We just have to trust Him. Well done young lady!

[@nolanbowen8800]

This is a very rare video! Thank you very much for your courage Elizabeth! Few would have this much courage. You are as inspirational as a conference talk. Bless you and your husband for sharing this.

[@kevinhartley9553]

On my way to be baptized at 52 praise god!

[@mgeuleinstsear]

There is no rush to get baptized. Make sure you make a fully informed decision. Lots of whacky teachings and history that most members don’t even know about.

[@kevinhartley9553]

@@mgeuleinstsear sounds like we should talk friend

[@sarahduncan103]

I wish you all the best and also strongly recommend reading the gospel topic essays on the church website or the CES letter first.

[@Jacob0506]

Happy and excited for you, Kevin! I want to bear my testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints *IS* the real Church of Jesus Christ on earth in these times. When you receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after you are baptized, you can learn what it's like to have the Holy Spirit as your constant companion. All it takes is believing in Jesus, and trusting in Him enough to do what He asks you to do. And He WILL communicate with you, if you reach out to Him. The best advice I can give you is to heed the prophets' counsel and find out how you #HearHim best. Please don't be discouraged or dissuaded by things you hear from random people on the internet. We are all like infants next to God. Our understanding is so limited, and often flawed. Some people have questions and panic when they don't immediately find the answers. A lot of the accusations people throw around are just plainly not true. But there's so much Jesus has in store for us, so much that He wants to teach us, and you will learn that very quickly as a member of His Church.

[@qnoyvegas880]

Congratulations

[@chelsiepratt3654]

I love it! The grass is greener where you water it! Thanks for your story!!!

[@MariaTruempler]

Thank you, Elizabeth for what you say here. I found it very insperational. "The grass is greener where you water it. " Also, thank you for your testimony, and sharing your experiences. It is truly an example to others. Thank you to everyone on this youtube channel as well. This channel has helped inspire me so much.

[@rickyde0255]

I love hearing someone with passion, talk about the gospel.

[@solomoncasilen7362]

My eyes are wet listening to your testimony about the love of our father i heaven and the atonement of the saviour. I feel for you and the from above . Thank you Elizabeth. You three are awesome 😎

[@nolaparton-jones8932]

I am surprised that you didn't have to go through a stake "court" to be excommunicated! I did. And it took me three years to come back too. However, I did go to church all the time and I did most everything I could to make things right. You probably met with a General Authority to have your temple blessings restored, as I did. That was an amazing experience. I was a convert, but because my husband who was raised in the church, and introduced me to the gospel, left me for a man, it really threw me for a loop, and I got lost in the process. That was many years ago now though, and I have since been a temple ordinance worker, and am fully active and committed! Thank you for sharing your story!!

[@annroe1088]

Elizabeth thank you for sharing you story. When I was a primary president I complained to the Lord that i was having to many spiritual moments it was draining me. His answer was to take the Holy Ghost away . I FELT him leave. It was so hard to do my calling. The lord gave The holy Ghost back on Easter Sunday after much repentance. I NEVER want to live without all of the Godhead in my life. I need all 3. I watched this podcast because my husband took his records away. He left all of this gospel. The lord has told me " He will come back" I Thill hold on to that. I need to hear how someone came bac so thanks again.

[@lisaroper421]

Both of those experiences sound very hard! Here is an internet sister who is praying for you and your husband

[@annroe1088]

@@lisaroper421 Thank you for your prayers

[@derekpratte7259]

A lot of people (a lot) will benefit from this. I just sense this. Thank you.

[@VAATAUSILI4139]

I thank our ETERNAL PARENT'S, for Sister ELIZABETH'S amazing testimony.

[@Art65483]

Excellent. I was in the Bishopric when we felt the sad but loving prompting to excimmunicate one of my children. The member who has their membership withdrawn is not the only one who feels the surge of mixed emotions. Great video.

[@debbywilliams2689]

I just discovered this channel and am grateful that I did. Thank you so much for sharing your story Elizabeth. I too need to go through withdrawal of membership but have not worked up the courage to do so. I am married to a non member and pray that I gain the courage to go through this process with dignity and strength. Bless you Elizabeth for your testimony.❤

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Welcome to the channel! :)

[@RyanMercer]

Welcome Debby, it really is a great channel. So much great content! 🖤

[@DannyAGray]

A lot of her opening story is so familiar to me, except that i was 3rd of 8 kids, not first. Excommunication was the hardest and best thing I've ever endured, and I'm happy to hear Elizabeth share her experience with it. You rock, sister!!

[@bubba7665]

Wonderful interview! Sister, thank you for your deep incites and powerful testimony.

[@n8higher49]

Thanks for your strength to share this experience. It helps to see that hard things can be accomplished.

[@jonathanettinger6970]

My heart a-splode. Easily THE most powerful story I've heard on this channel. I'd even go so far as to say THIS is why this channel exists. When she got to where the Bishop reminded her of her worth, I genuinely teared up. It's a video. Recorded weeks/months ago. Still. BOOM. Thank you for sharing, for living, for teaching, for being.

[@SaintsUnscripted]

Such an amazing story, right?!

[@grannydeem3602]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience and testimony of accountability, repentance, and restoration. We all can benefit from your sharing. Thank you and keep that fire. Your humble example can be a strength to so many.

[@TruthRestored1820]

Elizabeth... you are awesome. So glad you covered that your baptism date on record is the same as your original baptism date. That is a very important key to emphasize. Thanks for your great example of returning to Christ's Church.

[@annasteig2923]

Loved this! This was a powerful story. I love her authenticity, honesty, and just how real she is. I love that she shared all this. What an example for me of strength...♥️🙂

[@mrtheasley]

This was lovely. I love Elizabeth's passionate pleas and that she has such a story of renewal to share with us.

[@MsLopez-fu8xv]

Thank you, Elizabeth. You have shown me a hope I was blinded to and couldn't see the blessing before my eyes and in my heart.

[@plaidspolitics]

My dad was excommunicated. I watched this because I was curious what someone who went through this and what it felt like, and it is also encouraging that Elizabeth worked through repentance and chose to return as a member of the Church. I wonder if it felt fulfilling to be excommunicated because she escaped the difficult marriage she felt trapped in? My dad's excommunication I don't fully understand as I was very young. I know it has really impacted me and a lot of thoughts and questions I have for my eternal family. In my family's case, it did impact the temple sealing, also, so it really sometimes get me in a lot of questions if I let it. I will say though it may seem softer that we call it withdrawal of membership, it isn't really a softer thought to me. That is probably because I had a son who was on life support and doctors convinced us it was time to remove the machines. So he passed away and it has been tough. Then six years later I had a daughter on life support. Now the medical community changed the language from “remove life support” to “withdrawing support.” She also died, and afterward we had so much less support from family, friends, congregation… and it has been much more distressing to work through. So when I hear the new language for withdrawing membership, it sounds more like a negative. But it probably is more because of my own experiences? I would like to have heard more how her children got through this, and if the children were from the marriage that ended, how it feels for them. I imagine they may have a lot of feelings of uncertainty for eternity, in ways I have had to explore or leave alone. Maybe, again, it is just from my own experience. As far as I know, my dad hasn't reconsidered returning to the Church. So I am glad Elizabeth's choices can perhaps help her family see more trust in Heavenly Father and His plan of Happiness, and in the Savior and His power and Atonement.

[@patsullivanhenshaw-grow5361]

😊

[@russelldesertvikinganderso3386]

Returning to the full blessings is Awesome!

[@kimberlytousley3450]

I should have watched this one with a box of tissue. ❤ #GiveThanks

[@joat_mon6738]

I served as a bishop and it is so intimidating to think how my handling of a situation and having the spirit could have such an affect on a person’s life for good or bad. So grateful for Elizabeth’s story and the good men that followed the spirit even though they wanted a different answer. Grateful for my time as a Bishop and I hope I was an influence for good in someone’s life like they were for Elizabeth. She is so impressive in her acceptance of consequences. People like to blame others but she came to the right conclusions. Props to her and may she be blessed forever with peace. Cheers

[@Freedom0rBust]

Ex-communication is a wonderful opportunity to figure out what you **truly** believe. Also it is a merciful end to covenant with God since one of the specific sins that is mentioned in scriptures that covenant-breakers shall not inherit the kingdom of God. It's suppose to be the most powerful tool the church has for change. Many people come back from excommunication. Proud of you Elizabeth!

[@markcavandish1295]

But most people don’t.

[@ktrump5882]

Congratulations and welcome back officially into Yisrael Sister. I'm so happy for you.God bless you and your family ❤️

[@baddcyclist6401]

Her decision to be meek is admirable. A righteous person is one who turns to the Lord no matter how far up the ladder he/she is.

[@jhondoe8779]

Bless you for this! So tired of seeing videos about how someone finally left the church. I was disfellowshipped twice and came back so strong. Again bless you

[@DONTLIMITGOD]

Welcome back! I too am so grateful to be back myself❤

[@GrgMRnlds86]

I really enjoyed this testimony. Thank you for sharing. It is so easy to see and feel the fruits of the spirit overflowing from this wonderful woman. It is through fully repenting of my own mistakes that I have felt the same peace, joy, optimism, and enthusiasm. Christ's power to change hearts is real!

[@joshuafusselman3323]

This was so good! It was perfect! Elizabth is a fireball! (in a good way) I love, too, how the term has been changed from "excommunication" to "withdrawal of membership". Because of course we still want to communicate! I loved everything she said. Wow.

[@stardustgirl2904]

Heavenly Father, is always waiting for his children to return to him , with open arms! God is in the details of our lives, he knows us better than we do! As a ward missionary, this is so helpful to have a better understanding of people and the journey their on! 💜🕊🙏🏻✨️💜God truly loves all of his children!🎉We are all so blessed, ❤️ to have that unconditional love!

[@cinnamondan4984]

I feel the same way about guilt. It is a teaching tool; it helps us. The secular world wants to tell us we should never feel guilty it seems. That can be comforting but in the same stroke it does not feel healthy.

[@zachmoss8896]

there was this 80-year-old man that was EXed 40+ years earlier who was literally dancing around after his re baptism/ confirmation. He looked like a kid at Christmas who opened up the best gift in the world!!

[@MissRabbitgirl]

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story! What an incredible testimony and life experience of Christ's love! I have had a negative perspective of excommunication (withdrawal) even though logically I knew it wasn't terrible. But it was always a mystery so I didn't know how to feel about it. Thank you for revealing what the experience is like and I love how you called it a time out! I feel like that makes so much sense. You are incredible! And thank you to those who created this channel! I can't wait to go watch more videos.

[@edgestrokes-wc6gs]

There is always a way back...thanks for sharing sister Liz...

[@elainesangiolo6634]

I am so impressed with you. You and your story blessed my life. Thank you for your honesty and bravery in telling your story.

[@mattproctor4333]

Cried all the way thru this! Thank you for sharing!

[@gwenynmel5682]

Excommunication is a do over. It means you’ve done something that is just too hard to clean up on our own. It is a gift. But we have to accept the gift and do everything over and then endure to the end.

[@adamsmith4584]

What an amazing learning journey you’re on! God knows you and knows how you learn best. And that’s because He loves you more than anyone. Keep doing great things in life!

[@adamslater7486]

She's really brave to tell her story

[@AD-ju7ct]

I love her courage and faith to come back! I also like how she realizes the membership withdrawal is all about the Lord’s love for her.

[@StompMom5]

Oh my goodness this was absolutely BEAUTIFUL ❤️🤍😇🙏. I don't usually choke up during videos but I definitely felt this one 😢. Thanks so much for this very moving story

[@SaintsUnscripted]

😊

[@caroldanz4279]

Wow. Girl's got guts! ❤. Thanks for having the courage to share your story! 👍😉❤️

[@KlydetheGlyde]

I’ve been a witness to many people who have lost their membership and what people don’t realize is that to get to that point you have to confess multiple times to leaders that are also peers, with no idea what the outcome will be. That takes next level humility and courage. It is an amazing process. When people come out the other side you can feel their power, strength and worthiness. I highly recommend it.

[@daverave3698]

When you have truly gone through the repentance process like this, your love for the Saviour is greater than you ever thought possible, and the peace you feel is incredible. Because you have felt the extremes of both sides.

[@CynaG]

Thank you for sharing your comeback story we all commit mistake at some point in our lives and grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ everything was made possible even repentance to go back in the right track❤

[@iliek3102]

I felt the spirit. TY Ladies. I'm so grateful to become a member. 😢

[@jesuschristlives2724]

Wow I really needed to here this.

[@lindaayre]

So good! Everyone needs to hear this

[@robertlong9029]

Thank you for sharing it was very selfless of you. I had been so close to being excommunicated many times. I now hold a position in the high council and a temple recommend. Your story really helped me understand how important this process is. Thank you

[@tererere462]

❤❤❤ Love u sister , u just make me emotional listening to your uplifted testimony , I love you all sisters thanks for sharing , love yous from New Zealand

[@ZehnWaters]

I've been disfellowshipped before. It was kinda funny, I totally knew that was going to happen. It was almost like they didn't even need to have a meeting about it. "Nope, I know what I did was wrong, I'll disfellowship myself!" But they have to go through the process.

[@DanielWilliams-cp3wx]

Leaving the lds church was the best gift I was ever given, I found Community of Christ (RLDS) church, and had a personal encounter with my Redeemer Jesus Christ. I felt shame and ended up selfharming as a lds, it was toxic for me. I would never go back, i respect my lds friends, but for me Christ called me to Community of Christ.

[@dwRS1]

That's good if you are happy. Was it a doctrinal issue or something else? I love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day saints, the Apostles and prophets. I have done research and have found nothing close that explains the Trinity and the plan of salvation better.

[@sjjsc92661]

My former husband was excommunicated before we met and I supported him through the process of rebaptism. He had to repeatedly confess in great detail his previous and current transgressions to a ridiculous point. He almost gave up. However, even after rebaptism where supposedly his slate is wiped clean, the Church left an annotated "red flag" on his records permanently for anyone who had access to see. One Bishop pointed out this was keeping him from ever having certain callings and didn't think it was right so he helped us petition to have this removed. The Church refused. Apparently God forgives, but the Church doesn't. He ended up leaving the Church later and so did I. Never regretted that decision for many reasons.

[@littlegem1472]

This is so great. It is giving me insight into what my dad is doing now.

[@paulhudson4254]

God loves re-verts! 🙏

[@PeggyWest1127]

Feeling grateful Elizabeth was willing to share so honestly her journey. It was beautiful. ❤

[@CalledtoShare]

We love you Elizabeth!

[@khalt478]

Thanks so much for sharing! Being a missionary is a baby step beginning to learning the gospel. I loved hearing the wisdom you have learned, thanks again for sharing your journey!💕🙏🏻

[@lauramccann18]

This reminds me to Nelson's words "daily repentence" ♥ Thank you for telling your story, Elizabeth, God bless you and your family♥

[@aritzlizarragaolascoaga6254]

This interview is great. I learned a lot. She's great.

[@JamesCraigWhoop]

Love it We raised our hands to accept our shortcomings

[@kackem]

I was excommunicated 26 years ago. To get back in, do you have to go before one person or a whole group of people? Would a whole group of people have to hear about my issues? I don't want a whole group of people hearing about my issues and personal business. I don't want a group of people reading the record of my excommunication trial.

[@elbotoface]

I don't think you have to have a group again. A Bishop would be where to start for sure! And express those feelings to him. My father has been excommunicated for about the same time, maybe 27 years now. I would be overjoyed if he would come back. He still has a testimony but something holds him from it. I do hope you will be brave and have faith to come back! All things are possible through Christ. ❤

[@cyndimcgrath9617]

Talk to your Bishop. I’ve been there. After 25 years of inactivity and some very bad life choices, I had several promptings to come back to Church. I was welcomed with open arms and the next step was to get a temple recommend. I had to tell the Bishop of my bad choices and repent. It was worth the journey. Please start by talking with the Bishop in your Ward. If your not sure who that is, it’s fairly easy to find a phone number to make contact with someone. I didn’t have to go before a group. I only had conversations with my Bishop. It was healing. I wish you well.

[@TheBoxingBroUT]

Powerful testimony sister 🔥 genuine repentance is essential to accessing the atonement 🙏🏼

[@kristineknepper4879]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I was so touched by it. I felt The Spirit testify to me the beautiful power of repentance and the Atonement as you spoke.

[@tarzanfan5960]

Thank you for sharing such a personal and vulnerable and important story. Reviewing your own personal membership record can be a very powerful experience. Again, thank you!

[@TamaraM-fh7yn]

Thank you for this awesome episode and the testimony that was shared on repentance and forgiveness of self and Heavenly Fathers love.

[@Aubergine1941]

I remember years back listening to the testimony of a former member and she too mentioned how real the loss of the Gift of the Holy Ghost was and how keenly she missed it. She still isn't back though 😢

[@timothyhudson7999]

I can totally relate to this dear lady.

[@dtmelanson]

Welcome back sister. And God bless you.

[@Lola-sz8zu]

Thank you for sharing sister. May you continue to strive to stay on the covenant path and endure to the end.

[@edbutzwiggle4227]

Amen! Awesome