Mary's experiences coming home early from her mission, getting divorced, and searching for answers.

[@mikaahloe175]

Thank you for sharing your comeback story. I love this comeback channel. I joined the church when I was 16 and fell away for a short time due to breaking the word of wisdom. My elders quorum president at the time noticed I’ve been missing from church and came to the rescue. I told him why I stopped come and he said…. That’s reason. Well you can still come to church even if you are drinking and smoking and break the commandments. The church is for sinners and no one is perfect. Well I went back and met with my bishop and worked out my issues. I was 22 at the time and I’ve never looked back. I’m so grateful for the gospel and the Elders quorum that noticed I was not attending and came out to visit and rescue me.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Would love to hear you story if you want to share!

[@Whatiftheresmore1314]

Thank you for your comment! ❤️☀️

[@dianayoshioka9556]

Mary is my granddaughter, and we are so proud of her, and she is such a beautiful, kind person. We did grieve for her when she was inactive. We grieve for our sons also, but I have so much faith now that the Savior will help them return one day.

[@juliegrange8535]

Grieving is all apart of it. You feel like you lost what you had, but you gain just as much as they do by going through the experience with them. You truly learn to love like the Savior loves. ❤

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

Mary seems like a great example of how people can come back to church. As a bishopric member, I can say many of ward members have struggles and are inactive. We want them to come back to church no matter what hey deal with.

[@DougT-Fam]

Ashly you are the best podcast interviewer host on youtube! You have an absolute gift! It blesses our lives, thanks so very much for your work.. i wrote you recently an email with some thoughts, after hearing the episode about the New Age come back story! Fascinating topics. God bless!!

[@gkvair65]

20:41 As a life-long member of the church, I remember thinking that converts had it better because they had to know for themselves that it was true. Then I went through a faith crisis, and eventually became completely converted to the Lord and His restored gospel. It helped me realize how we ALL need to be converted to the Lord, no matter our background. It doesn’t take a faith crisis for that to happen, but if someone makes it through a faith crisis, it can help solidify their faith and bring them closer to the Lord. My conversion has been such a blessing in my life!

[@dcarts5616]

100%! My mother and my father in law both converted in their early twenties. They truly knew life without the restored gospel as teens in the 70’s (my mom a non active Methodist, my father in law a prior Protestant the Catholic…) and they share often with each of their families what attracted them to the LDS faith. They have never looked back although two of my 4 siblings and 3.5 of my wife’s 4 siblings have left the church after being raised in it. Converts are needed, the “cultural” members are being sifted, they do not know what they have, and many forget it for the rest of their lives when they leave. I love the comeback podcast!

[@wheelercreek]

"You give me effort, and I'll give you answers." -- love that! Beautiful story, thank you for sharing it!

[@1willardjohn]

yes loved this thought as well, translation, "You exercise faith, and you wil find the answers I have for you"

[@tonymiller9084]

I love your channel. I have never been out of the church. I work for a police department and I love to read non fiction stories of kids that were abused and overcame the abuse, ended the cycle and are now successful adults. Meanwhile my wife is reading fiction romance wondering why I read these crazy books. I'm just so inspired by stories of overcoming. The same with your channel. So inspirational. Thank you. Such a testimony builder.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

I agree, non fiction over fiction every time! - Lauren

[@tamragoodrich6067]

We often grieve as parents because we don't get to share the amazing spiritual experiences we are having with our wayward children, because they dont want any part of the glorious feelings, etc, we are having. But patiently, and lovingly, waiting for our beautiful children is so worth it.

[@jilldowding-walker8066]

I feel the same with my beautiful daughter!

[@cinnamondan4984]

I love how real these episodes are.

[@Gearthirty]

What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing!

[@twink1212]

Beautiful souls and stories ❤

[@tamragoodrich6067]

We have the best God! He is so good to us!

[@budgillett]

In Sunday school today we had a number of elderly members mention this podcast, and this episode! Let's go!

[@Freedom0rBust]

Welcome back Mary! We don't care about your tattoos by the way just keep sharing your light!

[@norrisporter8955]

I love the insights of Mary in this episode.

[@Chosen96-w6o]

Your brother is a soulmate 💛 ✨️ who cares about your salvation. I have 3 older brothers.... they teach me every day. "There is never too far gone" AMEN

[@daveduncan2748]

I love this channel. I was a convert at 9 years old (almost 10). I've pretty much been a faithful member ever since, but I still enjoy and learn from these "come back" stories. Thank you for sharing!

[@Kathysfootprints]

Love your advice as parents ❣️it takes faith and lots of patience as a parent 🙏🤍🤍🤍

[@echandlerchilds]

Mary...thank you for sharing your beautiful story! My daughter has Celiac as well and served a mission. She is so precious to me and I am so grateful for her. God love effort and action. I love how you say that effort brings clarity about truth. This is what the scriptures describe as "understanding." Understanding from the spirit resolves confusion, brings peace, and leads us to where God wants us to be. I pray you will continue to share your testimony often so you can continue to help others come back. All my love!

[@Whatiftheresmore1314]

Wonderful experience! God bless this beautiful light!❤️☀️

[@timothybuckley3621]

I was coverted to the Restored Gospel in Salem, Oregon...everyone who is converted has made thst "effort" and received "their answer'. Thanks very much for your podcast!!

[@melaniegriffith1598]

Mary is so right about having pride in the fact that she did serve.... I'm also a strong believer in that she will give comfort and self esteem to others who have been through similar experiences. I'm 46 and she has touched my heart on an extremely hard day for me. My life has been quite different than hers but today she has given me some comfort. I also want to give her props for turning everything around so quickly. Many of us suffered in silence for years. Lots of love❤

[@fstaheli]

What a wonderful visit the two of you had! I am glad that it's getting easier for people with tattoos to come to church and not be looked at strangely. The next frontier is men's beards. A gentleman in my ward told them he would not accept a calling to the high council uness he could keep his beard, and they finally relented. I work at an LDS religious institution that requires a beard card waiver if you have a beard. I haven't publicly protested, but I do silently protest by having a goatee without a waiver card. I loved Mary's explanation of feeling good about whatever time you serve on your mission. I had a son come home early, and our stake president was great at helping him to understand that whatever time you served is enough.

[@eporterinc]

I have really enjoyed listening to the journey's shared by Mary and all who have had the courage to comeback. It fills me with hope for our daughter who has chosen a different path at this time. It validates my and my wife's strategy of simply showing love. Thank you both.

[@vsolpol4308]

The prodigal son, King Lamoni, Alma the Younger, Alma the Elder, Zeezrom As I was talking with a family member who was making a bad decision and knew I didn't approve, but we were supporting despite. I told this family member that God can take any situation and turn it to our good - if we'll just look for it. There has been many other bad decisions, but there has also been a few small and big miracles. I pray and have faith in God that things can change. Along with the scripture stories each of the stories I hear on this podcast contribute to my faith. Thank you for all you do. I will now pray that others can remember the father of the prodigal son and continue to love and always be ready to welcome home God's children.

[@vesitagoiaega6334]

Last month I was invited by our bishopric to speak in our sacrament meeting. My topic is from Alma 32 about how to exercise our faith in our Saviour by planting and nourishing his words in our hearts. Thank you for sharing and love your podcast.❤❤❤❤❤

[@CNStanza1]

Alma 32 was THE scripture for me. I grew up in the church, read it when I was about 16, and that is when I started to gain my testimony. My mom says that is when I started my own engine.

[@amandadangerfieldpiano]

I love that ❤. There are so many good chapters in Alma.

[@pamsbirding]

I live in Oregon too and love the rain and green.

[@marlamorris6248]

I love the wisdoms that I learn from your podcasts ❤

[@d.s.petersen779]

I think our lives don't always give us what we want but they give us what we need. The Roling Stones had it right.

[@chasetrimble2513]

I can totally relate. I was sent home early from my mission after a year and a month. I got sick on my mission and I still feel like I failed. Thank you for you light and positivity!

[@tammie3618]

What a darling girl! I loved her story! Thank you so much for this podcast. It gives me hope for some of my children as well. Ashly - you are doing such a great work! Thank you, thank you!

[@stephanieargyle7328]

Beautiful story, Mary! Thank you so much for sharing!!

[@salustone6545]

Thank you for your podcast, Ashley: never fails to lift and strengthens my own testimony. Gods bless, and keep those come back stories coming. Thank you.💗💗💗💗👍😊🙏🙏🙏

[@notdawong]

thank you sisters for the podcast and what was said. Mary ,you said a particular statement that is helping me and with such power and spirit.

[@icelandgal7317]

As someone who has converted to the faith, I have a deep passion for tattoos. Even though I long for more tattoos, I recognize that it is forbidden within the church. I have made the conscious decision to forgo additional tattoos as a way to honor my commitment to the faith.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

Thank you for sharing

[@Zeett09]

As someone who was born in the 1950’s I got my first tattoo last year. I was excited about it. Women tattoo eyebrows all the time. Many South Pacific people have many cultural tattoos. I don’t think the church has a tattoo ban.

[@kevinferrin5695]

That's what faith is, hanging on through the mists of darkness.

[@dcarts5616]

Another beautiful episode. I can’t believe how young Mary is, and that she even cares about God which is so rare for young people living the easy life of a first world westerner. I loved this, I even personally hate tattoos and think that they’ve stupid (with or without Bible teachings about bodies being temples or other religious cliches about them) and feel they would certainly impede someone from coming to our church or one from coming back, but I do not ever judge anyone who’s sitting in the pews at church because I know that we are in a place for everyone who simply has a desire to believe in and be healed by Jesus Christ. As mentioned in the episode by one of them, not all of our sins, bad decisions, mistakes are externally visible but holy cow if they were HOW DIFFICULT would it be? God lives, He is in command, this life is hard even with faith in Christ, I couldn’t imagine going through life thinking He was a teddy-bear or worse, non-existent. Hang in there everyone, stay at the tree, get some shades to block out the wordly shine of the big and spacious floating building and its billions of growing inhabitants.

[@clearstonewindows]

The love of parents.

[@JohnathanLingo]

I believe one of the most misunderstood parts of post- mission life is that a lot of missionaries feel different once they are released. That transition is difficult, and a lot of them think they are doing something wrong because they don't feel the Spirit of God as strongly as when they were full-time servants of the Lord. The answer is that you don't feel the same because you don't have that calling anymore! It is normal!

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

At 36:15. The stats show that 35% of missionaries are returning home before the end of their missions. There are a number of factors but ward members should not be judging them for early return. They should be welcomed home regardless of whether the mission was completed.

[@_inveterate]

35 percent? Reference please

[@Eli12344]

Powerful, thank you

[@cocadean]

❤

[@gwengold8154]

I wonder if Mary would have come back if her favorite brother hadn't gotten engaged? It's great that she had that impetus to return, but I just wonder how it might have played out otherwise 🤔. It makes me think that someone in Ashly's family needs to hurry and get engaged so that her sister will get the desire to return! 😁 Ashly, I am loving those blond highlights on you! You look even more beautiful than usual!

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

God would have found a way to get her back, it would never depend on a single event like that. We are His work and His glory. - Lauren

[@pachuo4192]

She was already on her way back, already started to read the book of Mormon, so I think she would’ve come back anyway, it might have taken a bit longer.

[@gwengold8154]

@@Come.Back.Podcast That is very true, Lauren. But it could have taken a LOT more wandering years and a lot more pain to do it. I speak from experience. BTW, thanks for all you do to make this podcast possible 😊 you are a Rockstar!! 🤗😇

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

@@gwengold8154 Thank you for the appreciation, it means a lot. I speak from experience as well :)

[@BunnyWatson-k1w]

Tattoos at 32:07. Much of the opposition to tattoos comes from the LDS culture. The body was supposed to be a canvas for the Lord, etc. However during the Hinckley years he and other GAs were speaking out against tattoos and body piercings. I am told that in 2024 a lot of missionaries have tattoos that are hidden. The thing Mary's father was speaking about was the stigma of tattoos in the church. Many members are opposed to it since it seems worldly and is not done by the majority of members. It gives a deviant status to a member. Mary sounds like a great member but if she was coming back there would be a hesitance by some ward members to welcome her back. I have found the same thing by members who react to those who return to church after long absences. It may not be tattoos, but could be due to other factors.

[@FaafetaiMotufau]

I love you 😘

[@nonrepublicrat]

Finally, someone who does not think she was needs to live in Utah.

[@Come.Back.Podcast]

A lot of our guests don't live in Utah actually...

[@twink1212]

It sounds like Utah may be triggering for you. 💓 We all have things and stories that hurt. A few of mine are divorce, green cards, and eternal families at the moment. Maybe you'll consider sharing your story? Maybe there are things you've been through that may help someone else and help your heart as well in the process. 💓

[@Tk.utelab]

I don’t live in Utah

[@Tk.utelab]

I think even if you have never left the church you still need to be converted to have a true testimony.

[@MatthewALadner]

Who cares about your tattoos!!! I got several myself. It’s not about where you been, it’s about where you are going. ☺️😉