Muslim Prisoner to Latter-day Saint: Forgiveness After Family Betrayal & 10-Yr Sentence | Shima B.

[@richardallen383]

I stumbled on this KZbin podcast where Shima Baughman talked about her and her family’s journey to America and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Her story is absolutely amazing. The faith, the inspiration, the hand of God in a person’s life couldn’t be more clear. This story is the best example of lifting people up to be better, improve society and find God. Wow! I am humbled when I think of what her family went through to get where they are today. By comparison, it came so easy for me. I just don’t know if I would have been able to overcome like they did. Thank you so much for telling this compelling story of faith.

[@maryamlarson8190]

I met her father at my work place, then all the whole family. I know she told the truth.

[@HolyWar2468]

We are all on an individualized specific journey. Their journey is thiers, your journey is yours. Do your best to live your journey and make it conform to God's will.

[@MrRickb75645]

I found this so amazing. Especially when she talked about her father taking the test for citizenship. My mother took years to be a citizen. She was beaten by my biological father and told so often she was nothing. So it took her forever to pass. But finally she did. And thought she was nothing . But then one day she decided to become her hearts dream. An RN , so she went to school. My Dad, not my biological father, but he is to me my real Dad. He kept supporting my mother in her schooling. And she was amazed she passed the LVN test . So she asked Dad if she could continue on with her schooling. Because Dad was working all kinds of hours to support her and her education. And his response to her was. If your going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear. And so she continued . And graduated the top of her class. She had no idea how smart she truly was. And she did this at 54 years of age. Dad and me and my brother were so proud of her . And she served for more than ten years before Alzheimer's took her.

[@marley798]

She is not nothing! So glad she found someone to lift her up and see who she really is! So inspiring!

[@kimhaughton3771]

I LOVE the story of your mother!!! Beautiful! God bless!❤

[@RichardChappell1]

I love that quote " If your going to be a bear, be a grizzly bear." How great of your step dad to have that philosophy and live it.

[@scottgreen2042]

Thank you for sharing your story and your mother's story. It's so inspiring.

[@seekeroftruth3656]

My family lived in Iran just before the revolution! I was a young BYU student who decided I needed to take the opportunity to live with my family in Iran while I could. I found myself praying for them, windowing what would help them! The Spirit told me every time I thought about it - teach them about Jesus Christ. I also worked with the women in prison to teach them the gospel! I love seeing this good sisters story! Thank you so much for sharing! You are doing great things! I love your dear mother's strength of her convictions! ❤️

[@adampeterson280]

My friends, thank you for this interview! I have been struggling with forgiving one of my neighbors. I am going to start praying for him, and forgive him!

[@RichardChappell1]

I struggled for years to forgive a high school teacher of mine. I finally realized that it was not his problem, but mine. I was carrying the load. After some prayer, I recognizeed that what he had done wasn't done to hurt me, and that it was just a bad situation. That was the beginning of a massive change of heart in how I viewed others. I stopped seeing the offense and fully realized what I had intellectually known for years - that I don't have to feel that way. It has made me so much happier and content and far less bothered. I hope you have a similar experience.

[@brettmajeske3525]

Thank you for this interview. I taught several Muslims as a missionary in France. The single biggest concern for most was what their family members would think if they became Christian, let alone LDS. Many were already refugees from Northern Africa and the Middle East.

[@SuttonShimai]

I was led to believe that the Church didn't allow Muslim baptisms if the person has family members in a Muslim country who could potentially be killed if it was found out that their relatives had become Christian overseas. Maybe that has changed. I hope so.

[@brettmajeske3525]

@@SuttonShimai I think you misunderstood. The Church has a policy regarding citizens of some countries, not all Muslims. It is an agreement to allow the Church to function in those countries as long as in doesn't actively proselyte its citizens, even outside of its borders. I have been involved in the Baptisms of individuals who had to wait until they either changed citizenship or received protected refugee status.

[@MrRickb75645]

​@brettmajesthank you. I didn't know this. This gives me hope more can find freedom.ke3525

[@janiceharris8792]

Your Mom’s courage and zeal for freedom and truth are truly inspiring. Beautiful that she was given the dream of hope and HF was there for her then and now. Beautiful! I have such respect for your Dad too.

[@spaulmosley]

I also served in France 2001 and 2002

[@gondorr3460]

This sister is amazing! Thank you for providing her an opportunity to tell her story.

[@ChadSolberg]

God is a god of miracles for those who actively seek him. This is a beautiful story.

[@royperkins28]

Stephen, thanks so much for this wonderful interview with Shima. Wow, I feel so blessed to be able to virtually rub shoulders with such incredible Latter Day Saints.

[@brettmajeske3525]

I just want to add I also appreciate the second half of this interview. I know a man who spent 20 years in prison for murder, and was baptized after he got out. I don't know everything about him, but he struggled to stay active. I wonder if I did enough to support him in his conversion.

[@ViolaAgnew]

It's wonderful to know this family are now safe and have their freedom. So hard to comprehend the horrors of living in a country where one is forced into anything, e.g. political views and religious beliefs, and then on top of that, the fear of incarceration and torture. I honestly don't know how'd I survive or how strong I'd be in protecting a loved one under horrific circumstances of being tortured to extract information. Thank you for your beautiful testimony of the Lords guidance in your families life.

[@MrRickb75645]

This is why I say , that the young today dont realize how good we have it here. I e been to other countries. And this is the best place God gave us.

[@anneknudsen8338]

What an amazing story. I admire your mother’s strength and conviction ! And also the depth and goodness of your heart.

[@BTNH_NiNJA]

This is the first time I've come across your podcast and wow! The Redemptive Power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is REAL 🙌🏽

[@marydoffermyre6014]

Wonderful interview with Shima Baughman, amazing story of her mother and family, loved the discussion of conversion, redemption and forgiveness, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences, very worthwhile discussion.

[@sra.seto77]

I needed to hear this. I struggle so much with forgiveness of others and forgiving myself. I needed this message and reminder that through Jesus’ atonement I can forgive and receive the mercy of forgiveness. In tears over here. I have some work to do.

[@marcihaibach5424]

Amazing interview and such a refreshing perspective! I loved this!

[@Flowerpowwow]

I admire your father for always supporting and honoring your mother, even though her choices affected him also. What a great example he is. I love your whole story, there is so much for all of us to learn and become.

[@jope2123]

What a powerful story. Do not underestimate it. Imagine how many Muslim converts we can have if they didn't have this fear 😮

[@brettmajeske3525]

While not my story to tell, I know those who risked their lives to join the Church, and those who didn't think they could. I don't blame the latter, the most I have ever risked is embarrassment.

[@MrRickb75645]

​@@brettmajeske3525bingo. The same here.

[@atiyehatiyeh8322]

I'm also LDS. I was married to a Persian man. I lived in Iran after the revolution. During the Iran Iraq war and the American hostages. I finally escaped in 1989 from an abusive man. The same man that helped the lady and not without my daughter help me. I had a 10-year old almost 2 years old, I was 8 months pregnant, I have similar things happen to me I won't go into detail. I'm so grateful to be back home in the US my children are all adults now. They were raised in the gospel

[@RichardChappell1]

@@atiyehatiyeh8322 That was such an eye opening program. I happened to see it while I was stations in Saudi Arabia for Desert Storm. It was very meaningful as I saw so many of the same kind of attitudes and life styles.

[@charcW8850]

I don’t know how I stumbled across this but I’m so glad I did. What an incredible story

[@user-zy1gw3ih7p]

I love her spirit and great devotion to the savior and great understanding of his doctrine.

[@44julz44]

This was absolutely amazing! I lost count on how many times I said WOW! My heart is so full ❤ THANK YOU so MUCH for sharing your story with us ❤

[@charcW8850]

This woman is incredible. What an amazing family. I love her joy and gratitude, not something we see often in Americans

[@laurenbutters9939]

What a great and amazing story!! So inspiring and faith promoting! Thank you!!

[@tylerahlstrom4553]

I wish I could like this more than once. Great interview. Amazing, unique conversion story and amazing experiences. I agree with her desired reforms on our penal system. As an attorney, I’ve also struggled with our “correctional” system and question whether locking people up is the answer to all problems. We really do need to be more concerned the reforming individuals rather than punishing them or locking them away.

[@salemthorup9536]

This woman. Such a powerful testimony! Thank you so much for sharing your witness!!!!

[@ShallaeDeMers]

So awesome! Thank you for your powerful testimony

[@Steelblaidd]

Another really great book on forgiveness is Phillip Yancey's "What's so amazing about grace" which really goes into the damage that not forgiving, what he calls "un-grace" can do as it rolls down the generations. If we can't forgive others our children won't forgive us. One of my favorite thoughts on the other son is that when he complains about not having a kid to make merry with his friends, the Father answers, "all that I have is thine." I.e. he could have had a party whenever he wanted but was stuck living beneath his privileges.

[@tamragoodrich6067]

God and His wsys are so worth fighting for! The Book of Mormon shows this over, and over again!

[@RichardChappell1]

"THe sins look differently than ours..." It reminds me of a story about Henry Eyring (the prize winning chemist - and the father of Henry B Eyring - and the brother-in-law of Spencer Kimball) once came across a group of members gossiping about someone in the foyer after a meeting. He joined tham and said "I hope the Lord will bless thos who sin differently than me."

[@bryantaylor8848]

What a faith promoting discussion! Thanks 🙏

[@Tom_From_Alpharetta]

Thank you for this interview. The second time this evening I’ve heard Sister Baughman tell her story. Powerful testimony to the power of the Atonement. Fantastic thought provoking conversation. Thanks to both of you.

[@leannmendoza3854]

Another beautiful conversation!

[@RichardChappell1]

What an example of how the Lord blesses those who follow Him. It's also a great story of the blessings of the US with it's constitution and republic, with capitalist society that allows people to go from destitute to wealthy. Such an incredible example. Often most of us have no understanding of the blessings of liberty we have. One of the best parts of people like Sister Baugnman sharing her story is to help me recognize how blessed I have been, and the responsibilities I have because of it.

[@benzun9600]

Amazing story, beautiful testimony. I would like to hear more from this sister

[@danieldunbar2956]

Great conversation

[@SouthernAngel]

So powerful! Beautiful and tender testimony of the hand of the Lord in our lives wherever we are! I love getting to hear all that you had to share!! Grateful for this today.❤❤❤❤

[@Gearthirty]

What a beautiful interview. Shima’s testimony of love and forgiveness is so vibrant. A great reminder to me of the power of the atonement to transform hearts and lives.

[@faithsala4063]

Amaxing story! I felt the spirit as I listened to her mothers journey into the church! Wow!!!

[@newin548]

A lesson in every sentence… beautiful… God bless all of your family back in Iran good Sister .. ❤

[@godisgood1185]

Wow that story is amazing, and she is amazing.

[@LilLithps]

I didnt expect this to impact me the way it did. Appreciate the both of you for having this conversation ❤ The story was amazing. And the second half of the conversation gave me a perspective I haven't had before. I felt my heart change.

[@salustone6545]

Just beautiful and sweet, inspiring testimony. Thank you so much. May the Lord continue to bless inspire and keep you.💗💗💗💗🙏🙏🙏🙏👍 This interview is very enlightening…your scripture knowledge ( both of you ) is amazing.👍👍👍👍💗

[@brebarbur]

I hope Maryam Larsen, who still lives quietly and courageously in Los Angeles, realizes the impact of her simple act of listening to the spirit and being a missionary. She still speaks a bold testimony today. I have heard it personally. So great to hear this story. We wonder sometime what happens when we invite others to come unto Christ.

[@lasvegashula]

❤❤❤

[@payaj2815]

This is an amazing story. And 100% the handwork of God in their lives.

[@Terminatorguy34]

I once heard of a holocaust survivor who converted to the church and married a German, who was a convert to the church as well, he was an officer who was stationed at the same camp as her. Long story short, she forgave him. I dont remember all the details of the story this holocaust survivor had shared

[@ericabase]

Incredible perspective!

[@LilLithps]

Anyone else notice the amazing parallels of Joseph being sold in Egypt and Sister Baughman's mom? God can use all things for our good if we love him. Even betrayal by family and unjust imprisonment can become the means whereby our family and posterity is blessed when we turn to God.

[@JohnSmith-fd4ws]

I loved the discussion about the how the constitution is based on religious principles, found in the Law of Moses. We don’t realize how many principles of mercy were contained within it. The people under the law were given the option to extend mercy under many of the laws given.

[@istj509]

Loved this, Stephen! What an amazing, faith-promoting story!

[@lisaroper421]

Took me some time to watch this long interview, but I am so glad you included all of this! ❤

[@lasvegashula]

Wow! Thank you for sharing. Inspiring!

[@LetsGetRealSJ]

You are so welcome!

[@dinocollins720]

Wow powerful story!!! Thank you!

[@johnmcdonnell4216]

Amazing interview I could listen too this beautiful lady forever

[@bobettepage4440]

The spirit of Christ glows in this woman. So grateful for her testimony.

[@Larry19810]

With regard to what is unpardonable...Any sin we choose to keep, i.e that we don't repent of. God respects our agency and allows us to keep those sins we are proud of. They become unpardonable. Such sins keep us from God.

[@hpagalla]

Thank you for sharing.

[@akifunaki548]

Wooooooow what a strengthening and strong testimony building conversation

[@Maxine-nh7oz]

What an amazing story, thank you so much for sharing this. I'm in awe of Shima Baughman and her mother, such an extraordinary soul, and her father as well. Very inspiring. I live for stories like this one.

[@smuggythornton]

Awsome!

[@danholmquist7747]

Amazing concept and amazing story and I stand all amazed at the Love Jesus offers me

[@paulineharry]

Okay this is now resonating with me because I’m an LDS Sr. Missionary who was writing to a prison inmate at his mothers request to build his faith. I told them about Otherside Academy in another state but he’s lost hope with being able to apply and be accepted. He’s just earned his AAS and BA, going for a Masters, top in his job there, yet languishing in prison with a 17 year sentence with no hope of ever having a family.

[@ihacall]

When considering the story of Alma the younger and how he was changed and wrote a lot of meaningful scripture, I think of Saul/Paul and all he contributed.

[@Canut0]

So good 🙏 love the gospel, love this story ❤

[@lisamaria661]

This is an amazing Testimony!

[@Bookofmormoncentralofficial]

What an incredible story.

[@bittersweet340]

Wonderful discussion and inspiring circumstances led a family to America to be baptised in the church from Iran. Sometimes I wonder how the house of Israel & Judah have been scattered throughout the world that Shima and her family had the blood of Israel in them before they joined the church... Shima and her family are truly a testament to John 6:64-65 64. But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.

[@c0l33ng0r33]

Thank you so much.

[@temanuelkington7225]

I love this story! It reminded me of a situation that my family found ourselves in 23 years ago. Although raised in the gospel, and members of the church, we were all inactive at that time. My daughter was sexually abused by my ex husband, also an inactive member and he and I were then divorced. My daughter did not want to involve the police, she wanted to utilize what our culture call marae justice. This is where the victim and their family has the power to decide the punishment that they feel is suitable. Now when my ex husband found out that this was the path we were going down, he actually handed himself into the local police station and told on himself. My daughter was not happy about this as it took the power away from her, My ex husband ended up doing a prison sentence and because we were nit happy that he chose this path, I made sure that the police and the probation people knew that we still wanted to continue with my daughter wishes once he was released as a part of his probation conditions. A few years later, on his release, we were able to follow through with the process that my daughter wanted. Now what this looks like is where the two families come together and one at a time the victims family stand to talk about the impact that the actions had on each individual family member. It was hard and emotional. But something magical happened half way through the process. The spirit of love and forgiveness filled the room. All that were there to witness this process felt the spirit that day, To this day, my heart skips a beat when I think of this time. Today, I am an active member and temple patron and my family are returning back to the gospel. He is still my ex husband but he also is an active member and a temple patron. I know that what Steven and Shima are talking about is exactly what needs to happen. I loved watching and listening to this conversation. Thank you :)

[@phoenixrising5338]

And is he still abusing children? There is such a profound lack of understanding of abuse and the actual, documented behavior of abusers in this. This pervades the church.

[@JamesEarlSkaggs]

Inspiring!

[@bobettepage4440]

My daughter in law is from Iran and her family is still there. They have been there for many generations and they are NOT Muslim.

[@friendsinthefold]

This was wonderful. Your mother and dad are very inspiring, experience after experience. I just have a question. I'm trying to understand why there is no forgiveness for the woman who was tortured and gave your mom's and aunt's name? I mean, I hope I would hold up against torture, but I don't know if I could. Thank the Lord your Mom and Aunt were spared after 2.5 years, but I feel sorry for the woman who got a life sentence of ostracization from all of their family members. That's kind of tragic. Was the name teller's torture minimal? Is that why it was considered so unforgivable she gave names?...I don't get it.

[@ruwoodbury]

Go to 1:24:50 of the podcast and listen to the end.

[@tuvoca825]

Forgiveness takes time. Sometimes it is a spiritual gift only... no other way for some people.

[@michaelkillpack5102]

The people who are most certain they would never rat on a loved one have never read 1984.

[@makehetutu5107]

What a great this sister has. Surely relying on our Father I. heaven and having faith unwavering is a miracle in the Lords hand. She go through tough time and ways in order for her family to survive. We each go through so many trials and challenges to prove to Him how faith can do miracles. He knows each one of us and still so many to come to know Him, but the thing is we or us need to have faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. This Mum/ sister already blessed before she was born that she will chose to follow Christ no matter what. Her conviction brings happiness to her family. She endure to the end and receiving blessings after blessings, that’s what He promise us His children. If we stay close to Him , (I mean our pureness of heart, He will draw near unto us. What your Mum go through is a refine moments of her life. When she do what she do it’s from the guiding companionship of the HolyGhost. The hand of the Lord was always there with her. I really like your story especially Mum. Her faith never faileth, charity is always there, her faith grew stronger and stronger and never denies it. May the Lord continue to bless your family and those that are still suffering. Very strong testimony that helps those who haven’t had known that there is Christ.

[@tjemcmullan]

I believe Joseph Smith said our prison system should be a place where we reeducate the prisoners. Similar to what she is alluding to. Makes sense.

[@Texifyd]

Her mother’s story reminds me of Las Mariposas from the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 heroic women who also fought for rights of the country.

[@ericfrancis6615]

@ minute 45 she literally says Joseph Smiths prison reform policy from his presidential run attempt

[@henryponnefz1419]

My goodness!

[@Kaydubbbb]

The reason we incarcerate people is to protect the public from them. Of course giving people the option to choose faith while in prison is good, but it’s not the reason for prison. Maybe if faith is the answer, required survey of religion classes should be part of public education, not just prison.

[@ChapinaUSA]

1:02:59 The sin against the Holy Ghost is the unpardonable sin.

[@meghanschwanke1133]

And yet we don't know WHAT that means...

[@Lily-ig6lb]

Denying the Holy Ghost is one of the unforgettable sins.

[@payaj2815]

Unfortunately there are lotta Judasis in our society.

[@chrisbaled7471]

The thing she said about the shah is not entirely true There were freedom of hijab and freedom of religion muslims jews and christians were even in working in high ranking government positions unlike islamic republic that only muslims are allowed The only problem about shah was political freedom where all the socialist/communists were against so they backed the biggest enemy of him “khomeini” but after the revolution they were stabbed in the back by khomeini and they started prisoning them and executing them under treason charges

[@_inveterate]

It looks like you missed the whole point of this episode, lad

[@erinscow6336]

Christ suffered for all sins. He is the one to bring justice. He is the one to teach lessons. When we are offended by another’s sins or have been hurt by another…. Who are we to “teach them a lesson” or get even? We are in a way trying to take on his role. Mind you yes there is an earthly justice system and yes there are consequences for breaking laws and so forth but Christ is the ultimate teacher. If there is a true change to be made He is the one to do it

[@ArslanOtcular]

Taylor Ruth Wilson Frank Perez Angela

[@noellehedman5412]

The law of Moses is the law of Yeshua.

[@Terminatorguy34]

True, however, there were many aspects of the Law of Moses, that was fulfilled with the Atonement. Yes there are still aspects of the Law of Moses that is still Law today

[@phoenixrising5338]

You are not helping abuse survivors at all.

[@DestinyAlready]

Yeah I don’t know about no ray to the pist getting redeemed. Christ also said that not everyone can be saved.

[@munbruk]

Islam allows forgiveness by the victim

[@LesterRugbottom]

Wow...from one scam religion to another.

[@sf49ersjshark2]

I have no interest in ruling my own planet. All I know is Christ and Christ crucified. You can't work your way to heaven. You have faith in Jesus and you do good things because you're following Jesus, not cousin, you cause of Jesus. You're good works don't save you.

[@Terminatorguy34]

@sf49ersjshark2 we don't teach that works save, it's the grace of God that saves us As for ruling over our own planet, that's never been taught or doctrine in our church. In my 35 years of life and being a life long member and all the studying of the deeper Doctrine of our faith, the only people I hear "God's of our own planet" has only come from outside the church, from people who don't know and don't understand our doctrine.

[@RodneySikei]

Faith and grace represent 2% out of 100% to save a soul . Christ's teaching is above all teachings for saving souls . You must align Paul's words to Jesus Christ' words .

[@newin548]

You clearly do not fully understand the doctrine of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.. May I suggest you either attend the Church services,out of curiosity or even invite the Missionaries to your home and ask any questions that comes to mind.. God bless..

[@newin548]

@@RodneySikeiamazing that you can put a percentage on what our Saviour has already plainly explain.. dw

[@sf49ersjshark2]

@newin548 what did the internet get wrong? And the racial thing isn't wrong. As a Christian I can plainly tell you I believe Jesus is God and that he came to give his PERFECT life willingly as an atonement for my sins and rose on the 3rd day.