Unable to marry Donny Osmond, Tracy settles for a mere mortal from her ward; a returned missionary who, at the ripe old age of 26, had not yet found "Miss Right." The only problem was trying to eliminate the competition. Chapter 2.
Tracy is introduced to Mormonism at the age of 13. Her family moves to Utah where she meets the boy of her dreams: Donny Osmond. Chapter 1.
First in a series of bonus episodes, this is the introduction to the compelling autobiography; Mormonism, the Matrix, and Me. Tracy discusses the purpose of the book and introduces listeners to the concept of a "spiritual Matrix," designed by the Enemy of our souls to blind us to God's truth.
The Apostle Paul wrote, "If possible, and to the extent that it depends on you, live in peace with all people." Tracy discusses the importance of transparency and patience with loved ones as you make the transistion out of Mormonism. In the words of leadership expert Simon Sinek, "Good leaders make you feel safe." When your active LDS family members feel safe around you, remarkable things can happen. In the conclusion of this series, you will be encouraged to know that God is FOR you, not against you, as you go through the process of leaving the Church. The basis for the series on Leaving Mormonism is the Kindle book, "Confessions of an ex-Mormon: What I Wish I Knew When I Left the Church" (available on Amazon).
The emotional challenges of leaving Mormonism include living with fear and regret and isolating oneself from others. Tracy discusses how to overcome these negative emotions and move toward recovery.
Active Mormons sometimes think that people who leave the Church are trading Mormonism for hedonism; in other words, they leave for the purpose of living a life of debauchery. Nothing could be further from the truth, yet that is a common misperception. Tracy discusses how flaunting our newly acquired vices (coffee, tea, Mike's Hard Lemonade, and fishnet stockings) impact our LDS family and friends (or ex-friends).
Of all the mistakes made when someone leaves the Church, forgetting tact and sensitivity is one of the biggest. In this segment of "Leaving Mormonism," Tracy talks about the harm done to relationships when we disrespect the beliefs of our LDS family and friends by using sarcasm, inappropriate humor, and arguing. As Oliver Wendell Holmes advised, "Don't flatter yourself that friendship authorizes you to say disagreeable things to your intimates. The nearer you come into relation with a person, the more necessary do tact and courtesy become."
How will my spouse and kids react when I tell them I no longer believe? What will my Mormon relatives and friends say? How should I respond to ward members? These are some of the questions Mormons ask as they begin the process of leaving the Church. In this episode, Tracy talks about how it feels for individuals leaving Mormonism, some of the reactions they can expect from others, and what their loved ones might be feeling.