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Tender Leaves of Hope: Finding Belonging as LGBTQ Latter-day Saint Women
"I find myself turning again and again to hope. Hope in Christ sustains me every day, and when I nourish it, I have shelter and beauty. Hope gives life."
Meghan Decker is a woman who is attracted to women. She is also married to an amazing man, and together they are each committed to their faith, their covenants, and their testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Growing up, Meghan could not see how her deep spiritual faith and her attraction to women could coexist. But after decades of shame, denial, and hiding, Meghan came to accept this part of herself. She realized that while she can't decide to change her sexual orientation, she can decide how to respond to the circumstances of her life. As she felt the tender love of the Lord, her faith deepened. Her experience will help Church leaders, friends, and family understand how to support their LGBTQ loved ones.
Now Meghan is sharing her story, along with insights from dozens of other LGBTQ Latter-day Saint women. Through her open experience, you will come to understand that
<1i>You are not broken, and you are not alone.i>
<1i>Shame is the real enemy.i>
<1i>Your path forward begins with reaching out to God.i>
As you follow these women's stories, you will feel the Spirit testify of God's love for His LGBTQ children and for you.
Meghan Decker is a woman who is attracted to women. She is also married to an amazing man, and together they are each committed to their faith, their covenants, and their testimony of Jesus Christ and His Church.
Growing up, Meghan could not see how her deep spiritual faith and her attraction to women could coexist. But after decades of shame, denial, and hiding, Meghan came to accept this part of herself. She realized that while she can't decide to change her sexual orientation, she can decide how to respond to the circumstances of her life. As she felt the tender love of the Lord, her faith deepened. Her experience will help Church leaders, friends, and family understand how to support their LGBTQ loved ones.
Now Meghan is sharing her story, along with insights from dozens of other LGBTQ Latter-day Saint women. Through her open experience, you will come to understand that
<1i>You are not broken, and you are not alone.i>
<1i>Shame is the real enemy.i>
<1i>Your path forward begins with reaching out to God.i>
As you follow these women's stories, you will feel the Spirit testify of God's love for His LGBTQ children and for you.
184 pages, Paperback
Published April 11, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 13, 2022
The following quote summarizes this book for me:
"When I come out from hiding and shame, I open a window into a sacred part of my soul, and I ask to be seen in ways that matter deeply to me. It is love and acceptance that are needed, not suspicion or judgment about motives, or misguided promises of change for the faithful. I don't need to be fixed or rescued-- I have a Savior for that. I just need you to listen and see me and sit with me." (top of Page 128.)
I also really appreciate the appendix which is a chart that shows obsolete and current teachings of the church about LGBTQ people. The author says it was created by the Walk Beside Me support group, so I'm guessing it might be findable online somewhere. It's easy to understand.
I read this book because I listened to the author speak at a stake fireside that was meant to increase understanding and compassion for LGBTQ people. I was curious about her story. She gives a lot of vulnerable, personal details. I admire her bravery.
I had some trouble following the interview questions and answers. They are sandwiched between the author's own thoughts and experiences, so in my mind too often it all blends together. Because of very little description, privacy names, and similar stories, the other people don't feel as unique or real to me.
I don't completely understand the need to be that seen or known by everyone especially when it comes to something so personal and private, but I'm an introvert so that's probably why. I respect the author's desire to be open about herself. She also clearly wants to be a support to other women in similar circumstances. I don't completely relate to or agree with the author. Even so, how people perceive reality is reality to them. How people feel matters.
I will practice being more understanding, accepting, non-judgmental, loving, and compassionate.
At this writing, the two editions of this book aren't yet merged. There are ratings and reviews on the Kindle version, but mine is the first on this one. I would like to give the book 3.5 stars, so I'm giving it 3 on the other version and 4 here. If I notice the versions merge, I'll delete the other review/rating.
"When I come out from hiding and shame, I open a window into a sacred part of my soul, and I ask to be seen in ways that matter deeply to me. It is love and acceptance that are needed, not suspicion or judgment about motives, or misguided promises of change for the faithful. I don't need to be fixed or rescued-- I have a Savior for that. I just need you to listen and see me and sit with me." (top of Page 128.)
I also really appreciate the appendix which is a chart that shows obsolete and current teachings of the church about LGBTQ people. The author says it was created by the Walk Beside Me support group, so I'm guessing it might be findable online somewhere. It's easy to understand.
I read this book because I listened to the author speak at a stake fireside that was meant to increase understanding and compassion for LGBTQ people. I was curious about her story. She gives a lot of vulnerable, personal details. I admire her bravery.
I had some trouble following the interview questions and answers. They are sandwiched between the author's own thoughts and experiences, so in my mind too often it all blends together. Because of very little description, privacy names, and similar stories, the other people don't feel as unique or real to me.
I don't completely understand the need to be that seen or known by everyone especially when it comes to something so personal and private, but I'm an introvert so that's probably why. I respect the author's desire to be open about herself. She also clearly wants to be a support to other women in similar circumstances. I don't completely relate to or agree with the author. Even so, how people perceive reality is reality to them. How people feel matters.
I will practice being more understanding, accepting, non-judgmental, loving, and compassionate.
At this writing, the two editions of this book aren't yet merged. There are ratings and reviews on the Kindle version, but mine is the first on this one. I would like to give the book 3.5 stars, so I'm giving it 3 on the other version and 4 here. If I notice the versions merge, I'll delete the other review/rating.
August 7, 2023
I loved hearing the perspective of a woman (well several women) on this sensitive topic. The chart at the back of this book outlining church resources to distinguish between current church teachings versus obsolete church teachings was super helpful.
August 18, 2024
A book every LDS member should read!!!!! Meghan is the epitome of kindness and love.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews