Thru Cloud and Sunshine

Last updated on: February 21, 2020 at 11:09 am by Natasha Helfer

Thru Cloud and Sunshine 2020-02-21T11:09:30-05:00 Natasha Helfer

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

I went to Mormon church for the first time since my move to Utah… and had an uplifting experience that helped me acknowledge that in many pockets we are making strides against perfectionistic culture and towards prioritizing principles that support good mental health practice.

When Rumi is quoted in an LDS sacrament meeting… you know it’s going to be a good day. This man shared some beautiful poetry acknowledging the importance of sorrow and what a poignant part of life it plays. His talk was about “living the gospel,” which usually focuses on “happiness” in a way that feels like the proverbial carrot everyone is chasing but can’t ever quite achieve. He made room for sorrow as part of living the gospel. Refreshing.
“It can be annoying to hear platitudes of ideals over the pulpit that don’t seem to relate to our day to day lives.” YES! He gave a beautiful example of sharing his own brokenness in a beautiful way that made room for all of our broken pieces as well.

The second talk had some mentions of Victor Hugo and his work Les Miserables… and notes of the grace needed in redemption.

Relief Society was phenomenal. They focused on probably the best talk given last General Conference by Sister Reyna Aburto focused very directly on issues of Mental Health.
And my favorite quote from today’s teacher:
“We need to challenge the idea that it’s a spiritual failure to have mental health issues.”
We had discussion on the importance of language around suicide. That it’s appropriate to say “died” of suicide instead of “committed” or “killed oneself.” Lots of discussion on how we should talk more openly about these issues.
Social worker member spoke about the dangers of “pretending” that we are okay when we are not.
Another great quote from teacher: “You can’t pray away depression just like you can’t pray away diabetes.”
One of the matriarchs spoke vulnerably about having mental issues postpartum and encouraged the younger women to get help when they needed. She also talked about the importance about not seeing being on medications as a failure. She shared gratitude for medical technology.
“There is no shame in needing medical help.”
Several mentioned the importance of not hiding these struggles so we can role model to each other how to get through difficult times.
Discussion of importance of supporting each other and accessing resources like therapy. Several were up front about being in therapy currently and using medications.
One woman addressed head-on the reality that many Mormon women deal with depression at high rates and how she believes perfectionistic standards play a role.
Another matriarch shard that there was a suicide in her family. And she said that the people left behind need support because they will inappropriately blame themselves.

I was blown away! Super impressed… and optimistic… and hopeful… that over time… the many that speak up about these kinds of issues will cause the tide that turns.

#mormonwinsfortheday #supportivechurchcommunity #loveistheanswer

Sister Reyna Isabel Aburto: ‘Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!’

Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST, CSTS can be reached at natashaparker.org and runs an online practice, Symmetry Solutions, which focuses on helping families and individuals with faith concerns, sexuality and mental health. She hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex InfoPodcasts, is the current past president of the Mormon Mental Health Association and runs a sex education program, Sex Talk with Natasha. She has over 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele.

Previous Post

February 7, 2020

Symmetry Solution Strategies

Next Post

February 19, 2020 Symmetry Solutions Strategies

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Abortion Abuse Addiction Adolescents Anger Anxiety BDSM Bipolar Disorder Body Image Boundaries Children Circumcision Civil Rights Consent COVID19-Coronavirus Death Depression Divorce Domestic Violence Emotional Abuse Erectile Dysfunction Faith Crisis/Faith Transition Gender Identity Gender Roles Gospel Teachings Grief Homosexuality Infidelity LGBTQ LGBTQ+ Male Issues Marriage Masturbation Menopause Mental Health Mindfulness Miscarriage Missions Mixed-Faith Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Parenting Perfectionism Physical Abuse Physical Health Pornography Premature Ejaculation PTSD Race Relations Relationships Rest Righteousness Self Care Self Injury Self-Esteem Sexual Abuse Sexual Disorders Sexual Education Sexuality Single Adults Social Media Spirituality Suicide Survey Temple Issues Transgender Health Trauma Uncategorized Violence Women's Issues Word of Wisdom

Select a Month September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 December 2018 November 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 March 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 July 2015 February 2015 January 2015 November 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 April 2014 February 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 May 2012 April 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Who said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me"?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Paul Peter James John