What happens when you believe you don't fit into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?In this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Paula Andriesen to hear her story of faith, same-sex attraction, depression, relationships, and her journey toward greater peace and transformation through Jesus Christ.Paula shares what it was like growing up being the only black member of her family, experiencing same-sex attraction, questioning whether she could remain in the Church, and eventually reaching a point where she felt she had to decide what she truly believed. She opens up about the difficult experiences that followed—and the spiritual and personal transformation she says came as she sought Jesus Christ more fully.Together we discuss:• How Jesus Christ can transform our lives through His Atonement• Finding faith when a trial feels impossible• The meaning of 1 Nephi 3:7 and finding “a way” forward• How scripture study, prayer, fasting, and obedience can strengthen faith• Recognizing weaknesses and turning them into strengths• Forgiveness, healing, and repairing difficult relationships• Why our identity as children of God matters• How to hold onto your testimony when you don't feel understood at church• The power of Jesus Christ to help us become newPaula is also the author of The Power to Overcome Everything, a book based on her personal story and the principles she says helped her move forward through faith in Jesus Christ. Her message is ultimately one of hope: whatever you are facing, there is a way forward through Christ.You can find Paula at @power.to.overcome.channelFor more information visit:https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochristTo contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.comAd provided by: mymissionarybook.com

Music: 'Thrive' by All Good Folks on #Uppbeat https://uppbeat.io/c/all-good-folks

License code: JZ5SVMH8ZKXITIHK

Why do Latter-day Saints believe the Book of Mormon is essential to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ? And what does the Book of Mormon actually add to the Bible?

In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with Luke Hanson for a deep conversation about the Book of Mormon, the Bible, the Restoration, and the central role of Jesus Christ in Latter-day Saint theology.

Together, we explore why the Book of Mormon is described as containing the “fulness of the gospel,” what it means for plain and precious truths to be lost or obscured, and how the Book of Mormon helps connect Old Testament and New Testament teachings about God and Jesus Christ.

Luke also explains what the Book of Mormon teaches about the nature of God, the emotions of God, covenants, temples, and the relationship between Jesus Christ and His followers—along with why the Book of Mormon can be viewed as a foundational “primer” for understanding the gospel.

This conversation also addresses common questions and misconceptions about the Bible and the Book of Mormon, including biblical textual transmission, interpretation, the Restoration, and what Latter-day Saints mean when they say the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Most importantly, this episode returns again and again to the central message of the Book of Mormon: Jesus Christ is at the center of everything.

If you've ever wondered why the Book of Mormon matters, what makes it different from the Bible, or how it strengthens a testimony of the restored gospel, this conversation is for you.

Topics discussed:
• Why the Book of Mormon is called the “fulness of the gospel”
• What the Book of Mormon teaches that the Bible does not
• The Book of Mormon and the Bible
• The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ
• Plain and precious truths and biblical interpretation
• The nature of God and the Godhead
• Jesus Christ in the Book of Mormon
• Covenants and temples
• The Old Testament and New Testament connection
• Why the Book of Mormon is central to Latter-day Saint faith
• Common misconceptions about the Bible and Book of Mormon
• Building a stronger testimony through scripture and study

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: JRWVBD54DCOYJUYB

What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach us about caring for the earth?

In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with Lydia Theobald and Phil Fernberg of Holy Earth to explore the Latter-day Saint doctrine of earth stewardship. They discuss what scripture and modern prophets teach about our responsibility to God’s creations, why the earth’s future matters, and how caring for creation connects to discipleship, agency, and our covenants.

We also explore why nature can help us feel closer to God, the connection between time in nature and mental well-being, and simple ways we can become better stewards in our everyday lives.

https://ldsearthstewardship.org/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFCluYiD8LA&list=PLxqHUSaz3tD6pBocjMhauGfJH9tNtsO5g&index=7

https://www.thechurchnews.com/leaders/2025/05/04/prepare-christ-second-coming-righteous-stewardship-president-camille-johnson-young-adult-devotional/

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/31causse?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: KRVIHTKA4I7UXGID

What does it actually mean to build Zion?

In the first episode of Season 2 of Be Faithful, I sit down with Ryan Davis, BYU professor and author of Dispatches from Mormon Zion, to talk about what "Mormon Zion" looks like in the real world—not just as an ideal, but as something we can begin building through the way we treat one another.

We talk about:

- What it means to be “of one heart and one mind”
- Why small acts of kindness can have a profound impact
- How the structure of the Church creates opportunities for community and connection
- Why serving others may actually increase our own well-being
- What research says about religious participation, happiness, and civic engagement
- The social barriers that keep us from reaching out to others
- Why building Zion begins with becoming converted to Jesus Christ
- And whether our wards and congregations are actually living up to the ideal of Zion

One of my favorite themes from this conversation is that Zion isn't necessarily built through grand gestures. It can be built through the small, seemingly insignificant choices we make every day to love, serve, notice, and include other people.

Ryan shares some beautiful examples—including the story of two BYU students who walked around the library on Valentine's Day offering lonely strangers milk and cookies.

If you've ever wondered what it would actually look like to build Zion where you are, you will really enjoy this conversation.

Link to Ryan's book: https://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-Mormon-Zion-Ryan-Davis/dp/0802884695

Mentioned studies: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/

https://news.gallup.com/poll/152732/religious-higher-wellbeing-across-faiths.aspx

For 10% off Beautiful Scripture sets and more use code befaithful10 at: https://lineuponlineco.com/?ac=befaithful10

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

#BeFaithful #LDS #LatterDaySaints #Mormon #Zion #JesusChrist #LDSChurch #RestoredGospel #GospelOfJesusChrist #LDSPodcast

Thank you for being here and joining me on this Be Faithful journey! To wrap up Season 1 I am releasing some short testimonies from throughout this first season.

For 10% off Beautiful Scripture sets and more use code befaithful10 at: https://lineuponlineco.com/?ac=befaithful10

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=enghttps://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochristTo contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: CZOCC37CCRPKXAFK

How do we respond when someone we love leaves the Church?
How can believers and former believers speak to each other with honesty without hatred?
Can interfaith dialogue exist inside families, friendships, and marriages?

In the second half of this conversation with Jared Halverson, we discuss one of the most emotional and difficult realities many people face today: navigating relationships when faith changes.

Jared also shares his powerful and moving testimony at the end of this episode.

It is my hope that this conversation will give us all more tools to be more effective peacemakers in helping one another come unto Christ.

Talk by Robert D. Hales: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2008/10/christian-courage-the-price-of-discipleship?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: IWJYUPHMYZOIBLXD

In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with Jared Halverson for a conversation about LDS faith, criticisms, and the media portrayals of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He dives into the tactics of the antagonistic points of view and how we can respond to take advantage of the unique "Mormon Moment" we are living in. This part 1 is especially useful if you are getting into conversations with others about cults and how to respond if someone accuses you of being in one.

This episode is being split into 2 parts, the second will be released separately.

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

To contact me email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: DQPKTZFA0CUZARSW

What is so different about LDS Theology from Mainstream Christianity? Hayden helps break this down for us:

• What is the Trinity?
• What do Latter-day Saints believe about the Godhead?
• Is the Trinity actually found in the Bible?
• How does LDS theology solve the problem of evil?

Hayden shares his experience studying theology, debating different Christian beliefs, and explaining why he believes the restored gospel offers clearer answers about the nature of God.

This was a really fun conversation that dives deep into doctrine, philosophy, and truth.

📌 Topics covered:
Trinity explained, Godhead vs Trinity, LDS beliefs, Mormon theology, problem of evil, agency, free will, Christianity vs Mormonism, nature of God, biblical doctrine, faith discussions

Link to Hayden's book:a.co/d/06AcSyBM

Hayden's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=hayden+carroll

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist

Music from #Uppbeat

https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/thrive

License code: CEFSC0WJELTTPFWS

To contact me email lauren.befaithful@gmail.com