In this inspiring episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with Erica to talk about the 12-Step Addiction Recovery Program within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — and how it truly transforms lives.Erica shares her deeply personal story of addiction, divorce, grief, childhood wounds, codependency, and the heartbreaking loss of her father to suicide. Through it all, she discovered that the 12-Step program isn’t just for “extreme” addiction — it’s a divinely inspired pattern of healing for anyone whose life feels unmanageable.We talk about:• How childhood trauma shapes adult patterns• The difference between addiction and the root wounds beneath it• Why honesty (Step 1) is the beginning of freedom• How God stretches our wounds so they can finally heal• The power of anonymity and safe spaces• What it means to truly surrender to Christ• Why the 12 Steps mirror the repentance processWhether you struggle with alcohol, food, relationships, control, shame — or simply feel stuck in destructive cycles — this episode will show you that change is possible.The 12 Steps are not about shame. They are about identity. They are about remembering who you are as a child of God.If you’ve ever wondered whether the 12-Step program is inspired… this conversation might answer that for you.Resources:

Book mentioned: The Afterlife of Billy Fingers

Find an LDS Addiction Recovery Program: https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng&meetingTypes=&genders=menAndWomen,menOnly,womenOnly,ysaMenAndWomen,ysaMenOnly,ysaWomenOnly,couples,wives&groupTypes=all&clientTimezone=America/Denver&page=1

•12 Step Guide: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing/a-guide-to-addiction-recovery-and-healing?lang=engIf this episode resonated with you, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs hope today 🤍

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For more information visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=engorWebsite: https://www.ComeUntoChrist.orgTo contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

This is a deeply personal for me, so I asked a friend - Tikla Fife if she would interview me to tell my story and the why behind this channel.I share my faith journey—from growing up in the Church, walking away after family trauma, years of pain, family addiction, and broken relationships, to a miraculous and undeniable return to Jesus Christ and the restored gospel. This episode is a testament to the redeeming power of the Atonement, the reality of personal revelation, and the hope that no one is ever too far gone.Together, we explore:-What it’s like to lose faith—and find it again-How shame and suffering can become sacred turning points-Spiritual gifts and personal revelation-Miracles are still on the earth today-Sharing the gospelIf you’ve ever felt broken, distant from God, unsure if He sees you, or wondered whether coming back is even possible—this episode is for you.🤍 “God has seen everything… and He still wants you.”🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations on faith, doubt, testimony, and choosing Christ—again and again.

For more information visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=engorWebsite: https://www.ComeUntoChrist.orgTo contact Be faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

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In this episode, scholar Terryl Givens explores what was truly lost in Christian history and how restoring the nature of God’s love changes everything.In this episode of Be Faithful, Terryl Givens—Neal A. Maxwell Research Fellow and author of The God Who Weeps and The Crucible of Doubt—shares insights from his upcoming book on Christian history. Together, we discuss apostasy, restoration, the Gospel of John, the nature of God, love vs. power, and how early Christianity slowly drifted from Christ’s original vision.This episode addresses questions many Christians and Latter-day Saints are asking today:- What was actually lost during the Great Apostasy?- How did Christianity’s view of God change over time?- Did Jesus fully reveal the nature of God?- Why does love—not power—stand at the center of Christ’s message?- How does the Restoration reframe Christian history?This conversation is for anyone wrestling with faith, Christian doctrine, LDS theology, deconstruction, or a desire to understand God more deeply—without fear-based religion.📖 Topics discussed:• The nature of God• Christian apostasy & restoration

• Love as the core of Christianity• The Gospel of John• Early Christian history• LDS theology & mainstream Christianity• Terryl Givens’ upcoming book🔔 Subscribe for more faith-centered conversations exploring truth, discipleship, and spiritual depth.

To contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

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In this episode of Be Faithful, host Lauren Rose sits down with renowned Egyptologist and BYU professor Dr. Kerry Muhlestein for an in-depth conversation about the Book of Abraham—one of the most criticized and misunderstood scriptures of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Dr. Muhlestein, who holds a PhD in Egyptology from UCLA and directs active excavations in Egypt, addresses the most common anti-Mormon claims surrounding the Book of Abraham. Together, they explore what critics often get wrong, how misinformation spreads online, and why many popular arguments collapse when historical and Egyptological evidence is examined carefully.This discussion covers:-The two main criticisms of the Book of Abraham and why they are based on false assumptions.-What really happened to the Joseph Smith papyri.-Why the facsimiles are often misunderstood.-Evidence supporting Joseph Smith’s explanations from ancient Near Eastern and Egyptian sources.-The meaning of Kolob and why it is frequently mocked out of context.-Intellectual and spiritual evidences for the Book of Abraham.-The Book of Abraham’s teachings on covenants, identity, creation, and humanity’s relationship with God.Dr. Muhlestein also shares powerful insights from his academic research—including discoveries about ancient human sacrifice, geography, language, and astronomy—that align strikingly with the Book of Abraham narrative. The episode concludes with a beautiful discussion of the book’s spiritual depth, its literary structure, and its message of eternal progression and closeness to God.Whether you are wrestling with doubts, encountering criticism online, or simply want a deeper understanding of the Book of Abraham, this episode offers clarity, context, and faith-affirming insight.

Book Link for "Lets Talk": https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Talk-About-Book-Abraham/dp/1629729744Free PDF to Article: https://byustudies.byu.edu/article/introduction-book-of-abraham-61-4Link to Study Guide: https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6086915.html?srsltid=AfmBOor0W3432Yl3ITY6_68jhYZFjRkTUfh4omoqU5cfBoX0eYodoTCWPresident Oaks Talk: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2000/10/the-challenge-to-become?lang=engThe Scriptures are Real website: https://www.patreon.com/EnlightenEdgeEDUFor a deeper dive check out Kerry's podcast "The Scriptures Are Real"

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To contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

In this episode of Be Faithful I sit down with licensed clinical mental health counselor Niki Olsen (LDS Mental Health Co.) for a powerful, Spirit-led conversation about mental health, anxiety, trauma, and hearing the Spirit through life’s chaos.

Together, we explore how faith in Jesus Christ and mental health skills work together, why therapy does not weaken faith, and how anxiety, panic attacks, medication, and emotional overwhelm can affect our ability to feel the Spirit. Niki shares gospel-centered insights on the natural man, repentance as a daily returning to Christ, and how to access the Savior’s enabling power even in moments of fear and emotional pain.

This episode offers hope for anyone struggling with anxiety, PTSD, depression, emotional exhaustion, or spiritual numbness, and for those seeking to strengthen their relationship with Jesus Christ while caring for their mental health.

Link to class: https://www.ldsmentalhealthco.com/hearhim

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

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In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with Tiffany Larson, CEO of Days for Girls International, a global nonprofit dedicated to ending period poverty and restoring dignity, health, and opportunity to women and girls around the world. Tiffany shares her inspiring journey—from studying international development, to traveling to more than a dozen countries each year, to leading an organization that has already reached 3.7 million women and girls across 145 countries.Together, we explore the realities of period poverty, the cultural beliefs that keep girls from school, the life-changing education Days for Girls provides, and how the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches that serving others can empower you to be more than you ever imagined. Tiffany also opens up about: • The miraculous origins of Days for Girls • Real stories from women • Why menstrual health education is as crucial as the product itself • How faith, service, and the gospel of Jesus Christ give her strength • Her recent health miracle that allowed her to represent Days for Girls at the Giving Machines launch • How God empowers His daughters to change the worldIf you’ve ever wondered how you can support girls, strengthen women, or make a meaningful global impact—this episode will inspire you deeply.Support Days for Girls:

Website:https: https://www.daysforgirls.org/

Annual Reports: https://www.daysforgirls.org/annual-reports/Intro Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qe5eEoSiW-M

Find a Giving Machine Near You: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/welcome/christmas/light-the-world/giving-machines?lang=eng

In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with theologian, historian, and Mormon feminist scholar Maxine Hanks to explore the history of women in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and in early Christianity. My perspective comes from a traditionalist angle - so I wanted to talk to an active feminist to gain more perspective and a better understanding of our sisters who might be struggling with certain things in the church.We talk about:🌿 The original leadership roles and spiritual authority LDS women held🌿 How early women participated in blessings, healing, and priesthood-adjacent work🌿 Why women’s roles changed after Joseph Smith’s death🌿 What “preside” really means in the Family Proclamation🌿 How women can reclaim confidence in their divine identity and spiritual gifts🌿 The importance of personal revelation, divine guidance, and trusting God through church change

Maxine shares decades of research, her story of excommunication and return to the Church, and the deep spiritual insight she’s gained along the way. This episode offers clarity, comfort, context, and hope — whether you’re faithful, questioning, feminist, traditional, or somewhere in between.

Talk by Dallin H Oaks "The Keys and Authority of The Priesthood" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=engMissing woman in the Bible - Deseret News Article:https://www.deseret.com/education/2025/11/08/stunning-find-meet-the-missing-woman-in-the-bible-rediscovered-by-a-byu-researcher/Maxine's Book: Women in Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism:https://www.signaturebooks.com/books/p/women-and-authorityFor more information visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=engorWebsite: https://www.ComeUntoChrist.orgTo contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com

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What do we do when someone we love has self destructive behavior?In this episode of Be Faithful, I sit down with my former YSA Bishop, Buzz Welch, to talk about setting boundaries, navigating complicated family relationships, and learning to rely fully on Jesus Christ through life’s hardest moments. Buzz opens up about his own family’s journey, including supporting a son who battled addiction for many years and passed away in 2019.

He shares how they found peace, hope, and healing through the Savior’s love and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Together, Lauren and Buzz discuss:

• What Christlike love truly looks like — without shame or guilt

• How to love yourself so you can better love others

• Creating healthy emotional and spiritual boundaries

• The role of the Holy Ghost in making hard decisions

• Finding peace when a loved one struggles or leaves the Church

• Becoming peacemakers in a world filled with tension

This is a hopeful, spiritually uplifting conversation for anyone dealing with family conflict, faith transitions, or the weight of loving someone through self-destruction.

You are not alone — the Savior is always near.Talk by Russell M Nelson "Teach Us Tolerance and Love" https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/1994/04/teach-us-tolerance-and-love?lang=eng

Addiction Recovery Program: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/media/collection/addiction-recovery-program-audio-series?lang=eng

12 Step Recovery Guide: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/addiction-recovery-program-2023?lang=eng

Help for Spouses and Families: https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/spouses-and-families?lang=eng

Find a program near you: https://addictionrecovery.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng&meetingTypes=&genders=menAndWomen,menOnly,womenOnly,ysaMenAndWomen,ysaMenOnly,ysaWomenOnly,couples,wives&groupTypes=all&clientTimezone=America/Denver&page=1

The Road Less Traveled Book: https://www.amazon.com/Road-Less-Traveled-Timeless-Traditional/dp/0743243153Support

Guide For Families: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/support-guide-help-for-spouses-and-family-of-those-in-recovery?lang=eng

For more information visit: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=engorWebsite: https://www.ComeUntoChrist.org

To contact Be Faithful email: lauren.befaithful@gmail.com