Real Connections

Audra talks about growing up in a traditional Christian family. She shares how she met and fell in love with her husband and his decision to leave his faith shortly after. She talks about how that effected her and how she stopped attending church as well. Audra shares how their marriage began to really struggle and how she experienced several miscarriages. As a result she began to hate her body and talks about how she started developing an eating disorder. At one point she weighed only 95 lbs. Audra talks about what prompted her to look at her body differently and her journey back to faith.

Shonee describes what it was like receiving news that her tumors were back and that she only had 3-6 months to live and then talks about her miraculous recovery. Shonee shares the changed that happened in her when she really realized how precious life is and that every second counts. She talks about her experience creating her bucket list and some of the amazing adventures she has had so far. Shonee also shares how to start a bucket list of your own. This interview will inspire you to look at your life in a deeper and more meaningful way.

Shonee talks about what it was like growing up in a family where she wasn't allowed to express emotion. She shares how she was unexpectedly diagnosed with a brain tumor and the treatment involved. Shonee also talks about going into remission and getting married. On her honeymoon, she was in an accident and after being in and out of the hospital, doctors discovered that she had 2 more brain tumors that were cancerous. Shonee describes her emotions as she struggled with her emotions and was admitted into a mental health hospital for several months. After being released she talks about her desire to disappear and her attempt at suicide. Shonee describes the miracle that saved her and her way back to faith.

Caris talks about how she has been able to cope with her anxiety and depression by talking to a counselor, finding a support group of women who she can just be real with. She also addresses how medication has been helpful for her. She shares how often times you won't know someone is dealing with depression or anxiety because they are some of the happiest and funny people you will ever meet and why that is the case. She talks about how unedited journaling was so helpful for her. She needed to just get them out of her head but she also needed scriptures that she would put in her mind to replace it and constantly re-read those scriptures to battle the negative thoughts. Caris shares how God has used her experiences not only for her own good, but also how He inspired her to write a devotional about anxiety and depression to share with others that has already helped so many people. She talks about being honest and vulnerable in her interactions and in admitting that she isn't ok when she's not. She's learned that help isn't bad, community is important, and God wants to use those who are willing.

Caris shares her life prior to experiencing anxiety and major depression. She vulnerably shares how she didn't believe it was actually real until she experienced it herself. Caris talks about the lonely path anxiety and depression can be - especially when you feel you are the only one. She shares her tormenting thoughts that anxiety would bring up and how she tried for so long to keep everything together and looking perfect on the outside with the hope that it would all just go away.

Makenzie talks about discovering the devastating diagnosis that came after going through genetic testing for her 2 boys. She shares how that news changed everything for them - knowing that her reality wasn't what she had always pictured - but that she felt a tremendous amount of peace through it all. She explains her boys disabilities in more detail and the struggles they face on a daily basis. McKenzie shares how her faith sustains her daily and the lessons she has gained through her experiences. Makenzie is truly inspiring and a huge example of faith and trust.

Makenzie shares about her struggle with infertility and the heartbreak that came along with it. She talks about the joy that came as she and her husband were finally able to get pregnant with their son, Mason. Makenzie shares how that joy quickly turned to concern as she recognized Mason was gradually falling behind developmentally. She talks about her experience having her second baby, Beckham and realizing quickly that he too was falling behind. Makenzie shares both her grief and hope that she has clung onto as she raises her 2 little boys that share the same genetic disorder. It's an amazing story of faith, love, and never giving up on God's promises.

Brittany shares what her recovery was like. She talks about re-building her relationship with God and how she let Him into her life. Brittany talks about the advice she would give to someone who is in the middle of an addiction and shares more in-depth about her attempted suicide and cutting.

Brittany shares her journey with addiction. She talks about why she began drinking in college which leg to harder and harder drugs. Brittany shares the shame she felt and the moment she hit rock bottom and tried to take her own life. She sheds light on the life and mentality of an addict and her road to recovery.

Hilary talks about her husband losing his job while they were living in California and the whirlwind move they needed to make to Arizona in order to have an income. Unfortunately, the job situation didn't work out in Arizona and Hilary and her family spent a few years without an income. She talks about what a difficult time that was for her emotionally, as well as spiritually. Hilary shares how at times she felt like God was completely silent in her life and that he faith was tested and tried. She also talks about the thing that changed for her and the unexpected blessings that she began to see that God had never been silent, but had a bigger plan than she could have had for herself and her family.

Sarah talks about her miraculous recovery from having her brain tumor removed as well as the difficulties she wasn't prepared for. She shares the purpose she found in writing down her experiences and the healing that came as a result. Sarah shares how she has changed through this experience, how her faith played a role in her healing and the biggest lessons she has learned through it all.

Sarah talks about the events that led up to her completely losing her hearing in her right ear when she was only 17 years old. She talks about the stress of that situation but that she learned to live with it and to adapt. Sarah shares the things that led up to her discovering that her hearing loss was caused by something much more serious than she ever imagined - a brain tumor. Come listen and be inspired as Sarah talks about her relationship with God and her faith and perspective that changed everything for her. it's a story full of miracles and the power of faith.

Today Becca shares the specific resources that have been most helpful to her in navigating her husband leaving his faith. She talks about how she has talked to her children about this experience, and the advice she has for those who find themselves in a similar circumstance.  Becca also surprised me something her husband wrote regarding his perspective which is both beautiful and helpful. Lessons Becca has learned: 1) FAITH and trust in Heavenly Father. "Come cast your burdens on the Lord and TRUST in His constant care." Hymn 1252) HOPE- "There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope, even when everything around us contradicts this hope". -Elder Uchtdorf3) CHARITY- "Charity Never fails" Someone reminded me that my husband has a Savior and I'm not it.  My job is just to love him. You can connect with Becca @becminerbuff or on Facebook - Rebecca Buffington Resources Becca mentions that she has found helpful: “The Seven Principles for Making a Marriage Work” by John Gottman “When He Stopped Believing” - July 2012 Ensign Facebook Group - “Believing LDS Members with Doubting Spouses” “In Praise of Those Who Save” - Elder Dieter F.  Uchtdorf “Jesus Beholding Him Loved Him” - Elder S. Mark Palmer “The Infinite Power of Hope” - Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Becca talks about growing up in a very religious family and how important it was to her to marry someone of her same faith. A few years into her marriage, her husband confided in her that he no longer believed the faith that he had grown up with. She shares how difficult that was for both her and her husband. Becca talks about how they handled it and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Angie shares the prognosis of her husband's chronic illness and how her faith has helped her through it all.