BONUS EPISODE: Community Healing: How our Greatest Wounds & our Greatest Healing Happens through Human Relationship Audiobook
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In this powerful bonus episode of *Latter Day Struggles*, hosts Valerie Hammaker and Nathan Hamaker explore the profound healing that emerges through human relationship, particularly in the context of faith crises within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The episode unfolds as a five-part journey centered on the concept of the 'true self'—a divine, sovereign, and inherently whole identity that transcends roles, beliefs, and patriarchal conditioning. Through intimate stories from participants like Joy, Leo, Mary, Steve, and others, the podcast illustrates how healing is not about returning to orthodoxy, but about reclaiming one’s authentic self through vulnerable, facilitated communities. These spaces—referred to as 'chosen families'—offer safety, validation, and mutual witnessing, allowing individuals to process grief, confront internalized shame, and grow through cycles of disorder and reorder. The narrative emphasizes that true transformation occurs not in isolation, but through relational connection, where people are seen not for their beliefs, but for their humanity.
Healing from faith crises and patriarchy happens not in isolation but through authentic, vulnerable communities that provide safety, validation, and mutual witnessing.
The 'true self'—a divine, whole, and unique expression of love—is not earned but discovered; reclaiming it allows individuals to transcend prescribed roles and live with authenticity and sovereignty.
Men’s healing requires unlearning patriarchal conditioning that equates masculinity with stoicism and control, embracing suppressed feminine energies like empathy and reflection for wholeness.
True spiritual growth involves listening to and uplifting marginalized voices—women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and others on the fringes—as a sacred act of justice and Christlike love.
Change begins at the individual level through small, intentional acts of love, humility, and presence, with the potential for the Church to evolve into a more inclusive, compassionate civilization.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
The Birth of a Healing Series
Valerie and Nathan introduce a new multi-part series on community healing, reflecting on the past two and a half years of *Latter Day Struggles*. They share their personal journey of creating a space for faith crisis healing, acknowledging their initial missteps and the importance of collaboration. They emphasize that healing is not about Valerie’s expertise but about the collective power of community.
The Loneliness of the Faith Journey
“We have this problem, we're suffering inside, and there is nobody that we trust to talk to. And even if we thought we could trust somebody, they're not going to understand us, even if we tried.”
The Three Core Questions of the Faith Journey
“I am not alone. Like there's an actual podcast that talks about these things. She was there.”
The Healing Power of Community and the True Self
“In this way, each person's heart is pierced multiple times by the deep truths of other people in their group. This weaves an invisible internet of light and shared lifeblood among all mutually interpierced hearts.”
The True Self: A Universal Spiritual Foundation
“We are learning how to be both interconnected and a self. We're learning about the importance of both autonomy and connection.”
“In this way, each person's heart is pierced multiple times by the deep truths of other people in their group. This weaves an invisible internet of light and shared lifeblood among all mutually interpierced hearts.”
“I am not the problem. I'm actually the solution. Like I inside of here, I can do this and I can trust myself because deep within me, always existing and fully formed is the essence of goodness and wisdom.”
“You are enough. Thank you for doing what you do to make it so I can come and watch this movie. I don't know you, but I think that this world is a better place because you are in it.”
Hosts
Guests
Valerie
person
Latter-day Struggles
media
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
organization
Patriarchy
other
Steve
person
Mary
person
Leo
person
Joy
person
Nathan Hamaker
person
Valerie Hammaker
person
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