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Today we head down to Friendswood, Texas to visit with Beth Young. Prior to becoming a Texan Sister Young was raised in Arizona in a family without the blessings of the Gospel. In this episode Beth shares what it was like to be raised in a home without the restored gospel by a father and mother who loved her but struggled with alcoholism. Sister Young was introduced to the Gospel in high school which ultimately led to her being baptized, serving a full-time mission, being sealed in the temple and holding leadership callings such as ward and stake relief society president.
Beth discusses how her leadership and experience in her own home prepared her to be a leader in the church as she shares how she navigated the waters of motherhood when her children experienced the struggles of mortality. She is very candid in discussing her experiences with one child who battled drug addiction and another who experiences same gender attraction and the heartache of his excommunication. Sister Young teaches us how to show tough yet unconditional love to our children.
Links:
7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Steven Covey
Young Captain Hook (Beth’s son)
LDS Addiction Recovery Program
A Bishop’s Guide to Gay Mormons
A big thank to Brandon Leavitt for doing the summary for this episode.
This is the beginning of a great discussion. I can relate to the part where Beth feels it hard to walk through certain doors of the chapel because of painful memories. I would like to know more about how she works through that disconnect, and what would she do if that applied to every part of the chapel and process? Her upbeat approach causes me to assume a few things, one, namely, that there was no season of grief/suffering/pain, although her words intimate there was pain, there is no discussion and delving. Do leaders think it’s bad to talk about hardship? I really enjoyed the end. I find leaders use the Pollyanna approach without understanding or seeming to understand the needs of those around them.
Denise, thanks for your comments. I think we all could use more training on how to create a safe environment to have these open discussions in councils, Sunday School or our homes. I’m happy to have an “off line” discussion about the “process” for me in dealing with the “grief” of my situations. Feel free to message me on Facebook. Beth Harding Young
I am in the bishopric, i am a Father, a husband and a Son and you tought me to much Beth – thank you, you are a wonderful example!
This was a quite moving interview. Beth’s optimism and cheerfulness is all the more remarkable for the profound struggles she’s faced within her family. What a great woman. One of the best parts about serving in the Church is when we get to serve with great people we admire. I think it would be a real joy to serve with Beth. Thanks!