SMW 016: Why Jesus is There Even When Your Journey Feels Messy || Audra Elkington
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After growing up in the church, attending BYU and marrying in the temple, Audra Elkington found herself with serious questions about her membership in the church. At the age of 32, she walked away with the intention of never coming back.

But after five years, through a series of events Audra describes as miraculous, she found herself walking back through the chapel doors.

In this interview, Audra discusses her journey of coming back to the church. She shares how she stays close to the Spirit, navigates her spiritual life with a husband who is not part of the church, and  trusts Jesus even when her journey feels messy.

Audra also talks about how she came to realize that she can’t expect her husband’s path to be the same as hers. She gives insights on how she learned to focus on her personal relationship with the Savior and also let Christ do His work in the lives of those around her. Journal Questions
Audra shared what the Nephite’s experience with Jesus recorded in 3 Nephi 17:9 means to her about the healing power the Savior has in her life. She discussed how we are all afflicted in some way and the Savior has the power to heal each of us. How have you been “afflicted” in your journey? How have you seen the Savior heal you? One of the things Audra has recognized in her journey is that her experiences can help her connect with and help others in similar situations. She shared some questions you can ask yourself as you reflect on your experiences. Here are the questions Audra invited you to ponder. Who does the Lord need me to help? How is He using this experience to help me understand more about His plan? How does this experience help me be a better person.

A huge lesson for Audra was realizing that she couldn’t make her husband’s path look like her own. She said she has come to understand that all she can do is work on her own relationship with Jesus. What do you need to do in your life to put more focus on your personal relationship with the Savior? How can you let the Savior do His work in the lives of those you love? Episode Links
Follow Audra on Instagram)

Hear Audra’s interview on Spiritually Minded Mom: How to Be in Tune with the Spirit to Help Children with Mental Health Challenges)

Read 3 Nephi 17:3, 9)

Read Isaiah 52:12)

Read more of Audra’s insights in the book You Are Distinct & Different)