**CONTENT - mention of temple recommend interview, mention of temple endowment, mention of young adult dealing with depression related to suppressed homosexuality, brief general mention of the false belief that some people have that it's better to die sooner so that they can be "healed". If you or someone you know is experiencing depression, or is considering harming themself or someone else, please do not wait to get help. Contact 9-8-8 or 9-1-1 immediately.**
Well With My Soul - "Love is Bigger Than Fear" with Amie Steele Lift+Love Podcast Episode 82
Amie Steele, author of the Substack “Well With My Soul,” joins episode hosts Allison Dayton and Darice Auston to discuss her family’s journey after her son Hunter disclosed he was gay following depression and therapy, and later her younger son Presley also came out, encouraged by how the family responded to Hunter. They talk about the common silence after coming out, the harm of shame, secrecy, and church messages that can damage mental and spiritual health, and the need for parents to open affirming conversations early. Amie describes how trying to fit her sons into a “perfect plan” led to painful questions about eternal families, and why she began writing to help others understand faith journeys aren’t simplistic. She shares a profound spiritual confirmation while Hunter and Jake looked at rings and recounts a stake president telling her she couldn’t receive inspiration outside church teachings, strengthening her resolve not to outsource parental stewardship; she notes ward members have often been supportive and celebrates Hunter and Jake’s flourishing marriage.
00:00 Meet Amie Steele
01:45 Hunter Comes Out
03:21 Opening The Conversation
04:12 Presley Shares Too
05:07 Creating Safe Space
08:12 Shame And Spiritual Harm
10:35 Faith Questions Emerge
14:15 Searching For Answers
17:42 Motherhood And Purpose
23:07 Journey Beyond Fear
26:40 Ring Store Revelation
28:09 Honesty With Leaders
31:34 Stewardship And Courage
35:38 Flourishing And Closing
Find Amie’s substack here: https://amiesteele.substack.com/
Find information about the Sanctuary documentary here: https://sanctuarydoc.com/
Learn more about Lift and Love on our website here: www.liftandlove.org
