death of a mother

Bess is back from rural Pennsylvania to share with us the rest of her story – at least up to current day Spring of 2022. 

In her mid 20s and wise beyond her years Bess talks university, working through anxiety and panic attacks, therapy, finding the love of her life, managing relationships with still believing family members, and finding community with other out of the box thinkers in her small town. 

Bess is an animal lover and her gentle, soft spoken connection with these non-humans offers some calm and serenity during these difficult days -- these days of discovery – these days of redefining the dreams of her youth – these days of finding freedom outside the confines of a religious order – these days of post pandemic uncertainty –  you’ll even her rooster crowing in the background!

Damn! Bess is a badass!!

If you'd like to reach out to Bess, she’d love to chat with you. You can reach her at Bess569@yahoo.com.

Bess is learning how to use her voice. She is Speaking Up. And Speaking Out. And in so doing, she is Finding Freedom. On the Other Side. One Story at a Time. 

#WereSpeaking
#WomenBeyondFaith
#FindingFreedom
#OneStoryataTime
#SpeakingUp
#SpeakingOut

Bess is in her mid 20s. She lives in a small rural Pennsylvania town. As you'd expect, she's been surrounded by conservative christians as far as the eye can see for the entirety of her life.  

Raised in the church and educated in christian schools, Bess never fit in. Everyone around her was exactly the same – same beliefs, same hobbies, same skin color, same EVERYTHING!  

Sure, she made attempts to fit in, but as a young teen, Bess determined she could no longer pretend to be someone she wasn't. This authenticity and independence created turmoil within her family of origin -- particularly in the relationship with her father. It wasn't appropriate for a young girl to ask questions and think for herself. 

As an older teen, Bess and her dad came to an understanding that they'd just have to agree to disagree. However, as Bess' faith continued to erode, the conflict returned and this time not only with dad but  into the larger circle of Bess' immediate family.  

Living authentically hasn't been easy.  Bess at times wishes she could just turn off her hunger for truth switch. But for some of us, this is impossible to do!!

We are learning how to use our voices. We’re Speaking Up. And Speaking Out. Finding our Voices. And in so doing, Finding Freedom. On the Other Side. One Story at a Time. 

Enjoy Bess. She’s pretty f*&ing incredible!

#WereSpeaking
#WomenBeyondFaith
#FindingFreedom
#OneStoryataTime
#SpeakingUp
#SpeakingOut

Amy Loflin tragically lost her mother when she was 21. Thus began a journey to discover the goodness of God in the midst of loss, and the lens through which to view our hard circumstances. In this episode we chat about our views of God, Jesus' profound love for us, and give help to interpret hard passages of scripture. We are glad you are here. Join us!

Host Sharmane Adams sits down with Shannon Gottstine, parishioner and teacher in the diocese, who shares how her unwavering faith sustained her through a hard season of life.

Are you living in your childhood home or home town? Do you feel like your grief echos in the hallways and family portraits? Some days, are homes are a place of comfort, joy and sanctuary and others a constant reminder and shrine to our pain. 
Join the Geeze as they recall not being able to control themselves acting like moody teenagers whenever they are around their parents and how leaving the guilt behind and living your own life will stand to you.