Hello lovely followers,

I have to make an apology. The last post I wrote was written while I was feeling stressed and angry. As such, it came off - I now realize - as incredibly vicious and attacking. This was never my goal in writing this blog, and although I started trying to bridge the gap between believers and nonbelievers I strayed from that intent. That does not negate everything I said in my last post, but I would like to apologize for one thing. The Family: A Proclamation to the World does not contribute to rape culture. It does (in my opinion) still create some unhealthy power dynamics, but it does not only value women for their bodies, as it also values them for their child rearing abilities, which is, perhaps, one one of the most important jobs in society.

I was also feeling inflamed about the excommunication of Kate Kelly, and so it focused a lot on that instead of my own experience, which I had hoped to do when starting this blog.

Although some of the things I said in my last post are inaccurate, I am going to leave it up, because it shows how I actually was thinking at the time, and illustrates some of the frustration that ex-mormons feel after leaving. This blog is meant to be an insight into what I am thinking and feeling - the passive, and the more aggressive.

I would just like to stress one thing: All people are not the same and should not be treated as such. People cannot, and should not be coerced or even encouraged to fit into predestined jobs and roles, and The Family make it seem as if these natural boxes are just the way of things.

Again, I am sorry for the tone and feeling of my last post. Currently I'm particularly angry about some things, and it came out I'm my post. I realize that at this time I am not prepared to address different issues with a clear mind. As a result, I'm going to be taking a break for a little while so that I can calm down and focus on writing my memoir.

If any of you have questions, arguments, or just words of encouragement you can always message me at jread138@gmail.com. I always welcome discussion, especially in person.

Thanks for reading,

Josh