Your explanation of holding “the priesthood” made it clearer to me than any other definition I’ve heard. Thank you. I’d like to hear you explain “keys”. :)
I love how respectful you are, of each other, of your families, of your communities, and of total strangers. Thank you for being a wonderful example for others. Also, I have watched a lot of your videos, and I must have missed before that LDS also had prophets. I was really surprised to hear that.
I joined the LDS church when I was around 21/22. I left for good in my early 30s. I only received the Aaronic Priesthood because I belonged to a very big ward in Northern,NY then I was a member of an equally as big ward in Central,NY. So I was forgotten about lol. No one even noticed when I left. When I moved back to Northern,NY I started attending an Assemblies of God church where I have been since,I am 39 now.
We lived in a street where L D S people lived my son played with their grandchildren and the couple loved my son L D S young men from America visited the couple and they came and visit us with the elder person and before they left us they gave us the Patriachal blessing for our family
Before Warren Jeffs, a patriarch ranked third in FLDS’s hierarchy behind the prophet and his apostles. The prophet would tell young people who they thought god wanted them to marry but they didn’t get involved in revealing the futures of each young person in the community; that was a patriarch’s job. Elissa Wall mentioned this in her book and I believe Sam’s father was the one who gave her a patriarchal blessing.
Life has so many up and down. Hard ships. Do you ever feel like You failed if you don’t meet that blessing. Example having children or leading your family?
Now that we have left the church, we no longer feel the pressure of what the blessing had in store for us, but we do know people personally that feel like if something didn't come to pass that they were not righteous enough to receive it, which is a heartbreaking mentality of guilt and shame. I would definitely say that there is a certain amount of fear of living well enough to "deserve" everything that is told in your blessing.
I agree that some people do misunderstand the point of a Patriarchal blessing. It is for this life but during a talk during a stake or regional conference, a general authority said is it a road map for the rest of our "whole" life. Meaning that some things may not happen until after we die. Which makes sense since as Latter-day Saints we believe we will be the same person, with the same relationships, in heaven.
It seems kinda weird to me. Then telling you that you’ll get sealed in the temple and have children and grandchildren who you’ll raise in the faith just seems like another way for the church to push its narrative on to people. Not Mormon and never have been so maybe I’m missing something here but it seems really cringe to me.
It’s not talked about often in church meetings in the LDS church, so even as a very “in” Mormon I didn’t have much of an understanding of it. Getting mine felt a little cringe, but I was 17 years old and moving out and my parents said it was time. It was a little odd and felt a little like seeing a fortune teller.
We don't see it that way. When someone puts their hands on your head and speaks what comes to their mind, it's not like a "fortune teller," it's like any other blessing you would get from your dad or from your bishop: it comes from the Lord. So the Lord promising you that if you are faithful you will have these blessings, it fills you with hope and love from our Savior and our Father in Heaven. Not at all cringy. Lots of hugs and tears with parents afterward, or whoever accompanies you. It's like having your own personal page of scripture that's only meant for you.
@@SabrinaHClifford Sabrina, I've come to understand why so many are leaving the LDS Church. You speak of "we" but you are speaking for yourself. It's best not to speak for others.
I respect your cringe :) but keep in mind most things in religions seem weird and strange to outsiders because they do not have the understanding or belief of it.
So, you only receive one Patrarchal Blessing your entire life? In the our Lutheran Church children receive a Blessing from the pastor every time the adults receive communion. We all go to the rail to receive communion and as the pastor distributes the elements and there is a child he says a blessings like..."May God bless you and keep you, Jessica, in your baptismal grace." I always loved hearing the pastor say my son's name in the blessing know the blessing is specifically for him. We also believe in baptizing babies, then after they take 3 years of confirmation beginning in the 5th or 6th grade where they learn from the small catechism (10 commandments, Apostles Creed, The Lords Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, The Lord's Supper) they too are able to take communion and receive that instead of a blessing. I hope that made sense.
We can receive many blessings but only one Patriarchal blessing. I have received more blessings than I can count for medical problems, school, travel, and anything else I needed
Yes, only one Patriarchal Blessing, but they give many "Priesthood Blessings" for comfort, healing, travel, or really anytime someone feels like they need an extra blessing. The Priesthood that can give regular blessings is held by many men in the church, but Patriarchal Blessings can only be given by a man who has been given the title and keys of a "Patriarch". They are the only ones that give this specific blessing that gives more of the roadmap of your potential life blessings.
I’m raised Catholic and the Priest would give us blessings that would be patriarchal blessing. I remember when I made my reconciliation (3rd grade)I asked for a blessing I didn’t feel comfortable saying my sins. Did you ever profess your sins to your leader?
Yes, in the LDS you confess your sins to your Bishop, but only for what were considered "big sins" like for any sexual transgression, Word of Wisdom issues, or things like that.
so great! I know so many people search for "the one" did the blessing help you feel like yes we have found each other? Do you still hold those things close to your heart?
(Melissa) I feel like the fact we got married in the Temple "fulfilled" items in both of our blessings, but I don't think that either of us felt more strongly about each other from our blessing's messages. We still consider our blessings to be special spiritual experiences, but we no longer hold any weight to what they say as any revelation from God for us.
Hi Erika! Worthy men in the church can be first ordained to the priesthood at twelve. But there are levels within the priesthood and certain jobs in the church are done within each level. If that makes sense. So a 12 year old can help pass the sacrament, for example, but wouldn't have the authority to bless it. The authority to give patriarchal blessing is only given to men who have been called as a patriarch. Which is not a typical calling. So Sam more than likely was not ever a patriarch, but did have the priesthood.
Hi Erika! I held what was called the Melchizedek Priesthood and gave a lot of different kinds of blessings while I was LDS. I was never a Patriarch though, so I did not give Patriarchal Blessings.
Now that you left the LDS church and have analyzed it kind of from an outside perspective, do you think those patriarchal blessings were generally similar from person to person? I.e. Having kids, being married. Because based on the fact that the Bible promotes marriage and having children, would those general topics be blessed upon almost all people in the church? Or am I very off base?
From an outside perspective I would say that they are all very similar and I have known people personally that when they got more specific revelations within their blessings it became very stressful and hard to understand why those things didn't come to pass.
I know from our experiences the Patriarchal blessings were quite different. My husband and I had ours as adults and then were in on our daughter's blessing as well. Each was personal, special and individualized. And other friends have said the same about their children's as well. As for age of Patriarchal blessings in the LDS church, one must be a youth, so age 12 or older.
1. How many patriarchs were in the flds church? 2. At what point did you decide flds was false and or did you find out the truths of warran Jeff’s and his actual crimes etc.
Thank you for the explanations! I was wondering how those blessings feel now? Do they still hold some sort of power/significance for you? And with you stepping out of the religion do you fear them not coming true?
(Melissa) I still look back on my blessing fondly and as a special spiritual experience. Now that I have left the religion I don't believe that what is told in the blessing is from God or has any power over my life. =)
How old is Sam’s father? In a previous video he mentioned that his oldest siblings are in their 50’s. What age differences are the mothers compared to your father? I’m also curious if most of your siblings are involved in polygamy?
My father is in his early 80s. I think that his first wife is close in age to him. My mother was his second wife and is 15 years younger than him. About half of my siblings have left the religion, but I have lots of older siblings that are still part of the religion and practice polygamy.
A baby blessing is given to a child at any point after birth ( even in the delivery room if needed) to give that child a name in the church. Then a blessing is given as well at that time. The name and blessing is the "official" entry of the child into the church. And I have seen 2 yo children get a name and blessing.
@@yosemite735 no, it’s supposed to be more personal than that. I’m LDS, most of us keep them in a private space (mine is in my bedside table) and only read them in private. Only my parents and my husband have read mine.
Yes it's a personal thing. We view it as personal scripture. We also view it as a very sacred or holy thing. So no we don't put it on our walls or have many people read it. My husband has read mine. That's about it
Do you both wear the "magic Underwear"? Do you realize that most Christians believe that the LDS is not a Christian Religion? I could care less. I believe that each of us can believe whatever you want. I am neither LDS or Christian. There are SO many religions in the world. Be what you believe.
Idk why but Sam's voice is so relaxing..lol
Your explanation of holding “the priesthood” made it clearer to me than any other definition I’ve heard. Thank you. I’d like to hear you explain “keys”. :)
I came here to ask this very question
As always, thank you for being so respectful of sacred things.
I grew up in New Jersey and never even met anyone who is LDS so your videos are so interesting to me!
I love how respectful you are, of each other, of your families, of your communities, and of total strangers. Thank you for being a wonderful example for others. Also, I have watched a lot of your videos, and I must have missed before that LDS also had prophets. I was really surprised to hear that.
Thank you so much!
Another great video. Thanks for all the interesting information shared in a clear and positive way!
I joined the LDS church when I was around 21/22. I left for good in my early 30s. I only received the Aaronic Priesthood because I belonged to a very big ward in Northern,NY then I was a member of an equally as big ward in Central,NY. So I was forgotten about lol. No one even noticed when I left. When I moved back to Northern,NY I started attending an Assemblies of God church where I have been since,I am 39 now.
Lovely to see the pictures of you 2 so happy 🙂 thanks for sharing it
Totally watching when I get off work yay
We lived in a street where L D S people lived my son played with their grandchildren and the couple loved my son L D S young men from America visited the couple and they came and visit us with the elder person and before they left us they gave us the Patriachal blessing for our family
Before Warren Jeffs, a patriarch ranked third in FLDS’s hierarchy behind the prophet and his apostles. The prophet would tell young people who they thought god wanted them to marry but they didn’t get involved in revealing the futures of each young person in the community; that was a patriarch’s job.
Elissa Wall mentioned this in her book and I believe Sam’s father was the one who gave her a patriarchal blessing.
Thanks for all the explanation. I like the new intro too.
Thank you!
Would you ever go on Mormon Stories podcast? Your wedding 💒 picture was pretty.
We definitely would! And thank you!
Yes!
Love the new intro
Thanks!
Life has so many up and down. Hard ships. Do you ever feel like You failed if you don’t meet that blessing. Example having children or leading your family?
Now that we have left the church, we no longer feel the pressure of what the blessing had in store for us, but we do know people personally that feel like if something didn't come to pass that they were not righteous enough to receive it, which is a heartbreaking mentality of guilt and shame. I would definitely say that there is a certain amount of fear of living well enough to "deserve" everything that is told in your blessing.
I agree that some people do misunderstand the point of a Patriarchal blessing. It is for this life but during a talk during a stake or regional conference, a general authority said is it a road map for the rest of our "whole" life. Meaning that some things may not happen until after we die. Which makes sense since as Latter-day Saints we believe we will be the same person, with the same relationships, in heaven.
It seems kinda weird to me. Then telling you that you’ll get sealed in the temple and have children and grandchildren who you’ll raise in the faith just seems like another way for the church to push its narrative on to people. Not Mormon and never have been so maybe I’m missing something here but it seems really cringe to me.
It’s not talked about often in church meetings in the LDS church, so even as a very “in” Mormon I didn’t have much of an understanding of it. Getting mine felt a little cringe, but I was 17 years old and moving out and my parents said it was time. It was a little odd and felt a little like seeing a fortune teller.
We don't see it that way. When someone puts their hands on your head and speaks what comes to their mind, it's not like a "fortune teller," it's like any other blessing you would get from your dad or from your bishop: it comes from the Lord. So the Lord promising you that if you are faithful you will have these blessings, it fills you with hope and love from our Savior and our Father in Heaven. Not at all cringy. Lots of hugs and tears with parents afterward, or whoever accompanies you. It's like having your own personal page of scripture that's only meant for you.
@@SabrinaHClifford there’s no we here. You see it that way. I see it my way.
@@SabrinaHClifford Sabrina, I've come to understand why so many are leaving the LDS Church. You speak of "we" but you are speaking for yourself. It's best not to speak for others.
I respect your cringe :) but keep in mind most things in religions seem weird and strange to outsiders because they do not have the understanding or belief of it.
So, you only receive one Patrarchal Blessing your entire life? In the our Lutheran Church children receive a Blessing from the pastor every time the adults receive communion. We all go to the rail to receive communion and as the pastor distributes the elements and there is a child he says a blessings like..."May God bless you and keep you, Jessica, in your baptismal grace." I always loved hearing the pastor say my son's name in the blessing know the blessing is specifically for him. We also believe in baptizing babies, then after they take 3 years of confirmation beginning in the 5th or 6th grade where they learn from the small catechism (10 commandments, Apostles Creed, The Lords Prayer, Holy Baptism, Confession and Absolution, The Lord's Supper) they too are able to take communion and receive that instead of a blessing. I hope that made sense.
We can receive many blessings but only one Patriarchal blessing. I have received more blessings than I can count for medical problems, school, travel, and anything else I needed
Yes, only one Patriarchal Blessing, but they give many "Priesthood Blessings" for comfort, healing, travel, or really anytime someone feels like they need an extra blessing. The Priesthood that can give regular blessings is held by many men in the church, but Patriarchal Blessings can only be given by a man who has been given the title and keys of a "Patriarch". They are the only ones that give this specific blessing that gives more of the roadmap of your potential life blessings.
I’m raised Catholic and the Priest would give us blessings that would be patriarchal blessing. I remember when I made my reconciliation (3rd grade)I asked for a blessing I didn’t feel comfortable saying my sins. Did you ever profess your sins to your leader?
Yes, in the LDS you confess your sins to your Bishop, but only for what were considered "big sins" like for any sexual transgression, Word of Wisdom issues, or things like that.
so great! I know so many people search for "the one" did the blessing help you feel like yes we have found each other? Do you still hold those things close to your heart?
(Melissa) I feel like the fact we got married in the Temple "fulfilled" items in both of our blessings, but I don't think that either of us felt more strongly about each other from our blessing's messages. We still consider our blessings to be special spiritual experiences, but we no longer hold any weight to what they say as any revelation from God for us.
I'm curious...Did i hear you say why Sam didn't get a FLDS patriarch blessing
Don’t leave us hanging!!! Have the blessings come true?!?
Sam, I know that you moved pretty high in the LDS leadership, did you ever reach priesthood, and if so, did you give blessings?
Hi Erika! Worthy men in the church can be first ordained to the priesthood at twelve. But there are levels within the priesthood and certain jobs in the church are done within each level. If that makes sense. So a 12 year old can help pass the sacrament, for example, but wouldn't have the authority to bless it. The authority to give patriarchal blessing is only given to men who have been called as a patriarch. Which is not a typical calling. So Sam more than likely was not ever a patriarch, but did have the priesthood.
Hi Erika! I held what was called the Melchizedek Priesthood and gave a lot of different kinds of blessings while I was LDS. I was never a Patriarch though, so I did not give Patriarchal Blessings.
Now that you left the LDS church and have analyzed it kind of from an outside perspective, do you think those patriarchal blessings were generally similar from person to person? I.e. Having kids, being married. Because based on the fact that the Bible promotes marriage and having children, would those general topics be blessed upon almost all people in the church? Or am I very off base?
From an outside perspective I would say that they are all very similar and I have known people personally that when they got more specific revelations within their blessings it became very stressful and hard to understand why those things didn't come to pass.
I know from our experiences the Patriarchal blessings were quite different. My husband and I had ours as adults and then were in on our daughter's blessing as well. Each was personal, special and individualized. And other friends have said the same about their children's as well.
As for age of Patriarchal blessings in the LDS church, one must be a youth, so age 12 or older.
1. How many patriarchs were in the flds church? 2. At what point did you decide flds was false and or did you find out the truths of warran Jeff’s and his actual crimes etc.
What are the "keys"? Is it taken out of the New Testament?
Thank you for the explanations! I was wondering how those blessings feel now? Do they still hold some sort of power/significance for you? And with you stepping out of the religion do you fear them not coming true?
(Melissa) I still look back on my blessing fondly and as a special spiritual experience. Now that I have left the religion I don't believe that what is told in the blessing is from God or has any power over my life. =)
Are women allowed to give blessings within the LDS or only men?
Only men can give priesthood blessings. Women are not given the priesthood.
@@GrowingUpinPolygamy ummm... okay can I confuse the issue a little? What about in the Temple? Or would that be too confusing.
@@sahawk0709 in the temple women are given certain priesthood keys to give blessings during something called an initiatory.
How old is Sam’s father? In a previous video he mentioned that his oldest siblings are in their 50’s. What age differences are the mothers compared to your father? I’m also curious if most of your siblings are involved in polygamy?
I believe he said his Father is in his 80’s
My father is in his early 80s. I think that his first wife is close in age to him. My mother was his second wife and is 15 years younger than him. About half of my siblings have left the religion, but I have lots of older siblings that are still part of the religion and practice polygamy.
What are baby blessings?
A baby blessing is given to a child at any point after birth ( even in the delivery room if needed) to give that child a name in the church. Then a blessing is given as well at that time. The name and blessing is the "official" entry of the child into the church. And I have seen 2 yo children get a name and blessing.
I still have my Patriarchal blessing.
Is it something you can put on a wall?
@@yosemite735 no, it’s supposed to be more personal than that. I’m LDS, most of us keep them in a private space (mine is in my bedside table) and only read them in private. Only my parents and my husband have read mine.
Yes it's a personal thing. We view it as personal scripture. We also view it as a very sacred or holy thing. So no we don't put it on our walls or have many people read it. My husband has read mine. That's about it
Do you both wear the "magic Underwear"? Do you realize that most Christians believe that the LDS is not a Christian Religion? I could care less. I believe that each of us can believe whatever you want. I am neither LDS or Christian. There are SO many religions in the world. Be what you believe.
They have both left the LDS church now.