“Courage is speaking the truth even if your voice shakes.” – Maggie Kuhn

Truth and courage are ideals we often hear about, but embodying them in our own lives can be an entirely different challenge. For many years, I believed I was living my truth within the teachings of the Mormon Church. The church provided a framework that felt solid, something I could stand behind with pride and steadfast courage. It wasn’t just a set of beliefs; it was a guiding force that shaped my identity and taught me that integrity was shown through doing what you say you’ll do and staying true to yourself, no matter the circumstances.

There was a sense of strength in holding onto my beliefs, especially when they set me apart. I believed that by embracing the truth as it was taught to me, I was exemplifying integrity. Standing firm, even when faced with doubt from others, felt like an act of courage. The teachings instilled a deep commitment to align my actions with my values—a commitment that I carried into all aspects of my life.

But what happens when the truth you’ve built your life upon begins to shift? When I discovered unsettling issues within the church’s history and the teachings of its leaders, it felt as though the ground beneath me had been pulled away. The courage that had once kept me rooted in my beliefs was now needed to face a new, uncomfortable reality: that the truth I had clung to might not be as solid as I once believed.

Leaving the church turned out to be one of the hardest things I have ever gone through. It was a decision that didn’t just change my beliefs—it unraveled my social fabric. Friendships that once felt unbreakable came to an end, and the sense of community I had leaned on for so long dissipated almost overnight. The disappointment and judgment from others was palpable, adding to the already intense emotional weight. It was a time filled with tears, heartbreak, and the daunting task of finding a way to heal and accept this new version of my life.

In that moment of upheaval, I had to reassess what it meant to live truthfully. It wasn’t just about following what I had been taught; it was about questioning, seeking, and being willing to confront difficult truths, even when they threatened my sense of identity. Courage now meant allowing myself to step away from the familiar and into the unknown, holding fast to my core values while exploring what truth meant beyond the teachings I had once accepted.

Through this journey, I learned that truth and integrity are not static. They evolve as we grow and as new information challenges our beliefs. Living truthfully doesn’t mean never changing; it means being open to change when it aligns with a deeper understanding of who we are. Today, I hold onto the same dedication to truth and integrity that I always have, but now it comes with the courage to ask hard questions, to stand by new realizations, and to build a life that reflects my personal convictions, even when it’s difficult.

To those who find themselves facing their own moments of reckoning, know that truth and courage are not mutually exclusive—they are companions on the path to an authentic life. They demand that we remain honest with ourselves and brave enough to embrace the unknown. Living this way may shake up your world, may cost friendships and communities, and may leave you navigating the waters of disappointment and judgment. But through the heartbreak, tears, healing, and eventual acceptance, you will find a life of true integrity. And in that, you will find your strength.