Episode 750: Erik Thompson, Gay Latter-day Saint, Overcoming Addiction, Finding Hope in Christ

**This episode talks about suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat *988** My friend Erik Thompson (Age 40, single, active LDS, RM) bravely shares his story with a heart full of desire to give others hope. Erik vulnerable and bravely talks about: Being a survivor of sexual abuse at age 13. Spiritual OCD (Scrupulosity). Porn and masturbation. Coming home from his mission (after a suicide attempt) at 9 months. Need for love and belonging. Becoming sexually active—in unsafe situations—drug use—and more suicidal ideation. Healing words from a senior Church leader including the “Savior is thrilled with you” and returning to Church activity. You are here to love. Upcoming NorthStar Conference. Erik can authentically teach the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to heal us from pain and to help us repent because Erik has the courage to share his story—helping us all understand that we too can find hope in our story—even the most difficult times of our lives. Part of Erik’s story is on the Church’s YouTube channel (see show notes). Thank you, Erik, for being on the podcast. You are one of my new heroes. Your story will help so many. You are a good man. Links: Erik’s Church YouTube: youtu.be/7avoFnympIg?si=vEBk7_YX709HGqfM NorthStar Conference: allevents.in/salt%20lake%20city/2024-north-star-conference/10000761893222137 Erik’s e-mail: erikguy@gmail.com Erik’s cell: 202-595-4747 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@etpiano83?_t=8lNeC55a9hC&_r=1 Scrupulosity Podcasts: listenlearnandlove.org/depression-mental-illness-podcasts Richard Ostler Free Chapter Links: Ending Porn Use: www.dropbox.com/s/w2ex40l4se85wku/Chapter%204%20Ending%20Pornography%20Use.%20%20Listen%20Learn%20and%20Love%2C%20Improving%20Latter-day%20Saint%20Culture.pdf?dl=0 Hope Filled Repentance: www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/1lo38ejspdzwfxngaaotm/Chapter-5-Hope-Filled-Repentance.-Listen-Learn-and-Love-Improving-Lattter-day-Saint-Culture.pdf?rlkey=18kd8tqtmls60b14y7ilc1f2i&dl=0 Overcoming Scrupulosity: www.dropbox.com/s/i314vw5im0khzia/Chapter%207%20Overcoming%20Scrupulosity%20%28Religious%20ODC%29.pdf?dl=0