Episode 698: Jessi Duncan, Black Latter-day Saint, Leaning into Discomfort to Create Zion

My friend Jessi Duncan (married mother of four, wife of Bradon Duncan Episode 687, lives in Arkansas, court appointed advocate for foster children, RM) joins us to share her story. Jessi talks about her journey as a black Latter-day Saint and the racism that is still present in church culture and broader society. She gives specific examples, how we need to own/teach our past to “understand the darkness”, and ways we can do better. She talks about how this is part of President Nelson’s charge to “to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice.” Jessi also talks about being the straight partner in a mixed-orientation marriage (he husband Bradon is gay and came out to her after 13 years of marriage in 2020). She talks about the pain of her road and the ministering principle of “ongoing conversations” of these important and tender topics. She talks about her Bishop and Stake President (very helpful). Jessi has some “mic drop” comments like: Listening is how we keep the second great commandment. Hope changes our capacity to endure. Scripture study should be uncomfortable—challenging us to change. Jessi also talks about losing their son Ben to leukemia at age 4. Jessi concludes with a powerful poem. You can get a copy of the poem via the link in the show notes. Jessi’s story and insights provides some of the best principles to better create Zion and gather Israel. Jessi—in an effective way—invites us to be uncomfortable leading us to personal growth to better see, understand, support and love others. I was so moved listening to Jessi. Felt I was listening to of the accomplished theologians of our day. Thank you, Jessi, for being on the podcast. You story will help so many. You are one of my new heroes! Links: Poem: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/f7eyptn7pzw23ww96ifkh/It-s-not-your-job-to-hurt-For-Episode-698.docx?rlkey=9grn9x0vehu4dusrwzltmcsdg&dl=0 Richard Ostler Books: www.papaostler.com Index of Podcasts: https://listenlearnandlove.org/podcasts