Episode 724: Jessy Markowitz, LDS Convert, Sexual Assault Survivor, Finding Healing

** Trigger Warning: This podcast discusses suicide. If you are suicidal, please call/text/chat 988 ** My brave friend Jessy Markowitz joins us from Las Vegas to share her story. Jessy starts with the realities of her life resulting in immense pain and, at times, loss of hope. Jessy talks about her father’s death at age 4, being sexually assaulted, and then her brother Dennis’ death from suicide in Feb 2017. Jessy was very close to Dennis and talks about the pain of his death. Jessy, now a married mother, talks about feeling so much darkness and lack of hope in her life following Dennis’ death. Jessy talks about the deeply spiritual experiences that led her to Jesus and to membership in the Church (and later her husband). Jessy talks about the dramatic contrast between her life without Jesus and her life now with Jesus, the Church, and the healing power of His atonement. It is a remarkable story that gives hope to everyone. Jessy talks about her love of the temple (including her husband Mitch doing the proxy work for her brother and father). Jessy concludes with her testimony of the Church, Jesus, BYU-Pathways, and her plans to write a book. I was so moved listening to Jessy’s powerful story and testimony. Thank you, Jessy, to being on the podcast and your work to help everyone feel the love, peace, and hope of Jesus. You are a remarkable woman and help make this world a better place. Links: Instagram: @mychallengehisstrength E-mail: markowitzjess@gmail.com Richard Ostler books/bio/etc.: www.papaostler.com