"Never give a kitten when a board game will suffice."
For those living in the red, white and blue of America, Thanksgiving just passed and the flood gates that is the Christmas (Xmas for short, just say "Christ" every time you see an "X" and just say "NO!" to drugs, unless the doctor prescribes them for you, then you might need to think a little more carefully) season are now open. Gawdy and awesome lights, blow up nativities and snowmen, assorted candy cane, leprechaun, and flamingo lawn art dots the landscape and blinds the psyche of anyone brave enough to look directly at them without protective lenses. It's the time of year when, at least for me, some of my faith in humanity is restored. Like with most things, we all just need a simple reminder or even just an opportunity to reach out and help someone in need and the Xmas holiday season is a great reminder.
Being a great reminder, it can feel like there are lots of requests for help as there are more than a few people who need a little something to make sure they and their loved ones have a happy holidays. With that, we are asking for some help for those in our communities of the exFLDS portion. They may not show up as much in the regular online exmormon communities (yet) but they are there and like any of us who leave a religion that encompasses our entire lives, they merit our love and support.
Something interesting that I did not know is that they don't celebrate holidays, like Xmas. Those of us who left the JW organization can relate to this as JWs don't celebrate the holidays either and especially the first time something like Xmas goes by, while it can be eyeopening and amazing, it can also leave one feeling a little dismayed.
This holiday season we are partnering with the charitable organization Cherish Families (a 501(c)3, for those interested), a group of local nonprofits, and Lindsay Hansen Park, an activist, feminist, podcaster and all around bad ass, among other things, to bring community together and provide these families with positive interactions.
We have put up lists of the items being asked for girls/women, the boys/men, and toys/games. Our Sparlock/Tapir community (vocal as well as silent) is awesome and steps up every time we put out a call for help. If you can, please help to make this holiday season a little brighter for those who have stepped out into the bright beautiful world from under their former FLDS faith.
You can see the original blog post about this Xmas drive here.
Listen to more of the stories of the FLDS and those that have left, at the Year of Polygamy podcast.
The reason for the season is people. People are good and you all are awesome.
If you are in need of help, you can reach us here.
If you are feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 1-800-784-2433.
If you are LGBT+ and need to talk, please contact the LGBT National Hotline at 1-888-843-4564 or find them online here.
Know you are safe and among friends and we will do whatever we can to help.
Lastly, if you would like to be involved or volunteer, you can reach out to us here.
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