Episode 737: Lily Prisbrey, Powerful Missionary Homecoming Talk

My friend Lily Prisbrey—who recently returned from both a proselyting mission (Philippines) and a service mission (Utah). She joins us to give her farewell talk. In this talk, Lily bravely talks about:

Her journey with scrupulosity and faith-related guilt.

Finding a loving, accepting, and NOT “ever-disappointed” God.

Finding God in the Filipino people.

Finding God through a Mission President who listened to doubts without judging and supported Lily’s decision to end her proselyting mission early.

Finding God through failure.

Inviting others to serve missions who don’t fit the mold.

Lily concludes her talk with her powerful testimony of a loving God with 1 John 4: “God is love” and these words: “I am not a black and white, fit the mold, perfect kind of person. But I served as a missionary—and I hope that through what I’ve shared today—you all can see that if I can be a missionary, you can too”.

We conclude with a discussion about her talk. Lily brings powerful insights into how to help everyone feel loved, accepted, and that there is room them. Lily is so brave and vulnerable—a sign of strength and discipleship that pattens how to help others feel welcome, safe, and needed.

Thank you for being on the podcast Lily. I was so moved by your homecoming talk. Honored to provide a platform where more can hear your inspiring message.

Links:

Lily’s homecoming talk: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/to9a1bqw6btrihsj7dd67/Lily-Prisbrey-Homecoming-Talk-Feb-2024.pdf?rlkey=80xppy4jibj9np2kwjhyfob6e&dl=0