My name is Nikki Yaste. I am a wife and a mother to one child, Mason. I am from Florida, but I have lived all over the country due to my husband being a career service member of the Armed Forces. I grew up in an abusive environment and as a result, I made self destructive choices to satisfy my need to be loved and accepted. I began drinking and modeling nude at the age of seventeen and later became a exotic dancer. In January 2008, after the birth of my son, I finally hit rock bottom and tried to commit suicide. Shortly after, I had my first encounter with the Mormon missionaries. I was baptized in the Summer of 2009. Although, my walk within the church has been challenging because it goes counterculture to everything I have ever known, it has shown me who I am and WHOSE I am. I am a daughter of a God. Because of Christ, I have finally found that love and acceptance I wanted as a child and young adult. I never saw myself joining any religion, especially “the Mormons” but there is no other place I would rather be. God has made more out of my life than I could have ever on my own. I needed a Savior. I needed Jesus to pull me out. I am grateful for that truth in my life. My goal and my mission is to inspire those within my faith to live with a radical honesty and love for God and for each other. To love each other through the stereotypes. My purpose outside the church is to reach those that are “lost” and to celebrate their return to God’s table. I believe that all of Christ’s teachings can be summed up in one sentence, “Know that you are always welcome here.” I am an advocate for those within the sex industry and I hope to start an outreach for those that feel stuck in that lifestyle, that cycle of abuse. We have to get our brothers and sisters because if we don’t show them Jesus, who will? We have a truth and we should share that truth with them. I’m grateful for each disappointment and pain I’ve experienced along this journey because it led me right to the cross. God met me within my breaking and showed me His light. May I always be a worthy vessel for His light to illuminate to those around me.
Blog: ldswomanatthewell.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LDSnikkiyaste
Email: ldsnikkiyaste@yahoo.com
Read the Original Blog An Honest Testimony from a Not So Typical Mormon
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