Stepping Out of the Shadows: Why Out of Zion Lit Up My Heart (and Why It Should Be Yours Too!)
Hey friends! 👋 Jessica here from Restoration Counseling LLC. If you've been following along on the blog or my social media, you know I geek out over books that crack open the soul—especially ones that tackle the messy, beautiful intersections of faith, doubt, and that wild pursuit of Jesus. Today, I'm buzzing about a book that's been my emotional rollercoaster of late: Out of Zion: Meeting Jesus in the Shadow of the Mormon Temple by Lisa Brockman. Perfect for cozying up with as fall leaves crunch underfoot (hello, October vibes!), this one's a must-read if you're navigating your own faith story or just love a good redemption arc.
A Little About Me and Why This Book Hit Home
Picture this: It's a crisp autumn afternoon in Des Moines, and I'm curled up on the couch at Restoration Counseling with a pumpkin spice latte in hand (because, priorities). As a licensed mental health counselor, I spend my days walking alongside folks untangling spiritual knots—high-control religions, identity crises, the whole shebang. When Out of Zion landed on my desk, I thought, "Okay, Lisa, let's see what you've got." Spoiler: I was not ready for how deeply it would resonate. And honestly? It hits home in ways I didn't see coming—because just a short 6 years ago, I came out of my own sort of "Zion" when I left the Seventh-day Adventist church. That season? It was a whirlwind of questions, quiet grief, and those late-night wrestles with what "home" really means in faith. Reading Lisa's words felt like she was sitting across from me, nodding along to my unspoken story. Her journey mirrors that ache of stepping away from structures that shaped you, only to find Jesus waiting in the wide-open spaces beyond.
Lisa Brockman isn't just spinning a tale; she's handing you her heart on a platter. Raised in the heart of Mormon culture, she grew up gazing at those towering temple spires—symbols of devotion, but also of unspoken pressures. Her story? It's like flipping through a scrapbook of Polaroids (just look at that cover—adorable, right?). Childhood giggles in the shadow of steeples, teenage temple trips that felt more like duty than delight, and then... the unraveling. The moment when the real Jesus—the one who whispers grace over rules—started peeking through the cracks.
What I love? Lisa doesn't bash her past. Nope. She honors it with this tender grace that makes you ache a little. It's like she's saying, "Hey, that was my home, my people, my everything—and God met me right there in the mess." If you've ever felt the weight of "good enough" religion, this book is your permission slip to breathe.
The Magic: Where Story Meets Soul-Deep Truth
Diving deeper (without spoilers, promise!), Lisa's got this knack for weaving her life into biblical gold. We're talking identity in Christ, the scandal of unearned grace, and redemption that doesn't require a checklist. It's practical too—like, "Here's how I wrestled with this doctrine, and here's what Scripture actually says." Dr. Lynn K. Wilder nails it in her endorsement: "An effective approach to discussing biblical concepts." Spot on!
One chapter had me pausing mid-sip of coffee, tears blurring the page. It's that raw. And for my clients at Restoration? Gold. We've got ex-Mormons finding their footing, Christians craving empathy for friends still "in," and seekers just hungry for hope. Lisa's voice bridges it all—no judgment, just Jesus.
Why You Need This on Your Nightstand (Like, Yesterday)
Look, life's too short for books that skim the surface. Out of Zion dives deep, pulls you up transformed, and leaves you with this quiet fire: God chases you, shadows and all. It's five-star worthy for the laughs, the lumps in your throat, and the "aha!" moments that'll stick.
Grab your copy today—head to your local bookstore or snag it online. And hey, if you're in the Des Moines area feeling those faith wobbles, let's chat at Restoration Counseling. We're all about that gentle untangling. What's a book that's reshaped your story lately? Drop it in the comments—I'd love to hear!
Until next time, keep seeking the Light, Jessica Pottorff, MA, LMHC, CADC Restoration Counseling LLC www.restorationcounselingdsm.com
P.S. Pro tip: Read it with a friend. The discussions? Chef's kiss. 😘
