Part 2: When Being Released Hurts

This is Part 2 of a 2-part podcast. Listen to Part 1 HERE. Sara
Newman Sara Newman currently serves as a member of her ward’s
Relief Society service committee in whatever capacity is needed.
She earned her bachelor's degree in Family Science from Brigham
Young University and enjoyed raising five children with her
husband. She anticipates “retiring” soon, once her youngest is
launched, and is enjoying her new role as a grandmother. She has
lived in four states, served as Relief Society president in three
different wards, and as Relief Society counselor, pianist,
chorister, Cub Scout leader, Primary teacher and counselor, Relief
Society teacher, and Gospel Doctrine teacher. Highlights 0:15 Sara
speaks on being released from as Relief Society president earlier
than she expected. 3:30 “I cried when I got the calling; I cried
when I got released. I was surprised by it.” 5:30 Something for
leaders to think about is giving leaders more time to transition
when a release is coming. It can be very jarring to have a calling
and the next day nothing. 6:50 There was no excitement or relief
getting released. Just devastation. Sara shares the reasons why she
felt so hurt when released. 9:30 Part of the devastation was
loneliness and loss of the community she was a part of. Also, not
feeling like she was doing a good enough job. 12:30 Looking back
Sara can say the time was right to get released because of health
challenges that happened. She can see the Lord’s timing but at the
moment it was very hard. 13:30 The first weeks after getting
released were the hardest. 16:50 The bishopric and other ward
council members had a small gathering to thank Sara for her
service. It helped her have some closure. 19:20 Sara’s
encouragement to other leaders that are also going through a
transition after getting released Darren Bush Darren Bush is a
husband, father, and paddler who advocates outdoor activities to
feel the Spirit. Darren served a mission to southern Italy, met his
wife, Stephanie, at Brigham Young University, and completed degrees
in Italian and Psychology at University of Wisconsin–Madison after
discovering it was the best place in the world. After completing a
master’s degree at the University of Rochester the family moved
back to Wisconsin where he eventually bought Rutabaga Paddlesports.
He has previously served as a bishop, Primary teacher and nursery
leader, elders quorum and Young Men president, ward missionary,
high councilor, in a young single adult bishopric, and as an
executive secretary and financial clerk. Highlights 20:11 Darren
Bush, recently-released bishop 22:30 The relationships that were
built over the past five years as bishop were gone. 24:00 The day
Darren got released made him feel lighter. He didn’t realize how
much weight he was holding. However, it was still hard. Missing the
people and seeing people’s faces. 26:30 The lost puppy phase after
getting released 30:00 Advice Darren was given from his uncle, a
former bishop. “Don’t go inactive.” 33:00 We need to separate our
personal identity from our calling in the ward. 35:15 Combating
loneliness after being bishop 40:45 Darren’s encouragement to the
former leader that is fighting loneliness Julie Kiser Julie Kiser
is a graduate of Brigham Young University and currently works
part-time as a professional organizer and as a part-time
administrative assistant to her husband and his financial advising
firm. She currently serves as a special needs mutual advisor and a
Gospel Doctrine teacher. Past callings include stake YSA Relief
Society president, YSA Relief Society advisor, counselor in Young
Women, Primary, and Relief Society presidencies, Primary teacher,
Young Women advisor and compassionate service leader. Julie has
been married for 37 years and has five children. She loves spending
time with her husband and family, reading, long walks with friends,
traveling, hiking, cooking and baking,