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Hi everyone! First, I just want to say thank you for this site and for all your contributions. I have been reading this forum for a few years but was too nervous to post. You all have helped me stay LDS even if you didn’t know you were.
🙂 I was born in the church but both my parents were converts. We were really active when I was young and then went through many off and on periods of activity as I grew older. I always believed in the church and ending up being married in the temple. My husband and I went through a brief period of inactivity for the first 2 years we were married and then stepped it up when we started having kids and have been active ever since.
We have never been your typical stalwart Mormons, though. We went a lot of years without paying tithing or having temple recommends, off and on FHE and reading scriptures. The last decade or so we started being temple recommend worthy and through some scary experiences with my health, I became more active in my heart instead of just going through the motions.
We have 3 boys and none of them went on missions. When they all decided the last few years not to go, we were so upset and devastated. At this time, I was really “all in” and felt like a failure as a parent. We lived in a very, very LDS community and my kids were looked down on because they hadn’t gone to YM or scouts much and now the whole mission thing was all they needed to know that my kids weren’t dateable or popular. Before the mission decisions, they were looked down on because they wore skater clothes and liked having their hair longer. I know this helped contribute to the fact that they not only didn’t want to go on missions, they weren’t sure they wanted to be part of the church. In this little LDS community, there was no room for differences at all. I am not blaming it on the community, we were the ones that weren’t stalwart like we should have been but their attitude toward my kids certainly didn’t help matters.
The first time I heard about the darker parts of history in the church was went I took a college class on Utah History. I couldn’t believe the things I was hearing. But I just kind of got over it after some time and rationalized it away. Years later my Mom read Rough Stone Rolling and started telling me all the things about Joseph Smith and young wives and polyandry. Again I was really upset, I cried but somehow was able to chalk it up to human failing. I thought the church was a good place for my family even though the culture was awful.
Interestingly enough, my biggest faith crises happened when I was called to be Young Women’s President. I had already served in YW for a lot of years and knew that I didn’t want to be president. I knew it would be bad. I felt like I should take it, though. After my health scares and my new, increased testimony, I honestly though Heavenly Father had something planned for me. I relied on everything I had heard about being blessed and up to the task even when you feel inadequate. I was going to be the best YW president ever! The next 2 years were 2 of the darkest of my life. I was a horrible leader. I was too afraid to delegate. The bishop gave me camp leaders that had so much going on in their lives they weren’t much help. It was like a full time job. I lived, eat, breathed and slept YW. I started having suicidal thoughts, I almost had a nervous breakdown at camp. When I got back, I begged the bishop to be released. He asked me to stay for 6 more months and I did with bad results. The depression worsened, I lost weight and I was a terrible mother to my senior-in-high-school son.
I couldn’t believe that I had went in full faith mode and received a calling I knew better than to take and this is what I got. My testimony was so shaken and I became very bitter towards church. I couldn’t even stand to see other LDS churches without feeling like I was going to have an anxiety attack. I was finally released a year ago and swore I would never take another YW calling.
We moved 8 hours away over the summer. I started to very slowly start feeling better about church as summer approached. One day, something triggered the horrible YW memories and I got angry about the whole calling again. Then all of a sudden, a very powerful feeling came over me. “If you hadn’t done that calling, you would still be very judgmental of your boys and your relationship wouldn’t be as good as it was now.” ( I hope that doesn’t sound too weird) I realized that over the course of my calling I had begun to see the perspective of my boys and the troubles with church they were having. Instead of being judgmental, I began to be empathetic. Our relationship improved, I wasn’t lecturing them all the time. They actually want to talk and share their struggles with me now. When I felt that powerful feeling I cried. I felt Heavenly Father had been looking out for me after all. I just needed to learn a tough lesson.
After that happened, literally 3 hours later I got a call to meet with my new bishop….you guessed it YW again, 1st counselor. Well, of course after that powerful experience, I had to take it right? I had healed a lot from my the last disaster and told myself that counselor wasn’t near as bad as president. I could do that again.
(By the way, I have been YW president, 1st counselor, 2nd counselor and secretary all in the last 12 years)
I said yes, I still can’t believe I did. And yet, 6 months later here I am…the bitter feelings are starting to come back. I don’t want to go to church anymore. I’m sure I have another lesson to learn but I don’t know if I can take this again. I am upset over the new policy, over the medical marijuana stance and over the almost worship of church leaders. I am tired of blind obedience. My husband is still very TBM and for the most part is understanding but in his weak moments he might snap at me if I say too much against the church.
What do I do? Do I asked to get released from a calling that is bringing back a lot of bad memories? We live in another small town and my husbands work is intertwined with church and I don’t want to make him look bad in the community. I just feel so sick every time I have to plan another activity, teach a lesson and soon go to camp again
:thumbdown: If you got through this long, drawn out post, thank you for reading it. I’m sorry it was so long, I just had to get my feelings out. I don’t feel I have anyone to talk to.
Thank you again for all the help you have given me. This is a great community.
Welcome. Sometimes the benefit of being here is that we can just open up and let things out. Long post? No problem. Bottom line is that you have to decide for yourself what to do about your calling. It’s easy for me to sit here perhaps thousands of miles away and behind the curtain of anonymity and say you shouldn’t have accepted that calling to begin with, of course you should ask for a release. However, I didn’t have the experience of feeling like I had gained something before as you did. I know that’s all wishy washy and I’m sorry. It’s just that no one else – including God – can make that decision for you no matter how much you’d like them to.
About empathy: I am more empathetic and compassionate now than I have ever been, and I credit it to the faith crisis itself. Had I not experienced what I have, I don’t think I would feel as sorry for and with others as I do.
Thank you Dark Jedi for reading all of that! I do realize that nobody here can make my decision for me, unfortunately. I know that part of life is making hard decisions and learning and growing from them no matter what the outcome. Too bad everything isn’t black and white like it used to be for me. I really want to do what Heavenly Father wants of me. The problem is I don’t know what that is. I don’t even know if the LDS church is where he wants me to be. Sometimes it feels like I’m not a great fit.
It is interesting empathy is something that comes about from a faith crisis. My husband isn’t in a faith crisis but even he has developed a lot more empathy for others because of what the rest of our family has gone through. Empathy is something that I don’t see a lot of in others in the church. Even though most of them are very kind, they only see the world from their view and everyone else is either misguided or flat out wrong and sinful. I’m thankful for the opportunity for to learn that characteristic a little better.
I think it’s admirable that you accepted the calling to be YM1C, recognizing that you’ve made some progress and giving it another go to see how things would work out. I wouldn’t feel bad about stepping away for a while. When athletes get serious about training for an event they’ll tell you that the rest and recovery phase is vital towards making progress. Continuing the push towards progress without adequate rest periods can actually be detrimental towards achieving goals. If you have to step away for a while, no big deal. There will probably be callings waiting for you when you decide you can come back to them.
One of the best things I learned (and am still trying to learn) along my journey is the ability to say no. I’ve found my church experience to be much more healthy when I can say no and feel no guilt. That’s easier said than done. You might also try to establish boundaries with your calling, e.g. you’ll do the YW calling but you can’t attend camp this year.
I get how there are extenuating circumstances and other people to take into consideration that complicate matters, I guess there always are. It is your decision but don’t forget to factor your own well being into the equation.
Welcome to StayLDS.
What an amazing story. I really really appreciate you taking time to come out of lurking and share your experience and your feelings. Your story really moved me. I am not sure what it is, but it brought a tear to my eye as I read, and I felt the spirit (I hope that doesn’t sound too weird
kate5 wrote:“If you hadn’t done that calling, you would still be very judgmental of your boys and your relationship wouldn’t be as good as it was now.”
I truly believe these experiences in church are for us, for these kinds of things, that we can be better at home with our families. And the frustrations and angst we feel at church is part of it. We could not possibly learn all things if church was a yellow brick road of pansies and unicorns, as much as we love that image as children.
Quote:1 Cor 13:
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
The day will come when we see things more clearly at church, but for now, we can find peace despite seeing just part of God’s reasons for what happens in our lives.
kate5 wrote:They actually want to talk and share their struggles with me now.
There is no greater gift you can be giving them. Cherish these moments above church. This is what it is all about.
kate5 wrote:When I felt that powerful feeling I cried. I felt Heavenly Father had been looking out for me after all. I just needed to learn a tough lesson.
Remind yourself of this often.
kate5 wrote:What do I do? Do I asked to get released from a calling that is bringing back a lot of bad memories?
My guess is God has more for you to learn. That was the process you learned before, and it is happening again. What can you learn about your relationship with God?
Could be:
– Embrace the hard and stressful times, knowing it will get better and be worth it;
– You have a unique skill and personality that some YW NEED because it will differ from other YW leaders who may be too preachy to reach some YW. Youth are very aware nowadays, some don’t want the rose-colored glasses, they want real world advice and a leader that cares about them to help them. They will turn away from a leader who lectures them or talks down to them or tells them to conform and be more modest…they need someone with a view that there are real issues in the world, even ones that go off script of the correlated materials;
– Maybe you haven’t learned to say no yet. There is a way God wants you to have boundaries and say NO to church before you become suicidal and have breakdowns. It is not the bishop’s responsibility to sense that in you and not ask for you to take callings or to release you (although that would be nice). It is your religion. Own it. Learn how to stay loving, positive, grateful, faithful…and tell the bishop and others when you cannot do something, while showing them how awesome you are in other areas. Allow yourself breaks, and find what works for you so you are at peace with yourself and your God.
God will be proud of a strong daughter like you that can do it in loving and strong ways. Like Esther, Ruth, and so many other strong women who may not have been supported enough in their culture or church. He wants you to become who you are supposed to become. Loving and happy and strong in adversity. That comes with baby steps. But you are on the right road. You have stayed faithful for so many years. You keep trying. You don’t give up. You sacrifice.
It is OK to turn down callings or ask for releases. It is OK to know God is proud of you, even if others in church won’t agree. He knows your heart. Family ALWAYS comes first. Always. You are after God’s love, not the church’s approval.
Please keep posting and sharing your journey. I think others will grow from reading how you deal with it. We are happy to share and support you.
Just like many YW in your ward will benefit from your example. Seek out those ones that look like they need your arm around them. And use your empathy to love your kids and husband.
I look forward to learning more from your posts.
kate5, welcome to StayLDS.com Your story sounds familiar.
You said:
Quote:We have 3 boys and none of them went on missions. When they all decided the last few years not to go, we were so upset and devastated. At this time, I was really “all in” and felt like a failure as a parent.
I for one, don’t believe that everyone should go on a FT mission. I have (2) sons that never went on a mission. The important thing is, they are
well adjusted. They are grown, married, graduated college, have decent jobs, raising good children & are happy. I wish they were in church but, that’s
ok too.
There are issues that I have with Church history too. I accept the fact that I will never have all the answers.
That’s all for now. We’re glad you’re here.
Nibbler… Thank you for your comment and advice. I know I am really burned out on YW. I have been in it 9 of the last 12 years. I have actually told myself exactly what you just said. I have a lot of improvement left to do but maybe it’s okay and take a break and not improve for awhile 🙂 . I try to tell myself that Heavenly Father would understand. I have also thought about talking to the bishop (he knows a tiny bit about my past history) or maybe the YW president about not having to go to camp or plan big, stressful activities. The problem is the YW press really needs my help and I’ve been there. I know what it’s like and I don’t want to do that to someone else. It’s so hard because I want to have some self preservation and yet not make things more stressful to others.Heber…Thank you for your kind post. I’ll be honest you are telling me the things I already know and don’t want to hear. As miserable as this whole process is, I keep getting this nagging feeling that if I can just hold on and trust in God I will come out better in the end. Right now, though, I don’t feel better, I feel bitter. But then I do try to remember what I have gained from that experience; a more loving relationship with my kids which is the most important thing in the world to me. And to be honest, I would go through it all again if I had to. It was worth it. So I guess that is why I can’t bring myself to ask to be released in this calling yet. And thank you for the reassurance that my atypical way of believing could be actually beneficial to others because I have felt like maybe I am just too different from everyone else and I don’t belong. I don’t want to ever talk about modesty. When I was YW president I never even said the word. I have tried to concentrate all my lessons on Christ and being kind to others because that is what my testimony is centered on. But sometimes I just kind of feel like a fraud. Maybe, though, if I can try to find purpose in it, I can try to avoid the dark places I went to last time.
Minyan..Thank you for your thoughts as well. I know for sure that missions are wonderful but they are not meant for everyone. I realize that now, another lesson learned. I remember once I told my kids I was a failure as a parent because of their unwillingness to go on missions. It really hurt them. One of them said to me, “You know we are doing well in school and jobs, we don’t party, we try to be kind and are think you are a failure because of church?” I have always felt so ashamed of that. They are the type of kids that would make any parent proud. None are married but one is successful in his job, the other is in law school and the other is doing very well in college. To top it off they are kind and empathetic people. The judgement they received from others and and me while growing up has made them that much more sensitive to other’s feelings and plights. One of them is actually active in church and has a calling but it is very, very hard for him. Every week he has to talk himself into going. He also feels like he doesn’t belong. It’s hard when you hear people at the pulpit defining success in their children as serving a mission and getting married in the temple. This might not happen for any of my kids but does that mean they are not as successful as those that do?
Thank you everyone for your replies! I love this board and the kindness and understanding that is on here. That’s hard to find on the internet these days.
Hi, kate5 – I’m glad you’re here for real and no longer lurking. And thanks for sharing your amazing story. I’m never long on advice, but I’ll just leave two (conflicting – sorry!) thoughts. First, as the mother of young women, I would have given my eye teeth for someone with your approach to the gospel leading my girls. Second, as the woman getting older by the minute, I’m realizing that it is okay to express yourself, to establish boundaries where there were none before, or to simply say, “No.” kate5 wrote:I know I am really burned out on YW. I have been in it 9 of the last 12 years.
Been there but with a different calling. My path was:
Stake missionary (when that was a thing)
Ward missionary
Ward missionary (again)
Ward Mission Leader
Toss in a few years of being a counselor in a priesthood quorum that was in charge of the missionary efforts for the quorum.
I will have words with the next person that tries to extend me a calling that has anything to do with missionary work.
👿 
I think God wants you to care about and for others. I’m not sure it is more complicated than that – but humans want rules to follow, even if they complicate life. I have never turned down a calling, but I have told people I will do a weak-lousy job more than once if they decide they really want me – and I believe if they call me, they get me – and I am fine if that is not whom they think they are getting. If they don’t like it, they can release me. No hard feelings on my part.
I have said no to plenty of other things, always with an explanation. Once, when asked to contribute to the Friends of Scouting campaign, I simply laughed softly and said I hated Scouting when I was young, my boys didn’t enjoy it, and there was no way I was going to contribute. The person asking was shocked, but he didn’t argue with me – largely, I think, because my response was not loud, confrontational, or angry – and because I am an active member.
I am who I am – and hopefully I will be a different me than I am at this moment numerous times in my life. Reaching the point where you truly are okay with yourself is a good goal, as long as you are charitable with yourself along the way.
Ann…Thank you. I am trying my best for the girls even if I feel really inadequate. Sometimes I’m just not sure I am what they need but I am going to take it week by week. Some weeks (like this one) I want to be done but then if I wait a few days I feel like a can go on a little bit more. I keep telling myself I can asked to be released at anytime and that helps me hold on a little longer. Nibbler…Yikes! Those missionary callings would be the worst for me. It is great you were willing to do it for that long. I swore up and down, backwards and sideways that I wouldn’t take a YW calling when we moved. I threw and gave away ALL of my YW supplies when we moved and I still said yes. You never know what could happen.
🙂 Ray…Thank you for the reminding me to be myself. I admit a large part of my extreme anxiety over being YW pres. was the pressure I put on myself to be perfect and be everything to everybody. I would tell myself I only need to please God and He appreciated any effort I gave but when it came down to saying no I wouldn’t do that, I would cave. I need to be willing to let others see my faults. It would probably help me a lot to remember that with this current calling.
I hope this doesn’t come across wrong, because sometimes people get upset when therapy comes up, but I am a huge advocate of therapy. Several of my family members have been to therapy for major or minor things, and I’m currently in therapy for anxiety. Let me tell you, it is really refreshing having someone to talk to about things i’m struggling with who knows how to handle discussing difficult things and won’t judge or tell you ‘that’s wrong’. I don’t think you need a lot of therapy or anything but it may be a comfort to have a therapist that you enjoy seeing, to just be able to go see on occasion when you’re having an especially difficult time, or if you just want to talk about your faith crisis with someone a bit. Like I said, I hope you don’t think that I think you’re crazy[emoji2]I just personally love therapy and know several people who it helps as well so it just might be a comfort to have another person available who can help you with techniques for handling lots of stress or anxiety when those feelings come up. Just my thoughts 
Eta: I have some major respect for you for taking the calling again! Mad props to you! I don’t know if I could have
kate5, you said: Quote:I remember once I told my kids I was a failure as a parent because of their unwillingness to go on missions. It really hurt them. One of them said to me, “You know we are doing well in school and jobs, we don’t party, we try to be kind and are think you are a failure because of church?”
I’m sure that after you said this to your sons, you told them you were sorry. It’s good to show our kids that we’re not perfect.
It is interesting how life goes. They start out as defenseless little creatures & they develop overtime to be grown ups with children of their own.
I feel like it’s a real blessing to stand back and watch them progress overtime. Mistakes & all. I hope HF feels the same way about me.
Always thinking… That is actually great advice! A couple of weeks ago I had a really busy couple of weeks between YW and regular church stuff. That’s when the anxiety and darkness started to come on strong again. I was determined to go to a therapist. I realized, though, that the visits would go toward my deductible and it is pretty high. The thing is, church and YW stuff triggers the anxiety big time. When I am able to get away from that for awhile, it starts to get much better. So part of me just wonders why I don’t just get rid of what’s triggering it instead of spending a lot of money to be able to handle the situation. I do know that therapy would be beneficial, though. Minyan…I have apologized over and over to all of them. I am definitely trying to sit back more and not give unsolicited advice. They seem to do pretty well on their own without my interference. Imagine that!
My thought would be that if you feel you have something/anything to offer, then stick it out with boundaries that you set. I would meet with your ywPres and or bishop and explain your situation to a limited extent and say that you are willing to do xyz but not abc WITHOUT guilt. If they feel the need to release you with your time/commitment limitation that is ok. Something else will come along. If they are OK with your boundaries, then give what you can out of love for the youth and God, not out of rote obligation to the Church or it’s hierarchy. If you really have nothing left to give at this time, then ask for a break and at some point something else will come along. Regardless, seek for a relationship with Christ separate and apart from the organizational church–something I am trying to do at this point.
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