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I know you introduced yourself a while ago, so this a bit late. I can completely relate to your story. If it wasn’t for my amazing wife, I would have left the Mormon community years ago. Having said that, I’m still here, and I’m doing my best to tolerate it, and when I can, to be supportive of my wife and the callings she holds. I don’t know when or if, I will ever get to a point where I’m comfortable at Church, but I will stay “active” for my wife. Tom wrote:Oh well, if I can’t find ways to enjoy my experience I will go crazy.
That is right! I’m glad you’re here, Tom.HiJolly
Tom wrote:Sometimes I confront them with a friendly smile and tell them that it is good to see them. Sometimes the reactions range from shocked & confused to a kind of “looking at the floor” awkward hello in return. Oh well, if I can’t find ways to enjoy my experience I will go crazy.
I confess that I get some enjoyment out of that type of thing too. I am not that open with my concerns and thoughts, but people know there is something very different about me. I have not had any bad treatment per se. I am fortunate to be in a very tolerant and loving ward. I do enjoy knowing that I am there in Church, and it baffles a few people.
I don’t want to make people uncomfortable on purpose, but the irony of your situation is amusing. You are the “apostate” reaching out to fellowship and being compassionate to the “normal” members, being an example of their own professed ideals TO THEM in their failure.
Tom, I know it’s frustrating to see friends you once had not sure that they want to be your friends anymore. The scripture says “I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.” It seem you have started down this road and that is good. It is proof positive that the Spirit of the Lord is working in you. It is difficult to say what the future holds between you and those you were friends with. It seems they are still a little leery about investing friendship and emotion in you, a completely understandable human reaction. We/they have received a higher law, though. The scripture quoted above could be rendered, “but of you it is required to LOVE all men.” Love and forgiveness are related because they are attributes of God, almost one and the same, and almost never separated.
I say continue showing acts of love to those who were once your friends, a Christ-like thing to do, and see if they reciprocate eventually. If they have the Spirit of the Lord also with them… You know where I’m going.
If they do not come around then you have done the right thing and remained the better person and they will be held responsible for their UN-Christlike behavior. Keep yourself clean before the Lord in all this.
My concerns for you….
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