A few days ago, I was visiting with friends, and had an interesting experience. They asked me if I might be interested in getting to know one of their friends. He apparently would have asked for my phone number, except for the fact that I am a Mormon. This turned the discussion to whether or not I would be happy or interested in dating someone not of my faith.
My friends commented that they thought I was the type who "could be happy marrying a Mormon boy and living the Mormon life" but could "also be happy marrying a nice christian boy, and let go of the Mormon cult." This statement made me stop and think. These friends have known me for a few years, and they have seen me go through many changes. However, it made me stop and reflect how I present myself and my beliefs to others.
I am an endowed member of the church. I have chosen to be actively involved in the church. I will not marry anyone who cannot do so in the temple. While I admit I am on the more liberal side of the "perceived Mormon beliefs," I am still a practicing Mormon.
So, I put it to you, readers of this blog... how do I convince these friends that I truly am committed to my faith? I have tried to share my testimony, but they try to tell me that I will change my mind. I do not know how to handle this. I love these friends, but they seem intent on basing my beliefs on past actions, not on my current and professed beliefs.
I want to share with anyone who may read this : I am so grateful for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. I love the Saviour, who is my elder brother and my friend. He gave His life for me, and for everyone. The Church is true. I KNOW this. My life has been incredibly blessed. While I have challenges and trials, I know that the Saviour is there to buoy me up and take my burdens. May I live my life in example of Him.
6 comments:
Can I just say how proud I am of you meg? I love you. I know you are doing the right thing. I know God loves you and is proud of you. I don't think that there is anything you can do about your friends, other than just continue to pray for them and continue to live your example and stick to your word. Live it everyday in every choice you make. Never give them time to doubt. In time they will recognize that you mean it. Pray for them daily and pray for the strength to be the example God needs you to be. You can do it. It will be hard, and Satan is trying so hard to use them against you. Don't give in. Remeber to choose your friends wisely. Just because they have been there with you for a while and you think they are all you have or that they love you and care for you.... if they can't believe in you and help pull you up ... then all they are doing for you is pulling you down. You deserve better. I love you!
some people have a hard time letting go of the past. All you can do is continue to live your life in the way that you are now. Over time, the hope would be that they would come to see what you already know. But then again, some refuse to open their eyes. Be loving and kind, but let them know that sorry you are not interested.
I think that is the big struggle everyone faces at one point or another. That is why it is so important to stay on the path that Heavenly Father has asked us to stay on. We can't change the past, and people who have seen it, don't always forget it. I think it is part of the consequences we have to live with for our actions. The Savior has given us a way to repent and live with him, and be forgiven of our sins, but that doesn't mean that there still aren't consequences that we may have to face from our wrong choices. All we can do is go forward and be the best disciple of Christ that we can be and live worthy of the covenants that we have made. All you (or I) can do is show by example that we have changed, we have an unshakable testimony, and we will continue to follow the Savior forevermore. If they won't believe your words, there is nothing you can do but make them believe you by your actions. I know that you have a testimony and I know that you love the Savior. I'm thankful to have my own testimony of the Savior and His Atonement, and I love you!
amen, megan. it's a tough question, how to convince people you believe Christ makes you a better person when they know you well enough to see that you're really not perfect at all. i think about that a lot, if people can see my belief through my actions and conversation. especially my family and friends who know what a goofball i am. i think you could just be honest with them. help them see what a change you feel and how we're always trying to be better. thanks for your testimony! it's always nice to hear.
You change your friends, but you can continue to live your life as dedicated to your faith and through actions they will change the world. I love you for who you are today not what happened in the past. You are an AMAZING LOVING person and I thank God every day for that blessing.
Thanks everyone! YOu have all inspired me in one way or another through out my life. I love you all, and appreciate your faith in me!!
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