When I left off blogging, I was investigating the Mormon church. It started because I met a Mormon that meant a lot to me. I was always taught that Mormons were good people who were deceived, but in a cult destined for hell. I couldn't very well say I cared about someone and just let them go to hell, so I decided to try and convert him. As I spent time studying to discuss his theology with him, I realized I didn't truly understand the Latter Day Saint religion. The more I learned about it, the more I began wondering if I was the one who needed converting. I couldn't talk to anyone about it because it would have caused me no end of problems-and I just wasn't sure it was true yet.
I stopped blogging because it felt too duplicitous to write about things and not discuss what was really on my mind and heart. As a result, the posts were always shallow, which annoyed me. Eventually however, I was discovered and turned in, so I had, well, just what I expected.....no end of problems: excommunication, loss of friends, loss of jobs, the list goes on.
However the Lord never asks us to do something that he doesn't provide a means for us to do it, so I've been well taken care of by Him and His servants. (I Nephi 3:7) Recently I've been asked to write a book about my conversion. I didn't find that a very good idea. Who wanted to hear about my conversion? I told him what I'd really like to write is a book to help Latter Day Saints understand where evangelicals are coming from theologically in order to aid in sharing the gospel with them. His reply? "Fine, just do it in the context of your conversion."
That I can do. So now I'm back blogging. I am free to discuss anything I want. Seriously, what else can they do to me? It will be the thrill of my heart to talk about life again- but this time in the context of Scripture and how we can apply the things the Lord has taught us. I welcome your thoughts as well. I mean that sincerly. I'm not stupid. I expect unkind comments as well. But, I've finally learned how to deal with those. Instead of deleting them (which I used to do on Facebook), I now look at them as an opportunity to share my faith that I didn't have before.
6 comments:
I kept your blog on my Google Reader in the hopes that you would someday blog more regularly. Given this new focus of your blog, I am sure you'll understand why I won't be following it any more.
Well, I understand why YOU think you shouldn't be following it. However, If you truly believe I am being deceived along with other Latter Day Saints, then I would think a better understanding of how we think would enable you to minister to them better.
I LOVE your idea of you writing a book for other Latter Day Saints to help broaden their understanding of the beliefs/ideas of other faiths. I agree that it would help immensely in making missionary work more effective. I also admire your courage to write about your experiences here, and take whatever difficult comments may come for it. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Abbey. I sure enjoyed our conversation last night. Your input was helpful to me.
I just found your blog, and I want you to know that you are loved and supported by the ones who matter most-- our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. :-) Welcome to the fold, and hang in there! I know it's hard at first, but I know that many saints will benefit from your perspective and yes, your faith. ;-D
{{{Hugs}}}
I just found your blog as well. Having grown up in the in a Latter Day Saint family, I've always greatly admired those who become converted later in life and show such strength and sacrifice in their efforts to follow their new convictions. Thank you for being one of those people. :)
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