My brother and sister in laws live in Utah, rest of family is in Az and they love it I’ve only been once but after living in Mesa as an adult I knew I couldn’t live around that many members. I was never the stereotypical (if there really is one) member and had a difficult time fitting in as a young girl. Only member my age in my very small community Branch and the girls in the stake were mean to me…long story short I have my own issues and have loathed relief society for many reasons. After moving to my new state we had planned to try a bit harder but covid threw a wrench in that. I believe my religion but I struggle with some of the culture and always have. I just do my best and feel everyone else is doing the same so not to hold grudges or get offended. Midwest people are just so nice, I can’t tell if I’ve made friends or they just tolerate me because they are nice.
One of the greatest things I gained after leaving was the burden to worry about converting non members. I was free to know and enjoy people for who they were. It was a wonderful path to be on.
I guess I’m not super great because I don’t go around trying to convert others. I know that’s a big part but I just kind of answer questions if people have them, tell my story and if someone seems interested I of course would offer more or invite them to church but having grown up around mostly non members and never served a mission as I joined the army I never could be pushy. I don’t think it helps personally. Again being the only active sibling in my family I understand how and why people leave. I don’t criticize or judge any of them about leaving, free agency is the point of it all.
It would make me sad for my kids if they left the church but it’s honestly because your mom loves you. I imagine it’s more difficult for families who have been members for generations. My parents were both converts, but even my husband whose family has been for generations, his brother left the church and no one says anything negative to him. We just love him as normal. He is a great man and father and that’s what matters most. I’d be more sad if my children got involved in drugs etc but he just decided he didn’t believe and is successful and happy. He does say he is thankful for being raised a member because of the values but that’s about it.
My brother and sister in laws live in Utah, rest of family is in Az and they love it I’ve only been once but after living in Mesa as an adult I knew I couldn’t live around that many members. I was never the stereotypical (if there really is one) member and had a difficult time fitting in as a young girl. Only member my age in my very small community Branch and the girls in the stake were mean to me…long story short I have my own issues and have loathed relief society for many reasons. After moving to my new state we had planned to try a bit harder but covid threw a wrench in that. I believe my religion but I struggle with some of the culture and always have. I just do my best and feel everyone else is doing the same so not to hold grudges or get offended. Midwest people are just so nice, I can’t tell if I’ve made friends or they just tolerate me because they are nice.
One of the greatest things I gained after leaving was the burden to worry about converting non members. I was free to know and enjoy people for who they were. It was a wonderful path to be on.
I guess I’m not super great because I don’t go around trying to convert others. I know that’s a big part but I just kind of answer questions if people have them, tell my story and if someone seems interested I of course would offer more or invite them to church but having grown up around mostly non members and never served a mission as I joined the army I never could be pushy. I don’t think it helps personally. Again being the only active sibling in my family I understand how and why people leave. I don’t criticize or judge any of them about leaving, free agency is the point of it all.
Good for you. Seriously. One of the worst things I went through was breaking my mother's heart. Leaving wasn't easy.
It would make me sad for my kids if they left the church but it’s honestly because your mom loves you. I imagine it’s more difficult for families who have been members for generations. My parents were both converts, but even my husband whose family has been for generations, his brother left the church and no one says anything negative to him. We just love him as normal. He is a great man and father and that’s what matters most. I’d be more sad if my children got involved in drugs etc but he just decided he didn’t believe and is successful and happy. He does say he is thankful for being raised a member because of the values but that’s about it.
They are very nice. The stereotype is true