I am considering Baptism into the Church but I am terrified to tell my husband. He is not spiritual and he has been to our other church before but isn’t a believer. When I brought up the subject almost 2 years ago he got angry and asked why I would bother switching when I had put my time into the other church. So I never spoke about it again. My family will not be supportive of this, I fear. I am so scared to tell my family. Should I just bite the bullet and tell them? Maybe hope for the best?
3 Responses to “I am considering Baptism into the Church but I am…”
Vicente Silva
2015-01-25 16:03:27
Hi friend. First off, please forgive me for taking so long to approve the answers to your question! It's wonderful that you're thinking about joining the LDS church. Anyone can choose to do the right thing when it's easy. It's generally when our faith requires us to do something that's uncomfortable or truly challenging that we have the real opportunity to prove our fidelity to God.
You're obviously in a difficult position. I hope you'll see it as an opportunity to prove your faith. Most everything that's precious in life comes through sacrifice and dedication in the face of adversity.
I do encourage you to chat with your family about this. Avoid being confrontational. Listen to their opinions and sincerely consider them. If your family members express anger, don't respond with anger. Just explain that you believe (correctly!) that membership in this church will enrich your life, and give concrete reasons why. People who love each other generally support one another in the things that will make their lives better. It may well be that your husband just doesn't understand yet why you'd be interested in joining the church.
I hope this answer helps. Please do let me know if you have any more concerns. It's natural for people who are investigating the church to have questions, and we're very happy to help.
John
2015-01-19 07:17:20
Jesus Christ was Himself baptized in the Jordan river to provide an example for each of us. (Reflections of Christ)
Ashley, I can really see how scary that would be! It's daunting to imagine such a conflict with family, or to imagine that there might be long-term damage to such important relationships! With that in mind, here is my advice for you: do not give up, and do not fear. I think something very important in this situation is to think long-term: whatever happens initially, remember what will bring about the most joy in your life overall, which can only come from following Jesus Christ. As I studied the scriptures to help find answers for you, I found this verse, Ecclesiastes 7:8, "Better is the end of a thing than the beginning thereof." I think "better" here means "more important."
Let me share one other scripture which is very dear to me. This scripture was one I read at a time of uncertainty in my life, and has been a guide to me ever since. 1 Nephi 17:13, from the Book of Mormon:
"And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
Ashley, I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one Church with the fullness of the Gospel, and the power of the priesthood. Move towards baptism, and don't give up if your family's reaction is not immediately positive. You can do this, and you are not alone!
Grandpa Chet
2015-01-24 16:54:06
Through prayer, we can communicate with our Heavenly Father. He’s anxious to guide and help us.
There are two people who can help you right now, and one of them is going to be harder for you. I'm betting you haven't built a relationship of trust and friendship with your bishop yet. He's a stranger to you, perhaps? He's the second person who can, and will, help you.
Your first retreat, your first and best friend ever, is Jesus Christ. Go to Him. Lay this all out in front of Him. And ask for specifics - little steps - and don't try to take on too much just yet.
---The best way to eat an elephant is: one bite at a time. Slowly.
Ask Him specifically if you should meet with and talk with your bishop. Specifically, ask Him to tell you if it's the wrong idea to meet with your bishop. Determine on your own to meet with your bishop, and let Christ tell you if that's not what He wants you to do. Like any parent, He and Father admire when their children take the first step, and like any good parent, He will steer you away from the stairs and towards a good place.
We're praying for you. We know He wants the best for you and your husband.
You're obviously in a difficult position. I hope you'll see it as an opportunity to prove your faith. Most everything that's precious in life comes through sacrifice and dedication in the face of adversity.
I do encourage you to chat with your family about this. Avoid being confrontational. Listen to their opinions and sincerely consider them. If your family members express anger, don't respond with anger. Just explain that you believe (correctly!) that membership in this church will enrich your life, and give concrete reasons why. People who love each other generally support one another in the things that will make their lives better. It may well be that your husband just doesn't understand yet why you'd be interested in joining the church.
I hope this answer helps. Please do let me know if you have any more concerns. It's natural for people who are investigating the church to have questions, and we're very happy to help.
Let me share one other scripture which is very dear to me. This scripture was one I read at a time of uncertainty in my life, and has been a guide to me ever since. 1 Nephi 17:13, from the Book of Mormon:
"And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall be led towards the promised land; and ye shall know that it is by me that ye are led."
Ashley, I know that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the one Church with the fullness of the Gospel, and the power of the priesthood. Move towards baptism, and don't give up if your family's reaction is not immediately positive. You can do this, and you are not alone!
Your first retreat, your first and best friend ever, is Jesus Christ. Go to Him. Lay this all out in front of Him. And ask for specifics - little steps - and don't try to take on too much just yet.
---The best way to eat an elephant is: one bite at a time. Slowly.
Ask Him specifically if you should meet with and talk with your bishop. Specifically, ask Him to tell you if it's the wrong idea to meet with your bishop. Determine on your own to meet with your bishop, and let Christ tell you if that's not what He wants you to do. Like any parent, He and Father admire when their children take the first step, and like any good parent, He will steer you away from the stairs and towards a good place.
We're praying for you. We know He wants the best for you and your husband.