Author |
Message |
U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda
Post Number: 8 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 9:12 am: | |
Just need to vent a little bit as I don't have the guts to say this directly to my family..."I'm not EVER coming back!!" I know the SDA mindset and I know they will never understand that I left because I don't believe in the doctrines. My parents are church leaders in a conference. They live, breathe and sleep SDAism. I don't have the guts to tell them that their beliefs are messed up and cult-like and that I would never EVER go back. They don't make comments directly, but are subtle in their comments. It is just frustrating. Thanks for listening. |
Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 1671 Registered: 3-2004
| Posted on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 9:39 am: | |
U2bsda, You are not alone. There are many persons here who have the same experience and can identify with you. Just pray for your family and pray some more. Join us in our prayer chain ever Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, when we pray as a group for all SDAs. Just keep following Jesus and He will never let go of you. He and His and our Father love you very much. I cannot identify with you as my parents died before I finally left the church and my brothers and sisters have not lived SDA lifestypes for many years. But I can and will pray for you and your parents. Father in Heaven, you who are the I AM, the Alpha and Omega, please send your Holy Spirit to U2bsda and fill him and teach him. You know how frustrating it is dealing with family members who are SDA, so fill him with your love and Spirit so his family can see You in Him. Give him the words to say to his family, when it is the time to do so. You are so awesome, God. Thanks for bringing U2bsda out and into the presence of Jesus. Diana |
Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 2237 Registered: 12-2003
| Posted on Saturday, July 02, 2005 - 5:56 pm: | |
U2, I completely understand your reaction. You are always welcome to vent here! The day will likely come when you will tell them you'll never go back, but God will clarify to you when you should speak. There's NOTHING more frustrating than having those closest to you completely misunderstand you and not listen to you. Dear Father, please give U2 the confidence and courage to face the SDA family with patience and peace. Please be more real than the anger and the coldness. Thank you for drawing U2 to your freedom and for setting him/her free in you. Please help the family to desire to know you and to understand truth. Thank you. Colleen |
Faith2 Registered user Username: Faith2
Post Number: 51 Registered: 3-2005
| Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2005 - 12:58 am: | |
U2BSDA, I understand where you are coming from totally. My mom makes comments here and there that really get under my skin. I believe that she thinks that this is just a phase. This may not sound like much but knowing that I have to answer to God "alone" keeps me focused. I love my family and I am sure that you love yours as well. Keep your eyes on Jesus as you strive to be a witness to your family. Hang in there and may God give you the strength that you need to endure.
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Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd
Post Number: 45 Registered: 4-2005
| Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2005 - 6:10 am: | |
Dear Used to be SDA, What Diana said is certainly true. You are not alone. No doubt the majority who were raised in Adventism face misunderstanding, cold judgment and even rejection by those closest when they take the courageous stand for Jesus and step out from the binding claims of legalism to walk in the freedom Christ offers (Gal 5:1). Beyond those who are now former Adventists, there is another fact you must remind yourself of, which is you are not alone because God's Spirit is with you constantly. Jesus has said He will never leave nor forsake you. Your Guardian Angels are surrounding you guiding your hands and your feet. Jesus has given a special blessing of happiness, promised to all who are persecuted in any way for righteousness sake. Do not rush the Spirit. Focus on Jesus first, most and always! He has asked of each of us to Remain in Him (Jn 15). Heb 12:2 tells us to "Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith...." He will grow you and your faith. He loves your parents and understands more than even you, the depth of their sincerity and the pervasiveness of their blindness at this time. He longs to bring them sight just as He has opened your eyes. Praise Him for the freedom you now enjoy and the Reality you now see (Col 2:17). Wait and pray and relax in Christ. "Float with Spirit's flow" and His Spirit will orchestrate how and when and in what manner your parents come to understand the depth of your new commitment to following Jesus in total freedom of love. I shall pray for you as will others. Turn this burden over to Christ. He has NEVER been "off" in His timing! :c) Jess |
Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar
Post Number: 96 Registered: 3-2005
| Posted on Sunday, July 03, 2005 - 8:56 am: | |
Jess: Thank you. That was something I needed to be reminded of this weekend. It's been rather rough the past day or two. Patria |
U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda
Post Number: 9 Registered: 11-2004
| Posted on Monday, July 04, 2005 - 4:15 pm: | |
Thank you for your prayers and comments. I really appreciate it! |
Taybie Registered user Username: Taybie
Post Number: 24 Registered: 4-2005
| Posted on Wednesday, July 06, 2005 - 7:14 am: | |
Father God, please be with U2bsda. Be the very skin he/she lives in. Please bless his/her family with peace, Lord. Bless U2bsda with the wisdom and guide him/her in all things. Thank You Lord, that You are creating new friendships and relationships for U2 to be loved in. Thank You that YOU never leave. Thank You for Your love and guidance. Thank You for granting U2 with patience and a sweeter spirit. Thank You! In Jesus' name Amen! Be encouraged and feel free to vent whenever...these are a great group of people here. I have found a place to just 'be'. He is WORTHY!!!!! Shontay |