I remember reading a book a few years ago about a particular tribe. If someone did something horrendous enough they were banished. This was the worst thing that could happen to a member because banishment meant certain death, once banished from the tribe the member always died. There was one member who had been adopted into the tribe, as the story progressed she fell out of favor with the leader and was banished. She was terrified of the impending death she had been told would follow - only it didn't. She lived and survived on her own until she found another tribe willing to take her in. She realized the reason death was a certainty was because the person being banished believed it was, they believed it so strongly they gave up. I am not going to give up. In some ways believing I can still have the spirit in my life and have a good relationship with God takes as much faith as anything I have ever done because I have always been told that couldn't happen to someone in my position. I feel no differently now than I did last week before the decision. As I was outside grilling steaks this evening I tried to find the words to tell the Lord how grateful I am for the peace and contentment I feel in my life right now - it is such that a mere "Thank you" seems very inadequate.
On the Christianity of White People
3 years ago
4 comments:
What an appropriately wise tale. You're right, you have been officially "cast out" of the church, but in reality you are not even banished from that. More importantly, you certainly have not been cast out from the Lord's presence and that is what matters most of all. Would it be too trite to say "keep the faith?"
You are right to focus on staying steady, doing what you know will help to build the greatest foundation of happiness for you and your loved ones.
I have known a person who claimed to have been excommunicated more than once. In thinking about this and the utter incongruity of multiple excommunications and her overwhelmingly positive attitude about it, I have come to the conclusion that in a bizarre way, excommunication itself is a remarkable experience. I also believe that if the general ward membership were aware currently of who among them are excommunicated members they might be very surprised. I was. I hope you two will continue attending and continue building your relationship with God. As John's experience has shown and the scriptures attest there are many basis on which the spirit can be with us.
Thanks for all the words of support. They mean a lot. You guys are the best.
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