A few months ago I heard about the LDS church and have really wanted to talk to the missionaries since. If nothing else I really want to learn more about the church and decide if it feels right for me. I've read a little bit of the Book of Mormon a while ago and ever since can't really get it out of my head! I have never felt this way about anything else and it really feels like the right thing to do. The problem is, I'm a 14 yr old girl and live with my dad. He is pretty non religious and doesn't go to any type of church. I've talked to him about me meeting with the missionaries before and while he isn't super opposed me doing it, he treats it like I am trying to join a cult or something. I've tried to talk to him about all that I know about the church, not with much luck. I am hopeful that I will eventually get him to consider letting me meet with the missionaries, since I think he sees how important this is to me. Like I said I really feel that investigating the church is the right choice. But I have a few questions- 1. If I did feel the church was right for me and decided to join, would it be a problem that my dad wasn't a member? I know LDS families typically do family home evenings. Would I get in trouble for not doing that? Is there anything else that could be a problem with my dad not being a member? 2. I've had a pretty rough time growing up and don't have a lot of support. Both of my parents have substance abuse issues, and my mom is not in my life. I was never raised religious or taught there was any kind of God but in the last few years I have really been feeling like I need something in my life to pull me through this until i am an adult. When I started reading the Bible I really felt like what I have been searching for is God- and when I read some of the Book of Mormon it really felt to come together for me that what I am missing is God. I really don't want to fall into some of the bad decisions my parents have made and as I get closer to God I have been feeling a lot stronger and happier. I guess my question with this is- if I joined, would there maybe be more opportunity for supportive adults in my life? I'm not really sure what the dynamic is like in a church and I feel like it would be so cool to have some adults in my life who lead more of a positive example. I'm not sure if the social part of joining the church could help with that but as I'm going into high school I would really like to have that in my life. Are there any adults in the church that I could talk to or maybe get advice about some of the struggles going on in my life? Or at least any opportunity for more positive examples? I would really appreciate any kind of input or thoughts that you guys might have! Thanks so much for reading:)
