Madeline Turner

Hello all, I just thought you might like a little update I appreciate everyone's responses and advice here. I was able to use it all to guide my discussion with the missionaries. They've been quite understanding of my silly questions and get that most of it is due to my poor, dear parents' fears that I would end up in a "cult" like they did. Few updates: My sister has been my biggest cheerleader in all this. I never thought that would happen (you can see I had concerns she would be disappointed in me). She's extremely happy My sister talked to my parents and assured them that I am not joining a "cult" and that this is different from the unfortunate experience they had. They were relieved by her assurances and told me they are very happy I have made friends and family in the church. My mother even excitedly asked me about what my future in the church looks like. Again, never thought this would be possible. I'm so relieved that secrecy is no longer a concern. I am getting baptized this Saturday and all my doubts are gone. I walked out of the baptism interview on Monday feeling like a million bucks. I am the happiest I've ever been and I absolutely cannot wait until Saturday. I chose Dear to the Heart of the Shepard as one of my hymns and every time I hear it I just want to cry with happiness. The missionaries are just about done with the program, and when I see how many dear friends I've made in the church will be there, I am overwhelmed with joy. A fellow recent convert is baptizing me and he is so excited and humbled that I asked him to do it; the elder who interviewed me is doing my confirmation and he was so shocked and happy as well. Long story made short, my family is happy, my doubt are gone, I'm getting baptized on saturday and I'm happier then I've ever been Thanks again, all.

That's wonderful to hear! I am not a part of any groups or anything like that. When I say advocate I mean that I am very much against violence and discrimination and the idea that they should be treated lesser than anyone else. I guess the closest thing I'm a part of is that I donate to the It Gets Better project frequently, which is an organization dedicated to preventing suicide in LGBT youth. This has always just been so important to me because if we only helped those who were just like us, it would be a sad world indeed. If anything I will probably put my name on Mormons Building Bridge's volunteer list after baptism

Thanks so much everyone I really appreciate everyone's input. I feel pretty good about this. I know the people in my ward very well and have a pretty good grasp on how things work but... I think a lot of my fear came from over exaggerations from those on the "ex" side of things, and I guess I just wanted to cover my bases and make sure I knew EXACTLY what I was getting into. My best friend is pretty upset about it and while that made me upset for a bit, I realized I cannot live for what others think. I know God is calling me to do this and I feel good about it. I even worked up the courage to tell my older sister... She was very supportive and is excited for me I'm excited to talk to the missionaries again this week and let them know that I'm pretty sure I'm ready. Thanks again everyone!

Hello all, A little background about me… I was raised Christian as a child. My parents eventually fell away from this idea; they were officers in the Salvation Army and were treated pretty horribly. They are still “religious” I would say but definitely don’t align to a group anymore. They were burned pretty bad. I continued to be Christian and attend church myself, however. My story is kind of silly… I was brought to the church by the broadway musical of all things. I’m a huge fan and one day while on their Facebook page, someone posted a link to speak with a missionary. I can’t explain what drew me to that. I was respectfully curious, I suppose, about what the church actually believes. I was connected with two wonderful missionaries. It’s crazy to be at this point now; I had no intention of doing anything but having a nice conversation hearing about someone else’s beliefs and then moving on from there. The more I heard, however, the more I started really jiving with what they were saying. The church is more tolerant than I thought it would be, and when I started attending church I really enjoyed myself and loved the sense of community and belonging. The missionaries set a tentative date to shoot for for baptism. They said there is no pressure, and it’s only been about 2 months or so since I’ve started investigating, but because it’s three days after my birthday, I thought it might actually be a good time. Here’s where the fear and doubts come in. I have tried to read perspectives from un-biased sources, but I feel I’m just not getting that. I feel I am hearing things from a side that wants to do a hard sell, but on the opposite extreme, I feel that ex-members or those who are expressing the cons of baptism are biased as well and blowing many things out of proportion or giving blanket statements based on their personal experiences. All that said, here are my concerns. I am planning to ask the missionaries about these as well, but I am hoping I can hear some honest opinions here too: 1. What lifestyle changes have to be made? I’ve been baptized in a Christian church but this seems like way less of a commitment. What will be expected of me? And what happens if those expectations are not met? 2. What are offenses worthy of excommunication, out of curiosity? I doubt I hit on any of those notes, but I haven’t heard anything regarding this. 3. Tithing. I can’t afford 10%. There’s no way. I live, a single woman by myself, in a city where rent is outrageous and I am living paycheck to paycheck as it is and even work a second job to make ends meet. I will give what I can, but does someone harass you about this if you can’t pay in full? 4. What if life gets crazy and I can’t make it to church or church commitments occasionally? Do you get in trouble for that? 5. Beliefs. I wouldn’t call myself extreme left, but I’m probably squarely in the middle of the left side. I am not LGB myself, but I am strong advocate for the rights of gay people. I wouldn’t bring it up in church of course, but can that get me in trouble for advocating it outside of church? I did some research on this and found Mormons Building Bridges, which I thought was pretty neat. 6. Secrecy. I don’t intend on telling my family. At least if I did it wouldn’t be for a very long time. My parents love that I am making friends in the Mormon church, but keep warning me to not get baptized. This feeling is totally understandable, due to their past mistreatment in another church. They are scared for me. Maybe I will tell my sister, but I’m not sure and I know she’d feel disappointed. My best friend is an ex-member and I know it would devastate him if I joined. The church thus far has been respectful of my wishes to not commit to anything yet… if I DO commit, will they be respectful of my wishes to tell those close to me on my own time? 7. I have read horror stories about missionaries dumping their converts immediately upon baptism and people having trouble being lonely in their wards. In addition I’ve heard stories that once you’ve converted, people will stop being as nice to you. Most of what drew me in was how welcomed I felt, not just by the missionaries, who I now consider friends, but also by the ward. How likely is this to happen to me? I think that covers all the bases. Thanks for sticking with such a long post and ramble here… I really feel called to baptism. I am just scared of the commitments the church itself will put on me, and what can happen if I can’t meet them. I am all alone up here in my city with my closest family being an 8 hour drive away and I am just worried about making such a big commitment. Any thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks everyone.