To go to Sacrament meetings (or not)

[RachelAnne]

I really want to go to a Sacrament Meeting, but I have a few issues... First of all, my family is well-known as a "Mormon-hating" family when I myself am not. I'm kind of worried that people wont be friendly to me because of that, or think I'm there for some other reason than I am. Secondly, I know that if I want to become a member and do any temple work, I have to go to the meetings to get a recommend. Well, I have pretty severe bipolar, so lots of weeks there is no way I will leave my BED, much less the house to go to the meeting. How does this work? or is it one of those things where I attend as many meetings as possible?

[Guest tomk]

Go because you want to. Attending meetings under any other circumstances does not really benefit you. You'll be miserable. Go to church becaue you WANT to be there. The rest will follow, in time.

[OneEternalSonata]

I encourage you to go in spite of your fears. I grew up with an anti-mormon stigma from my father and I sadly did some trash talking also, and expected some flack when I confessed this to my ward members. They were not just forgiving and receptive of me they even comforted me. I have now been a member for over three and a half years. You are genuinely interested and you are not contentious, and those that are strong in the faith will have no trouble accepting you. Truth be told, the Lord knows your heart and none have a right to condemn you, especially when they don't know you or your heart. Take courage from knowing that if anyone says anything, though I doubt they will.

I applaud your faithfulness and will be praying for you. Under most circumstances, it is advised to attend as many meetings as possible, especially the Sacrament. You will be greatly blessed if you go despite these fears, our loving Savior will go before you and prepare a way. May you be encircled in His comfort to aid you in your decisions. Take care.

[tubaloth]

Call up the missionaries and say you want to go to church. Maybe even express your reservations to them. Once the ward sees you have come with the missionaries (or are sitting by them) they well realize you are serious.

With your bipolar you really are counting your chickens before they are hatched. By the time you go through all the interviews with the bishop and stake president, you can bring up this issue with them. They well understand and you go on saving your ancestors.

[Moksha]

RA, when you feel up to it, I suspect everyone there will be glad to see you. :)

[RachelleDrew]

I understand where you are coming from on the Bi Polar thing.

Don't worry about it right now, go to the meetings you can go to. No one is going to hold a disease against you when it concerns sacrament attendance, and if they do then that's their problem.

[pushka]

Perhaps once you're attending the meetings you could try to find a befriender? Somebody who could help motivate you on the days when you don't feel you can get out of your bed? I have the same problem with my depression/anxiety, I often hide away in my bedroom..I admitted this to one or two close friends that I made at church so that they would be aware of my tendencies and could reach out to me more to support me so that I didn't miss out on too many services/activities.

Good Luck :)

[NeuroTypical]

my family is well-known as a "Mormon-hating" family when I myself am not. I'm kind of worried that people wont be friendly to me because of that

If you were in my ward, I would gladly to sit myself and my family next to you - because it's obvious that you would have waaaay more exciting and interesting stories about yourself than anyone else in the room.

LM