How would I meet people?

[naturelover]

Hi. I'm Carissa, and I'm 15. I've wanted to become LDS for a long time, for a few different reasons. But my parents are not ok with it at all. They're Baptist, and they're completely against me converting. I haven't told them I want to yet because I'm afraid of what they'll say, but I think they can kind of sense that I want to anyway, because they always insult Mormons, and I sometimes defend them, which makes them angry.

I would really like to be able to have some Mormon friends my age, because they would probably be like-minded, and then, my parents might actually let me go to church with them. But there are hardly any Mormons where I live. I live in southern Michigan, and there are hardly any wards here. The closest one is a few towns away, and it's the only one in the entire area. Plus, I'm homeschooled, so it's not like I'd meet anyone at school even if there were LDS kids there.

I haven't asked my parents if I could go to a Mormon church, because I haven't even told them I want to convert yet. But I know they wouldn't let me. So I have no friends who share my values. The one friend I do have, her family is all Baptist, too, and they probably wouldn't let her hang out with me anymore if they found out I wanted to be LDS.

Does anyone have advice for meeting nice, Mormon kids my age to hang out with, since I'm probably not allowed to go to mutual or anything?

Thanks.

[dazed-and-confused]

i seem to recall seeing this post with several responses...could i be mistaken?

carissa, you can explore all you want on your own, but you must abide by your parents wishes while you are in that household.

once you turn 18, you might put your wishes a bit more upfront, unless your living situation might be hurt by it.

and then i guess you could move out and live your own life.

but for now, you must honor your parents by not "slapping them in the face" with a lot of attitude about changing religion.

this doesnt mean you should not continue your studies, just dont be abusive about it, and for now, continue to go to chuch with your family....your parents church is important to them and that should be respected.

continue to learn, and when you are able...decide for yourself

[TheJoker]

Talk to your parents. Try and see it from there side. And then they will hopefully do the same with you.

But if you can. You need a healthy relationship with your parents.

[naturelover]

I'm sorry for putting a really similar questions on the advice forum, but I thought putting it in the Youth and Seminary forum might be helpful so I could get other people's opinions.

And thanks again for the responses.

EDIT: I'm trying to find how you delete a post.. I didn't realize this was so similar to my other post. Sorry again about that, and I hope I don't come across as selfish for posting this more than once.

Edited October 14, 2009 by naturelover

[Pianoman216]

Theres nothing selfish about it. Dont worry.

As far as your situation is concerned: I would advise you to keep studying all you can. Ask questions here and read about the church on LDS.org and Mormon.org. Most importantly, pray for help. Pray that the Lord will soften your parents hearts that they will be able to understand your feelings. And be patient. It might not be for a long time, but I promise that you WILL, one day, receive the opportunity to be baptized and join the LDS church. God knows you personally and loves you. He knows your intentions and you will be blessed for your desires, even if you cannot take action for many more years.

If I may ask, how did you come to find the LDS church? What caused you to have the desire to join? (You dont have to answer if you dont want to. And if you would prefer to PM me, or email me, that would be perfectly fine)

Good luck and God bless

[FairChild]

Hi Carissa. I've been thinking about your posting. I know it is hard when you want to do something and for whatever reason, timing, age, distance, lack of transportation or lack of resources can be so frustrating. The best advice I can give you is to work at having healthy and strong relationships. I know what it is like to be in an area where there are not many LDS. I've been military and moved around a lot. As I have aged, I am finding out that the best relationships, LDS or others, are the ones that are healthy, help us support each other, help me grow, and remind me to focus on what matters most to me and grow to become a better person. A lot of people come to the church thinking that if you are LDS, you automatically have your act together. Sadly that is not true. Many of us are converts that come from unstable homes and have yet to learn how to let the Gospel help us completely heal. It can take several generations for disfunction to leave a family.

Do your best to love your family. We are eternal and will be together for a long, long time. I have know people that have converted to the church and as their behavior changed (to become more like the Savior) they influnced their family to also grow and convert to the church.

Being 15 is an exciting time. You have a unique perspective of the world and so much energy. I hope you enjoy yourself as you grow into the person you will become. At 53, I am still growing into the person I will eventually come. The Gospel will be here for a long time, so use the time you have wisely to become the best person you can.

I hope you journal about your life, you wants, desires, hopes and goals. Best of luck. FC