Help.

[MommaSara]

OK, so I have been a member of the church for 20 years. Of that 20 I am only been active for about 5 years. I was an exceptional example of a Mormon when I was active. I had a strong testimony and never had any struggles with sin or temptation. I loved church and attended all the functions. I felt like I belonged and was love and appreciated. All was right in my world.

Then I hit a spot in my life where I felt that God abandoned me. I felt alone and isolated from his love and protection. I became a drug addict and was very promiscuous. I left the church and all those in it. I smoked and drank heavily. Got married at a young age, then got divorced a few years later. I have a lot of tattoos and some are not really what I'd call appropriate. I no longer have any of those habits. I have repented privately and know that Heavenly Father forgives me.

I wanted to go back so many times. I really did. I even tried a few times with no success. I feel tarnished and unworthy. I know that God loves me and I still believe in the church and the doctrine. But I am embarrassed. I feel terrible shame when I go to church. Like I abandoned my faith.

I am married now and have 5 children. While I am not perfect I strive to be a humble and devoted saint. I desperately want to go back to the church but just don't feel worthy. I feel like I am failing my children by not having them in the church. I just don't know what to do....

[Jennarator]

Just go. Hard as it is, just go.

If you don't want to "Jump in" call the missionaries. They will be happy to meet up with you first, maybe come over and meet your family.

Then they can meet you at church, so you are not alone. They can also introduce to other members.

Don't let your tatoos and such stop you. Heavenly Father wants everyone at church.

Good luck!

[g8trjasonb]

Contact the missionaries. They're here to help you and will be someone you'll know on your first Sunday back. Sometimes its good to take the discussions just as a refresher of WHY we do what we do, which will motivate you to actually do it. None of us who have reactivated feel "worthy" of going back, but the more you go, the more worthy you feel because you know you are doing what the Lord wants. Then it just builds from there. The more obedient you become, the more He blesses you and all of a sudden, your life has completely changed. At least that's how it worked for me, but I'm not different than you. We are both one of God's children.

[MorningStar]

Everyone is worthy to go to church! :) I have a friend with tattoos and I just see it as a reminder of how much her life has changed. She would like to have it removed, but she doesn't have thousands of dollars.

[rameumptom]

It is always hard to return. Fear is a tool of Satan to prevent us from believing that God loves us and wants us to return home.

Give it a shot. You will see that most of the members (if not all), will be glad to see you. They will help you develop a new peace and joy in the Church.

So, you have a choice: remain fearful and saddened because you are not in the Church, or swallow some pride and return so you and your kids can feel the sunshine of the gospel in your lives. Sounds like a no brainer, just a pride swallower...

[NeuroTypical]

I became a drug addict and was very promiscuous. I left the church and all those in it. I smoked and drank heavily. Got married at a young age, then got divorced a few years later. I have a lot of tattoos and some are not really what I'd call appropriate.

congratulations on leaving so much of that stuff behind! It doesn't sound easy.

Anyway, if you think going back to church means hanging out with perfect people, you might be in for a surprise. There are lots of folks with pasts in church. Yeah, there might not be many people who have been where you've been - but I'm reasonably sure that wherever you live, there are at least one or two in whatever ward you belong to, who can understand because they've left a lot of stuff behind themselves.

My suggestion is you show up, and anyone who asks a little about you, say something like "I've been a member 20 years, but I've only recently decided to act like it" and leave it at that. Shame is useful when it helps someone get out of shameful situations. Shame can be crippling when it stops you from doing what you should be doing. Don't let it cripple you. There are lots of people who never made it back as far as you have - don't sell yourself short.

Tell us how it goes!

LM

[SeanButler]

"Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end" (Psalm 73:13-17). What this says is that it is easy to give into temptation and follow the ungodly, but when you find the goodness of God, then it is time to return to a place of worship to sing praises to Him! What joy it will bring when you see your children prospering and becoming ever so much stronger because of the blessings they are receiving from the Heavenly Father for serving in His church. My stake president has told me, "It doesn't matter where you are on the path, as long as your on the path." It sounds like you left the path for awhile but found it again. Don't miss this opportunity!

[Cuda]

Church is for the sinner. The perfect has no need to go. I know that's why I'm there.

No one there is perfect. And if they think they are, they are lacking humility. Please, come back and enjoy all the blessings the Lord has in store for you. You need the Church. And the Church needs you. Come back!

[pam]

Those that feel unworthy are the ones that need it the most. Please don't let that be a hinderance.

[Heart_Shaped_Box]

No need to feel unworthy. I don't know anyone who is perfect. Here's a reality check: A stake president pointed out to me, if you needed to be perfect to get into the temple, no one would be able to go in.

[findingmyway]

Church is a hospital for sinners. Feel comfortable to know everyone goes to get patched up every Sunday. You made the error of calling yourself unworthy, I dont think you know enough saints. You'll find out how much you fit in. You'd be surprised , but there are people who need you at church, who may need your help.

You have the missionaries. Maybe you live close to one of us here !!!!! Now that would be awesome. And dont forget to get kids involved, scouts and young womens activities, or primary activities. Youre awesome .... Best wishes.