Baptism??

[ElizabethJ25]

Hi,

I am planning on getting baptized in one week. I was REALLY excited about this as I had an excellent support system. The problem is that the support system was my ex boyfriends family, and my ex boyfriend JUST broke up with my right before my baptism. I was not getting baptized FOR him at all, and I was really excited about it, but now I am really, really nervous about everything. I have people coming from out of town for this, but I am nervous that I am going to freak out and not follow through.

My questions is, what if I get baptized, and then freak out and don't get confirmed? What happens? Could I get confirmed at a later date once I am more okay with my decision? Is that a bad thing? The thing is, I know I want to be baptized, and I have no doubts that the church is true, I am just really, really nervous and don't have much support and would like more support before I am "officially" a member. My family is also not okay with this decision I am making.

Thanks so much for your help! I really appreciate it!

Elizabeth

[Jackol]

If I were you I would talk with the missionaries that are working with you and your Bishop and let them know about your concerns. I know when I was a missionary our number one goal, besides teaching the gospel, was finding the people we teach a support system. If your support system is gone the missionaries and Bishop will do everything they can to help you find a new support system. You would be surprised how many people in your ward/branch would be there for you and help you.

[ElizabethJ25]

Thank you. I do have a great support system at the church, but this other support system I had was like family to me, so it is hard to lose them right now when I need them the most.....i'm just nervous that I will get baptized and then not want to get confirmed. Is that a bad thing?

[Family_Man]

My wife went through a VERY trying time right before her baptism, to the point where the day of, she wanted to call it off. She went trhough with it, and afterwards told me she has never felt so wonderful and close to Heavenly Father as when she came up out of the water. Needless to say, she never looked back and doesn't regret her decision.

I am willing to bet you will feel the same, and will find yourself WANTING to get confirmed as soon as possible.

On a side note, it seems like the Adversary ALWAYS works his hardest right before we make our next step. Almost as if he believes we will stop moving forward and settle down into the comfort of our current life. Little does he know we are smart enough to see this, and avoid his traps.

[ElizabethJ25]

I know, thank you for your advice. I REALLY hope that is the case! What if it isn't though? What if I deal with so much family torment afterwards and decide that it's not worth it?

[Family_Man]

Well, you can worry about the negative what ifs, or you can enjoy the positive what ifs.

If I were in your shoes, I would bet on Heavenly Father, because He always leads us towards salvation, while Satan always leads us towrds damnation.

[ElizabethJ25]

TRUTH. Well said. I'm just surrounded by negativity right now, but I need to remember all the POSITIVITY that the church has brought me. I'm 25 and single (and not to sound weird or anything, but attractive) and my family is telling me that i'm limiting myself by joining the church in terms of who I will meet and marry. They are worried that I won't meet a mormon, or that if someone else likes me once they find out i'm LDS, they will run away. AHH. It makes me think and scareddd

[Family_Man]

Well, joining the Church actually IMPROVES your chances of meeting your ETERNAL companion. Of course, you could do it the hard way like I did and marry then convert a non member.

Stop psyching yourself out and say a prayer.

[Jackol]

Thank you. I do have a great support system at the church, but this other support system I had was like family to me, so it is hard to lose them right now when I need them the most.....i'm just nervous that I will get baptized and then not want to get confirmed. Is that a bad thing?

That's Satan. He will always try and influence you when you are making major life decisions. He will try anything he can to keep you from making good choices. It can be very hard at times. This is why it's so important to have support.

[Guest Alana]

When I focus on the negative what if's I feel so overwhelmed and confused. When I stay positive about working towards a positive goal (recently went to the temple for the first time) then I feel happier, still anxious, but can feel Heavenly Fathers love much more readily.

Can you invite his family to your baptism still? In themeantime, tell the missionaries how you're feeling.

[rameumptom]

I think you'll soon find another family to be a support system for you. It often happens in the Church. When I was single and had the Air Force moving me around, I often found families that adopted me. It was a blessing.

When you are baptized, you will receive home teachers (2 brothers) and visiting teachers (2 sisters). Rely on them to be your support system. Things will work well for you.