THERE and back again

[jazziem]

Hello all! I'm Jazzie from Fort Worth. I was raised in the church, all be it not in a very spiritual family (it was more about following the rules than forming a relationship with our Heavenly Father.)

 

My family and I stopped going when I was around 16. And I strayed...hard. I was a tattoo artist, had live in BFs, went on a bad downward spiral of depression and drug abuse. Over the years this nagging in the back of my mind that I needed to go back grew, but I felt like I couldn't. I felt like my tattoos marked me as someone unworthy, that I had strayed too far off the straight and narrow to ever go back. Then I met my wonderful, agnostic husband and we had a beautiful baby girl. 

 

Our little Bug was the final push I needed to come back. It has been a struggle, especially breaking bad habits that are not in line with the Word of Wisdom. My DH doesn't understand why I would place "restrictions" on myself, but I know that following the Gospel will bless our little family. I want our DD to grow up knowing her worth and the beauty of the church. And I know that despite my failings, I can be with Heavenly Father again. I truly love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am thankful for the fellowship our new ward has offered. I am finally home.

 

 

[Blackmarch]

Hello all! I'm Jazzie from Fort Worth. I was raised in the church, all be it not in a very spiritual family (it was more about following the rules than forming a relationship with our Heavenly Father.)

 

My family and I stopped going when I was around 16. And I strayed...hard. I was a tattoo artist, had live in BFs, went on a bad downward spiral of depression and drug abuse. Over the years this nagging in the back of my mind that I needed to go back grew, but I felt like I couldn't. I felt like my tattoos marked me as someone unworthy, that I had strayed too far off the straight and narrow to ever go back. Then I met my wonderful, agnostic husband and we had a beautiful baby girl. 

 

Our little Bug was the final push I needed to come back. It has been a struggle, especially breaking bad habits that are not in line with the Word of Wisdom. My DH doesn't understand why I would place "restrictions" on myself, but I know that following the Gospel will bless our little family. I want our DD to grow up knowing her worth and the beauty of the church. And I know that despite my failings, I can be with Heavenly Father again. I truly love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and am thankful for the fellowship our new ward has offered. I am finally home.

wow, thank you for sharing, and welcome!.

hoping the best for ya.

also love your thread title ^.^

[PolarVortex]

What a truly wonderful example you will set for others in your ward.  Stay strong...

[Windseeker]

Thanks for sharing your story and welcome back! 

 

Fort Worth is a great area. My wife graduated from UNT. 

 

My son and nephew (who lives with us) both want tatoos, my daughter wants to be a tatoo artist...my wife has several tatoos. 

 

How do you feel about it now?

[Guest]

We have a guy in our ward that has a similar story... he left the church when he was young, got himself full tattoo sleeves on both arms among other things...  He married this lovely but struggling non-LDS woman who had 2 children but lost them to a custody case to her ex-husband... they both went through the wringer, he went back to church, she started investigating and eventually got baptized.  She got her children back after years of struggle, and they got baptized and sealed to them.  They are such a strong family in the gospel now and their story is very inspirational.  I wouldn't be surprised if they get chosen for the next edition of Meet the Mormons.

 

Welcome to lds.net!

 

 

 

 

Edited November 3, 2014 by anatess

[applepansy]

I listened to a talk by John Bytheway recently called Come Unto Christ.  (Not a new topic).  In the talk he makes the point that instead of using the word "can't" we should use the word "won't".  Maybe its a talk that would help your husband.

 

Its not about "I can't drink coffee."  Its about "I won't drink coffee because coffee isn't good for my body."  

OR

Its not about "I can't drink alcohol" but rather "I won't drink alcohol because alcohol fogs up my brain and I am less in control."

OR

....... you can fill in the blanks.   :)

 

When we use the word won't instead of can't is shows that we are choosing to act for ourselves.

 

I've never viewed the WoW or commandments as restrictions.  I can see how some do.  My children all think its restrictions.    I see the commandments God gives us a safety rails on the freeway of life.  Sure I can choose to smoke, drink, not go to church, not pray, etc., but when I follow the commandments I'm happier and I'm healthier.

 

I hope that helps a little.

 

 

 

Addition:  Don't judge yourself too harshly over the tattoos. Yes they are visible but some people have worse sins that aren't visible.  Just do your best and know that Christ will forgive anyone who wants to come to Him.  Best Wishes!

Edited November 3, 2014 by applepansy

[Sunday21]

Good for you for coming home! It will get easier. I returned after about 25 years out and it does get easier. I found that daily prayer and bom reading were really important for me. The temple also helps a lot. Hang in there!

[jazziem]

Thanks for sharing your story and welcome back! 

 

Fort Worth is a great area. My wife graduated from UNT. 

 

My son and nephew (who lives with us) both want tatoos, my daughter wants to be a tatoo artist...my wife has several tatoos. 

 

How do you feel about it now?

 

I wish I had waited until I was older. I would like to get them removed but it would roughly be the price of a car

[Windseeker]

I was heavy into punk growing up,  and for me, getting tattoo's was too conformist..lol. 

 

So, I never got them. But I don't judge people who do. I think some can be pretty cool. My nephew wants hardware (rings and studs) in his face. Now that stuff I really don't like. I will allow tattoo's once they are 18 but not facial piercings. 

 

Anyway, I'm amazed at all those who come to church each week to worship. Each person has their own reasons for being there. They come with their own burdens. Some have left and come back strong, some never left and are strong, some never left and were strong their whole lives and are barely hanging on now. The important thing is that we are there.