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When someone falls away

Started by Jessica , author of Our Way to Learn 6/27/2011 11:26:27 PM

I have been trying to decide if I wanted to put something so personal to me out in the "blog" world but I am feeling alone and would love some advice.  I am a convert to the church (joined when I was 18), I married a non member when I was 22, got divorced, then married a member a few years back.  We had both been non active but wanted to come back to church and raise a family in the covenant.  We now have two beautiful little girls (4 and 1) and up until about 6 months ago were going good, even taking temple prep classes. Then suddenly my husband lost his job and everything has been downhill.  He doesn't want to go to church, has been drinking, swearing, its like he is just fallin back into his old rut.  When we first got married we had plans to try and make our way to the temple, we wanted 4 kids, a close family. Now he is "over the edge" with 2 kids, doesn't want to go to church because "if they won't help him why should he care". I don't know what to do. For the first few months I wasn't attending church because I picked up a second job to make ends meet. I thought he was taking the kids but he wasn't. Now I have re worked my schedule so that I can go and take them. I haven't been judging him just quietly standing by trying to be a good example and a shoulder to lean on. Has anyone else experienced this? I am in NO WAY saying that I want to leave him, I love him and I want us to become a forever family (and hopefully have more kids) but I want to find a way to help him.  Any advice?

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Reply by Deborah

author of Treasures from Heaven 7/10/2011 3:29:33 AM

I really feel for you. It looks like you are going through a really rough trial. My best advice is to turn to the Lord. I think back on the trials in my life and these are the times when my testimony has strengthened the most. There is always growth through trials although often painfil growth.

Study the scriptures... read about Job, Joseph & Emma Smith, D&C 121:7-10. Alma the elder and his struggle with his son, Lehi and his trials. The scriptures are full of those who have gone before us and can give us hope and strength to know that while life is difficult, the Lord will never leave us alone.

The best way to help him I think is to live the gospel, and streghten your testimony. You can't make him want the things you want but youcan do your best for yourself and your kids. There are a number of sisters in our branch who struggle wither as single sisters or part-member families. I admire them so much and know the Lord is blessing them to bring up their families in righteousness while they do not have the support of a husband (through separation/non-interest in the church or non-membership).

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Prov. 3:5–6).


Reply by Laura

author of Living A Big Story 7/15/2011 8:28:10 AM

First, thanks for having the courage to put your feelings out there.  It takes courage to do that.

Some ideas that come to mind -- good job for switching your work schedule! You need that influence in your life as much or more than your children do right now.  Also, I think it's crucial that you don't appear judgmental as you are doing.

Now some suggestions:

Understand that as much as you want your husband to go to the temple, your Heavenly Father wants it even more.  He is involved in your husband's life and is working a marvelous work and wonder -- one that you may not see for years to come.  So what does that mean for you?

First, make sure you do everything you can to build your relationship with the Lord and carry the Spirit with you so that you can recognize the promptings you *will* receive.  Have regular heartfelt scripture study and personal prayer.  Listen to the General Conference talks when you are on the way to work. Fulfill your callings -- visiting teaching and other assigned responsibilities. 

Second, take every opportunity to bring the Spirit into your home.  Be absolutely diligent with mealtime prayers, family prayers, and family scripture study (if your kids are younger, just use the reader -- but we started reading just a few verses from the Book of Mormon when they were still quite young).  Have regular family home evening, even if it is just reading a story from the Friend or New Era together. 

Always invite your husband, but know that he will benefit even if he doesn't participate.  The Spirit will be more evident in your home, and there will be a softness and warmth.  You will be blessed, as will your children.  

Third, talk to the bishop if you haven't already. You are probably on his radar, and so he will be praying about how he can help you.  Be proactive and ask for counsel and regular blessings. If you don't have a regular home teacher who helps bring the Spirit into your home, talk to the Bishop about your desire to have one.  If you don't have visiting teachers who visits you regularly, talk to your RS president and ask that you are assigned sisters who will bring the Spirit into your home. 

Jessica, I've run off at the mouth -- my heart goes out to you.  I grew up in an only semi-active home, and I longed for a mother who could teach me of spiritual things.  You will be blessed and magnified as a mother to raise children unto the Lord.  You will be blessed!



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