Growing up, my dad, bless his heart, claimed he was an atheist (although I don't think he really is). My Mom, grew up in the Catholic religion, but chose not to go that route when my sister and I came along. We never went to church together as a family. My exposure to religion was limited, but there was some:
I remember going to a few church-sponsored day cares during the summers. My aunt is a Latter-day Saint and I remember going to church with her a handful of times. I remember going to middle-of-the-week-devotional-type meetings with my friends as early as the age of 12. I loved when my friends would invite me to go to church with them. In high school, I had a close group of friends that were Seventh Day Adventists, I attended their church and youth activities regularly. I also enjoyed taking a Bible Studies class. After graduating from high school, I spent two years at a community college, where I took Religious Studies. This class truly inspired me and I decided to declare my major in Religion and transfer to UC Riverside in a year. As you can see, I was searching.
The Religious studies class that I took, coupled with my new found love, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, helped to steer me in the right direction. Up until then, my values system was a bit skewed. Even in high school, while I regularly attended church, I still partied with the best of them. I managed to stay out of major trouble, but I didn't come away without a few scars to help me remember my past (the butterfly tattoo on my stomach, being one of them).
So, I set out to finish another year at the community college and then transfer to UC Riverside to study Religion the following school year. Then we had some dark and difficult times in our family. I won't go into the details here, but they were pretty rough for us. My aunt decided to call the missionaries in her area. Those missionaries contacted the missionaries in our area. They came knocking on the door, and we let them in. They did nice things for us. They mowed our lawn, they gave my mom a blessing, and they taught us the gospel. They were very sweet, but I was busy and I had a boyfriend. And besides, I didn't really buy into what they were teaching us. I had heard some things about the Church (false things) which also didn't help matters. My sister was probably the only one who was truly receptive to their message. The missionaries did their best, but I don't think my mom and I we were ready to listen.
Then we had to sell our house and move.
To be continued...
6 comments:
Nancy you can't do that! I obviously know the ending but I am dying to know the middle!
That's mean. you better write the rest soon!
I am so glad you are telling your story. I wanted to ask you how you came into the church. When I was 7, the missionaries came knocking on our door and a year later, my parents joined the church.
Wow Nancy, it sure sounds like you have been through so much. I think it's people who have been through very difficult times, that seem to be so incredible and strong. You are no doubt both of these things.
I can't wait for part 2!!!
You have a butterfly tatoo?
I love flash back fridays. I have so much respect for converts. Growing up in the church I think we take way too much for granted, and I often have wondered if I weren't a member and the missionaries came to my door, what would I have done?
Butterfly tattoo?
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