tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088717.post7951756207375488532..comments2023-10-18T02:03:42.145-07:00Comments on LEARNING TO LIVE FREE: FencesittersUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088717.post-9823371839607749522017-01-10T07:25:38.312-08:002017-01-10T07:25:38.312-08:00The idea that one can live a life that is contrary...The idea that one can live a life that is contrary to ones true self is a recipe for significant emotional turmoil. That being said, leaving the church is also a recipe for emotional turmoil, especially if one does not understand that you are literally leaving on culture and entering another. It is very important to think about what it is one is leaving, and what one wants, otherwise the transition is that much more painful. Being true to yourself, to that inner core,having congruence between your life choices and your core values and beliefs is the only way to do it. If you jump ship and rebel against everything, without thought of what you do believe is right and wrong...you are creating an even bigger mess<br />unbelieverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8088717.post-16605902274254405802016-12-31T10:18:02.846-08:002016-12-31T10:18:02.846-08:00You are probably doing your best by just, "of...You are probably doing your best by just, "offering your friendship and support." There are many people within the various Laestadian groups who chafe under some of the rules and/or who have thought of leaving. Some leave but most do not. So living with mixed feelings about the Laestadian movement is a very common characteristic of members. Most of those who grow up within the church eventually learn to resign themselves to the status quo and accept the various contradictions versus leaving the church and thereby lose the close fellowship which the group offers. So personally I would not try to push them either way. You would probably help them the most by being a good listener and let your friends reach their own conclusions. Old APAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com