Today we had Fast and Testimony. There were many wonderful and thoughtful things shared. The last testimony that was shared was by this Filipino sister. I have always thought that she was beautiful and contained a wonderful testimony that she bore often. Well today she got up and started to share a story about how two weeks ago she left after sacrament meeting and went home and cried (at this point she was bawling). She then asked why we didn't love her and if we didn't want her around then we should just tell her. I started to cry myself. I mean why does she think that we (as a ward) don't love her. Have I ever given her this impression. I felt like I had failed her as a sister. She kept asking over and over why we don't love her. Finally the bishop went up and put a arm around her and she went to go sit down. As she was walking back to her seat the bishop's wife (bless her heart) was sitting behind me, grabbed this sister and made her sit with her. The woman was still crying so was the Bishops wife. I was crying still. I continued to cry for a while, my heart breaking for this poor sister that thinks that no one loves her.
I wanted to tell you all (my 4 followers and whoever else) that I LOVE YOU! I do not ever want you to think other wise. I love you so much. Please if you ever feel like this sister, call me! Call me right away! I love you and I would do anything to prevent you from feeling like her. It broke my heart today and made me realize that I could be a lot more loving to others.
Mary
Sunday, December 7, 2008
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5 comments:
That happened in a ward I was in once. Ends up the guy had pretty serious issues. Not that this lady does; it is sad when someone doesn't feel welcomed. I'm just trying to relate.
We have a family who recently moved into our branch who moved here from Pennsylvania. They have twin teenage boys. They moved here to be closer to the church. They have no family in the area. Their testimonies were so strong and their spirits so bright and we loved having them in the branch. Then, all of sudden, they have just quit coming--totally. I don't know what happened--my guess is taking offense. They said they were had tickets to the first presidency devotional tonight so I guess they haven't written off the church completely. I just feel so bad when something like this happens. I love you too!
I feel bad for that sister too. Today in our meeting a sister gave a similar but not the same testimony, in hers she actually said she felt like she was not a part of the ward and that she was not welcomed into the ward when she moved in, but right after that she actually said she needed to apologise to the ward because she took affense where none was entended or something to that effect and said that she knew it was equally her fault, and that she was going to do more to enclude herself and others. I was really impressed with her. I guess for a while she let herself be affended but something changed her heart. So not the same but sort of. her name is halley, and I have actually wanted to be her friend ever since they moved in like over a year ago, but never did anythign about it till today after church. We are going to get to know each other better. I hope that sister in your ward feels better.
Not to sound like a jerk. But, testimony meeting is NOT the place to do that. If you don't feel welcome, go to the bishop or Relief Society President. Don't get up and blame the Ward for not accepting and loving you. Make all the effort possible to get out there to talk to people and make friends. It's like blessings, we don't get blessings for sitting on our duffs, we get them when we put forth the effort and try all we can, and when we've done that, Heavenly Father will do the rest.
That was truly a hard Sunday to be there. I know at times in my life I have felt (and probably made someone else feel) unwanted/ unloved. Our ward is sometimes really hard to be a member of, but we all have to do our part and remember that we are all welcome in the Lord's house and in his protection and care. It is sad and I wish that I could do something to make all the sisters that feel this way feel better. :) You are awesome. I still can't believe that I missed Camilla coming up this fall!
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