Stress

[Arbre]

I've been having a difficult time lately with my relationships, mostly with my family.

I've never been open or talkative with them, especially my parents. I'm the oldest of 6 children, and the nearest ones in age do not share my interests. It's my fault that those relationships are so difficult for me. That's the result of basically a decade of not talking to them like I should have been. I used to be very quiet, even shy. Total introvert too.

My whole family's Mormon. My conversion to Christianity earlier this year has made those relationships very strained. I feel terrible about the worry I cause them (they basically view me as lost now). I worry about them and a lot of my friends.

I'm trying more to obey and show respect to my parents (which is extremely difficult when that includes staying within 2 hours of online time a day and participating in family activities that I have no interest in) but it's not seeming to help. I'm not perfect in that and i go over on my online time occasionally.

I'm constantly feeling stressed now. I don't sleep well and I don't feel as healthy. I get depressed a lot and I feel very alone here (we just moved).

I need the online time to talk with friends, which also helps me relax and have needed social interaction. There are a lot of friendships that I feel like I'm losing because I just can't communicate as much as before. Using a phone costs money, which I'm limited with until I can find a job. This two hour limit is not feeling like enough at all. No amount of talking with my parents is helping.

I still haven't talked in detail to them about why I believe differently than they do. I'm just scared to bring it up because they truly believe they're right and for me to not agree with the way they taught me seems like a personal insult to them, and even just a sign of rebellion they hope will soon pass. I don't feel confident enough to start that conversation now.

Also, it's getting to the point where if I'm sitting doing anything for any length of time (even 5 minutes) I feel guilty because I'm told I need to work more.
Even when I do things that are constructive, I feel like I'm wasting my life. I don't know what I need to do to get rid of that feeling. It's adding another layer of stress to everything else because it makes it feel like nothing I do is ever enough.


Please pray for me to be able to talk to my parents more and that there can be more communication, understanding, trust, and patience on both sides. Also, that I can find a way to let go of the stress and focus on God more.


***And also, I do read the prayer requests and pray although I don't always post. I just wanted to let you who post here know that the number of replies to your threads doesn't necessarily mean that only those people are concerned and praying.

[Spirit_Wolf8356]

*hugs Arbre* I'll be praying for you.

[Jaltus-bot]

Hi,

I want you to know that I will be praying for you. If you ever want to talk, feel free to IM me. If you need my IM name, PM me or Vyse would also have it. I had a friend at Cal Poly who used to be morman and there is a couple at church who used to be morman. I could ask them about how they dealt with becoming Christian or talk to them about passing on an email address.

[Rogie]

I'll pray for you, Arbre.

[Staci]

*hugs Arbre too* Hang in there, chickie, we're all rooting -- and praying, most importantly -- for you.

Before you decide to have a conversation with your parents about your conversion, I strongly suggest knowing as much about the Bible and Christianity as possible. I'm not trying to frighten you, but I won't sugar coat anything either... It will pretty much be a war between you and your parents about your selection of faith.

Stand strong in the Lord and He will guide you. All you can do is try, sweetie, and yes, sometimes we all fail. However, that doesn't mean you should feel bad for it. *hugs again* Just pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and soldier on. *~_~*

Idea -- get some penpals. Yes, the snail-mail sort. Since you're feeling stressed, you need some way to relieve it. I've often found writing my ideas -- since I'm introverted, too -- helps a lot. You get out all your emotions and someone else can read it and offer you advice.

Either that or a journal, your decision. Above all that jazz, we're here for you and so is the Lord!

[Destroyer2000]

I will pray for you. I've never had this problem, but I know what it's like to try and maintain relationships during a trial like this one.

[ssj2gohan61]

ah i will pray for you

[Anna Mae]

*also hugs*

I'm so sorry to hear what's happening. I have a friend who recently converted to Christianity, but her parents are still areligious. So I know some of what you're going through. I'll definately be praying for you!

[true_noir_chloe]

I will definitely be praying for you. ^____^ I know your situation is not easy.

[kaji]

Hey Arbre,

I will pray that God gives you the courage and fortitude to confront your parents, I will also pray that God opens your parents hearts and minds, that they will receive you with love an compassion regardless.
Don’t allow your self to get to stressed right now. This is just the beginning of your life, it gets a lot better. Remember to turn to Him in everything you do and he will keep you standing through it all. (easy or tough)

-kaji

PS: Listen to Staci, she's a smart girl. ^_^

[Mave]

This is tough. But nothing is impossible to go through with God. I shall pray for you.

[termyt]

I declare today Arbre Day!

OK, hat was very bad and I apologize.

Father, strengthen and guide Arbre. Let her know that her life is not a wasted as long as she seeks and praises You. Father, help her to grow in a difficult environment where it is hard to get the light and nutrients that she needs. Help her to remain faithful in her study of You so that she can defend her faith when it comes under attack. I thank You for bringing Arbre to us. Please help us to be what she needs us to be.

In Jesus’s Name,
Amen.

[Madeline]

May the Lord guide you and give you peace. It's a tough situation that you're in. Jesus said that households would be divided because of Him.
I pray that the Lord would show your parents the truth and give you a friend to help you through the hard times.
My heart goes out to you and I'll be praying for you. God has laid this on my heart and I want to help in any way I can, whether it be through prayer, through chatting via AIM or whatever you need. Feel free to PM me if you need to talk.
God bless you and may He comfort you in your time of hardship.

[Anna Mae]

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse has comforted me during hard times. I pray that it will do the same for you. I'll continue to pray. God bless.

[Arbre]

I really, really appreciate all of the posts here, and thank you to those who have and do pray for me. Thank you very much.

I am doing better. Each day is different, but today was a good day. =)

LOL @ "Arbre Day," termyte. ^_^


Thank you.