Saturday, September 02, 2006

Joys of Family

My half-brother is getting baptized today. I haven't stepped foot in an LDS chapel in, oh, 8 months now. But I get to today!

I'm dreading today a little bit. My oldest, and TBM, brother is in town, and apparently he's having issues. He's been acting cranky and he snapped at me a couple of times. I am not going to make any further effort to see him while he's here, but he'll be at a couple other family events, including today's baptism, so I can't avoid him altogether.

Part of me, the part that used to fight my non-mo brother and condemn him to hell, wants to fight about the NON-truthfulness of the church. But I'll go against my nature here, because really, the thought of that just makes me tired. He will either accept me as I am or not, and why put any energy into swaying his decision either way?

Here's one thing I've noticed though, but I can't prove that it's directly related to my exit from mormonism: I'm more able to see his point of view and adjust my behavior accordingly. After being allowed to calm down, vent with my sister, and talk with my husband and a friend, I realize clearly that my brother has other, extraneous issues that could be fueling his crankiness. I think I'm an easy target here because he knows I left the church and doesn't know how to deal with that.

Now, what do I wear? I don't own a dress. Skirt it is....

6 comments:

Just one of many said...

If you are feeling rebelious, wear pants!! I would...if you could get me to go back into a church building!!
Wear garlic, make the sign of the cross, wear a pentagram (oh, wait that is actually a church symbol)...
Seriously, just remember they hold no power over you any longer!!

Let us know how it goes. Best of luck! :)

Bishop Rick said...

LA,

Having been on both sides of the street, you can understand how/why your brother feels that way. He doesn't have that luxury since he has only been on the one side. Those with less information should be given more slack.

gxckjwo

Rebecca said...

WEAR JEANS! PLEASEPLEASEPLEASEPLEASE! You would be my HERO! No, you would be my GOD! Or goddess. Whatever. I am amused far too easily. I'll be mad at your brother for you, and you can take the high road knowing that someone is outraged on your behalf, for no other reason than that's what friends are FOR.

Threads of the Divine said...

If you were ok with being disowned, temple robes might be the best outfit for this occasion. J/K! I agree with Bishop Rick, cut your brother some slack. It's crazy how TBM's are conditioned by the church to react in a very certain way to apostates. Even when those apostates are members of their family. It's weird to think I was just like that 6 months ago.

La said...

Ah, MAN! If only your degrees would be valid with white-out and my name on top. I would SO wear my temple attire, AND I'd also do the garments plus thong thing.

Maybe I'll do it anyway, take a pic for fun, and email it. I can't post it on my blog... I'm a dare devil, but not to that extent.

Liseysmom said...

Ah - yes, I just attended my nephew's baptism today. I feel your pain.