Comments on: Baby Sister

By: Melissa M.

Melissa M. — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:53:13 +0000

And thank you so much, Kathryn, for your fasting and prayers! You are a dear friend. And yes, my sister has a beautiful family, inside and out.

By: Kathryn P.

Kathryn P. — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:29:32 +0000

What a gorgeous family photograph! It was fun to see the beautiful family that I’ve prayed and fasted for… This story is another testimony of the power of love, faith, and prayer. None of us are perfect parents, so I depend on the power of the atonement and God’s perfect parenting to help compensate for my mistakes.

By: watermelanie

watermelanie — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 23:34:28 +0000

it is so timely that you show blog on this subject. I just got back from a trip to Canada to see my husband’s sister (50 years old) go through the temple for the first time. Her husband is not a member of the church, but he came and waited in the foyer for the entire time. I remember thinking when I married in to this family (12 years ago) that it would take a lot to have her come back to church after being away for 25+ years. But as we gathered as a family in the celestial room, the family motto of “No empty chairs” was ringing in my heart. My husband and all of his siblings were standing together, arms around each other, and hearts knit as one. The love and patience and faith that led to this moment was astounding and completely worth it. The feeling is etched into my heart forever. What a privilege to be part of it!

By: cheryl

cheryl — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 22:00:41 +0000

Oh, wow, wow, wow. This one is hard for me.

My MIL was excommunicated one month before I married her son in the Temple (almost 11 years ago). His 15 year-old sister left the Church at that time as well. Throw in the divorce of his parents 2 years earlier, his mother’s new husband who is an active atheist, and you have some sadness for us.

But what this has taught me is to love without judgement. It has also given me the chance to talk to my children about how wonderful it is we can love people who believe differently than we do (and vice versa), and still be a family. The beautiful part is that the love we share with them is very real –there is no anger or malice towards one another.

I like m&m’s answer, too –each journey is different. We certainly hope that one day his sister and mother will want to come back, but we’ll keep lovin’ them, even if they don’t, you know?

P.S. What a beautiful post! I’m so happy for you and your sister.

By: m&m

m&m — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:37:29 +0000

Count me as one who was brought to tears by this one.

I think one thing that all of this reminds me of is that it’s important to be patient. I think sometimes we can get antsy, and sometimes I think we think that we have more control over others’ choices than we do. While I do think that sometimes we can be part of someone’s journey, someone’s journey really is between them and God, and each of our journeys unfold a little differently. Sometimes a lot differently.

I think the other lesson this brings out is to never stop praying, to never stop loving, to never give up as though someone is hopeless. The Atonement is about hope.

By: Michelle in AR

Michelle in AR — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:22:36 +0000

What a beautiful post! Thank you for your eloquent, uplifting writing. I can feel your love for your sister through your words.

By: Lindsay1138

Lindsay1138 — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:17:53 +0000

My brother is inactive. We still invite him to everything, and figure the door isn’t completely shut on him coming back to the fold. You have to keep loving them and don’t turn your back unless there is a really good reason. They’ll come back when they’re ready. You can’t push it or you’ll make things worse.

By: Sage

Sage — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:02:39 +0000

I have two sisters that are inactive. I don’t know that they will ever be interested in the church–the reasons they are inactive are difficult. Indian placement program foster brother/sexual abuse/usually while my parents were attending the temple. But I do feel I could do better in keeping in touch with them. This post reminds me how important that is.

I call them about twice a year. Not really enough.

And more prayer for their welfare. And of their children.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 09:56:11 +0000

It is good to hear stories like this. I know why own family is inactive, and I pray for them a lot. But I also know that they are good people. When the time comes, I hope they do return to church as I feel it has a lot to offer. If not, though, I feel at peace knowing that they are trying the best they can right now with what they have. I think that counts for a lot.

By: Melissa M.

Melissa M. — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 04:15:47 +0000

Thanks to those of you who have commented. I know that having family members who are less active can be a particularly sorrowful and tender experience, and that we all have our unique challenges and approaches in these situations, but I know that the Lord will help and inspire and support us, and that He is watching over our loved ones. Thank you for sharing your experiences and wisdom, all of you!