Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Posted July 16, 2011 (edited) My sister, who is a non-member sent me an email wanting to talk to me about her tough times. She hasnt emailed since I replied, and I am very concerned. I have people that live in the same town as her, descretely checking on the situation. I have a feeling that drugs maybe involved. I am asking that you perahps pray that I might be able to, in some way, assist her with whatever issue she is struggling with.My sister and I used to be family friends, Then when my dad and I had a fall out, she stopped being a friend and just closed off the contact. This is the email she send me ...."I have just been dealing with some tough issues...just felt like reaching out. Please, don't tlk to mom about this...ok?One minute I want to tlk about it and the next I don't. Sorry, tough year! "I have sent several emails since she wrote that. I havent heard a reply. She is not a member along with the rest of my family. I'm not sure what else to do. Edited July 16, 2011 by Messenger
TAO Posted July 16, 2011 Posted July 16, 2011 I'm sorry things are this tough for you Messenger =/.... but I will pray for her, that I will.Humble Wishes,TAO 1
Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Author Posted July 16, 2011 Tao,Thanks. I think the only thing a person can do is be ready when they want to talk. I mean, what else can we do? Other than pray for her, I cant think of anything.
urroner Posted July 16, 2011 Posted July 16, 2011 If she lives close, try to include her in family activities if possible.Send her an email, or better yet, write her a letter talking about what has happened in the past and how the lack of the earlier friendship between the two of you has left a void in your heart/life.
Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Author Posted July 16, 2011 If she lives close, try to include her in family activities if possible.Send her an email, or better yet, write her a letter talking about what has happened in the past and how the lack of the earlier friendship between the two of you has left a void in your heart/life.Urroner,Thanks. She lives quite a ways away from me, it would take 12 hours of driving to see her. And, I could never get that much time off of work. But I did send an email and wrote quite a bit about my struggles trying to show that we have something in common. Also talked a little about our dad, as well. But to be honest, I have a lot more tools (the Gospel) than she does. So its going to be difficult for her. I think the family, for the most part, considers me a sucess with all of the things that I have overcome, because of the fact that I seem happy to them. The fact that I am a member of the church, and have the tools to be so, seems to be outside of thier understanding. For some reason they cant put two and two together as to why I am happier than I used to be. I certainly have a long way to go, and I'm not sure I would consider myself happy all the time. But I certainly am hopeful about my life and where I am going.My dad has such a stronghold on the family and is so anti-religion, that everyone is so affraid of finding out what might be out there as far as solutions that they never find them. He has pretty much cut me off from all communication that they all fear that will happen to them. Well, given the choice between communication to my dad, and communication to Heavanly Father, I chose the latter. But had I not had a testimony of him, I'm not sure I would have taken that kind of leap.
Garden Girl Posted July 16, 2011 Posted July 16, 2011 Hello Messenger...Praying now for both you and your sister... does she have a telephone? Can you call her vs sending an email? Maybe if you have a personal, voice contact she will talk to you... she will either have to talk or hang up.I think you're doing what you are able to do... by letting her know that you are there for her. Have you told her that you need her? I'm sure that you've told her you want her to be closer as a sister?As for your father, to be perfectly honest, his attitude is baffling but certainly he is not alone in this type of behavior. My question is, why is he (and others) so anti-religious in general and anti-LDS in particular? Does he not see that individuals who strive to follow a Christian path become happier as you have? Can he not see the benefit to individuals in terms of improving their lives? He may not be a believer, but why condemn you and cut off ties to you? Would he prefer you not be striving to keep the high standards of the Church? I'm simply baffled when people have this type of attitude, and as said, he is not alone in this.from the beach on a cool, rainy morning... I don't have to worry about watering the lawn this week... GG
Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Author Posted July 16, 2011 Hello Messenger...Praying now for both you and your sister... does she have a telephone? Can you call her vs sending an email? Maybe if you have a personal, voice contact she will talk to you... she will either have to talk or hang up.I think you're doing what you are able to do... by letting her know that you are there for her. Have you told her that you need her? I'm sure that you've told her you want her to be closer as a sister?As for your father, to be perfectly honest, his attitude is baffling but certainly he is not alone in this type of behavior. My question is, why is he (and others) so anti-religious in general and anti-LDS in particular? Does he not see that individuals who strive to follow a Christian path become happier as you have? Can he not see the benefit to individuals in terms of improving their lives? He may not be a believer, but why condemn you and cut off ties to you? Would he prefer you not be striving to keep the high standards of the Church? I'm simply baffled when people have this type of attitude, and as said, he is not alone in this.from the beach on a cool, rainy morning... I don't have to worry about watering the lawn this week... GGGG,I dont have her telephone number. Years ago I used to have it, but the only one that I have contact with in the family is my mom, and my sis wouldnt want me to ask her for her number. My mom knows that my sis doesnt want contact with me, and it would be obvious if I asked my mom for my sisters phone number - she would immediatly think something is wrong. My sis asked me not to tell my mom of her problems. I dont want to betray that trust. I understand there might be a point to where I would need to do that, but I dont see that right now. I did try looking it up in several directories, but she's unlisted. But I have some other ideas on that. I might be able to get it a different way and call her next week.My family is wierd thats about all I can say. I could write a book but I dont think it would be appropriate here. How I ever ended up in my family, im sure only Heavenly Father knows! But, I am in it for sure!
alter idem Posted July 16, 2011 Posted July 16, 2011 If it were me, I think I'd pray about how I can help my sister. I'm sure that if you are willing, the Lord will help you find a way to contact your sister--maybe prompt you on how to find her telephone number. Maybe you could email her your telephone number and also ask her to email her number so that you can call her. 1
Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Author Posted July 16, 2011 wow, thanks a lot you guys. She finally emailed me back. I wont go into the details, but the important thing is that we have taken the first step. I hope that she keeps the door open.
Messenger Posted July 16, 2011 Author Posted July 16, 2011 Heh, I just got some insight about the whole thing. I think I understand whats going on. I suppose its a good thing that I have so much experience in church welfare. This will be interesting to see how this plays out.
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