Hello all...I think I'm about to dip my toe in the well of faith...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x7619051

I guess I posted it in the Lounge first, b/c in a way I feel safe there, even though I'm prey to the wolves, so to speak.

Anyway, long story short. I'm 31, married last summer, almost done with my Econ degree (doing an extra year, next year, to take more classes and do Ind. study, and Internships.)

My Mom (age 62) was diagnosed with ALS in July 07. She's progressing somewhat slowly, but getting progressively worse. One would think that having someone around longer would be better, but ALS is so cruel. I can't even go into detail.

My Dad has had MS since I was born almost, about 30 yrs. since diagnosis, he's very sick right now, in the hospital for 2+ months. Went in for kidney stone removal, got a hospital acquired intestinal infection, on Vancomycin for 6 weeks.

I'm just at my pre-established limit.

So, I am going to try keeping it together, and then I'm going to go to church. I've been putting a lot of thought into it, and I think it's the correct course of action for me right now.

Hmm.

:)

I noticed you're thinking of going to a UU church. That's a good option, especially if you're not "churched". I'm a pastor in the United Church of Christ (yes, Jeremiah Wright's denomination :eyes:), so would, of course, encourage you to consider a UCC church...but mostly hope you'll find a place that gives you the support you need with all you're going through.

My advice would be to seek out the clergyperson of whatever congregation you choose fairly soon, for a conversation about all that's happening in your life. Along with a good, comforting worship experience, I hope you'll find one-on-one support and relationship. You've got a lot on your plate, and any clergyperson worth her weight will be willing to offer you tons of support. Don't be afraid to ask for that.

Oh, and welcome to the Progressive Faith group. You'll also find tons of support here. We're a good bunch--except Rabrrrr, of course, but you knew that :) I'm glad you've stopped by...and you'll be in my prayers!!

I LOVE them! Really in line with my beliefs and super GLBT friendly.

I remember when I walked past a couple years ago, and they had the "People of Faith for Marriage Equality" banner across the front of the church. :D

Plus, John Adams is buried there. :P

:pals: Thank you so much for your sdvice.

I think your school would offer free or low-cost services. Otherwise, there are sliding-scale organizations out there as well.

There might be support groups for people in similar situations to yourself, and individual counseling with a trained psychotherapist can be a wonderful way to get support. Do the church thing, too, the community support is great to have. I tend to think the trained psychotherapy better than pastoral counseling, however, unless you have a really special pastor.

You are definitely in a very high-stress situation. Best wishes to you.

Some congregations have support groups for members going through various kinds of crises. Even if there is no appropriate group in your church of choice, the clergyperson may know of others in the community.

Welcome to our group!! :hug:

Know that no matter what your decision, my prayers are with you.

Fenris and I started going to church together and we really like it. We went to one church and found it wasn't for us (actually a lot of people have decided that; they've gone through a lot of turmoil in the past couple of years) but last summer we ended up at a different Episcopal church that we adore. We're both pretty involved in it, which surprises both of us, since we figured we'd be the 'back of the church' types. It's very progressive, of course. You just have to find the right fit for you.

So I really, really wish you all the best in *everything* and PM me if you ever want to talk about this or anything else. :hug::loveya:

As others have stated, you are dealing with a tremendous amount of stress
and uncertainty in your life right now.

You need support and someone you can talk with.

Your decision to return to church is a wise one.
It's important that you feel comfortable, and it sounds like you have found
a church that fits you.

I switched denominations within the Protestant church( please our clergy members,
correct me if I stated this incorrectly) to find one that fit me.

Welcome to our group- it's an oasis of sanity and support.

:hi: :hug:

I thinking about you, and sending good thoughts and prayers your way.:hug: