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Lindylou
Registered user
Username: Lindylou

Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 5:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello everyone, I tried to introduce myself this morning - but must have done something wrong because it didn't take! So I shall try again!

I'm Linda. I've been "listening" in on your wonderful discussions for a few weeks now. I was introduced to the forum thru an email reply from Colleen, who also introduced me to one of your own - "Dd" - "Dd" and I live in the same area. It was wonderful to meet her and connect with someone else who is on this journey of discovering the wonderful Good News of the Gospel of Jesus - and someone who understands the sometimes lonely transition out of the SDA church.

My story is a familiar one to many of you. I grew up as a 4th generation SDA (such pride in those words!) My dad dedicated his life to this church - which resulted with us living the fishbowl life. I was never completely satisfied with it tho. I always questioned the eliteness of it - Why did everyone else have to come to the SDA church to be saved? Why did we always interpret the Bible thru EGW? Why was there such a discrepency between what was preached by the "brethren" and their own personal lives?
I pondered these things - even while living a fairly sheltered existence - as many of you were describing in one of your recent conversations.

Anyway... In the late 80's my husband and I found ourselves in the middle of some real fanatical stuff - deliverance ministry and the getting of thought messages - telling of the soon to come end of the world! (You'd better get your act together!)

Fortunately, we got out of that mess - and then found ourselves going as "missionaries" to a small island in the Pacific. It was there that I met wonderful Christian people who were NOT SDA! What a novelty! That was the real beginning of having my eyes opened to the fact that all was not right with the SDA world.

Since that time, I have been taking baby steps away from adventism. My mom took a giant step and left the SDA church altogether when she found Jesus for the first time. She was a brave one considering her husband was into adventism hook line and sinker.
Over the last 10 years I have been playing the hokie pokie with adventism - and it is just recently that I've realized that this one foot in thing isn't working. It is time to take the big leap.

People who know me - won't be surprised - I've always created controversy with my questions in sabbath school class. For years, I have felt like the black sheep of the religion. but I thought it was my duty and mission to get people to think outside the box!

I am now ready to wipe the SDA dust off my shoes and go on. But it is hard to step out of the cultural clothes that I've been recognized by for years. Non SDA's don't seem to quite understand my insistance to correct them about my church affiliation when it comes up in conversation. and as you all know - SDA's are taken aback by the proclamation. A kind of no man's land at times.

Anyway.... I just wanted to say how much I've appreciated your supportive and encouraging discussions - even as the girl with her eye at the keyhole and her ear at the wall. Now I am ready to open the door and join in your discussions.
Chris
Registered user
Username: Chris

Post Number: 602
Registered: 7-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 8:20 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome Lindylou! I look forward to hearing more from you. BTW, you have a great writing style :-)

Chris
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 1326
Registered: 12-2003
Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 9:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Linda, I'm so glad you've joined us! You described your circumstances so well--they "feel" familiar, even though the details are unique.

You are facing perhaps the biggest change of your life. It is very scary--and very exciting, all at the same time. Don't be surprised if you become wracked with attacks of doubt and fear; I think all of us experienced those as we left. It is normal; it's part of the spiritual warfare--but I don't mean to "weird you out" by that phrase after you experience in deliverance ministries!

It's real, though--we don't fight flesh and blood, and the spirit of Adventism doesn't let us go without attacks of doubt to try to keep us inside.

Just remember that praying and going to Scripture is the antidote for those moments. God is completely faithful. Praise Him for how He is leading you to Himself!

And you can always come here and vent or share or ask questions or ask us to pray for you. We'll be here with and for you!

Looking forward to hearing more from you!

With prayers for you,
Colleen
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd

Post Number: 325
Registered: 7-2004
Posted on Tuesday, February 01, 2005 - 9:34 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Oh Lindy, it is GREAT to "see" you here! Welcome! You will love it here at FAF...remember...I told you so!! :-)

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