Sad Times

For those of you who don't know me but are just happening upon this blog, the most important thing to know about me is that

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Because of my membership, I know where I was before I was born, why I'm here on earth, and where I am going after I die. I love my family with all my heart and I am grateful for the knowledge I have that I will be with them forever. I am overcome with emotion when I think of my Savior and the sacrifice of his life on my behalf. I believe in and obey all the teachings given to us by our living prophet. My life is the gospel. I want to be better because of it. I do all that I can to be a good example to my children and to my non-member friends.

I am prefacing my post with my testimony so you will understand the profound affect this next part has had on me.

This past week I received an email from the first visiting teacher I had after I was married. I had emailed her to see how she was doing and she responded by letting me know that she had resigned her membership in our church. After the initial shock, sadness set in. I know everyone has the right to choose the course of their life. I am not judging what she has decided to do with her life or to the lives of her children, but I am sad. I am sad that someone who believed as profoundly as I do is now, not only, no longer a member, but is bitter towards the church. Oh how I wish everyone would feel the same as me. I understand that there is opposition in all things, but I just can't help but sit and wonder how she got to this point in her life. She says she is happy and I am glad she is, but I am sad at the same time. Has anyone else experienced this?