After welcoming Sunbeam into our little family we again had LV"s cousin Susannah come help out for six weeks. Sunbeam was such a sweet content little baby and if it wouldn't have been for our move I would have enjoyed those six weeks to the fullest but, this time there was much more work to be done than usual and I found having to spend six weeks doing nothing nearly impossible
Most days after directing Susannah what to pack I spent time cutting and sewing new clothes for us. Though the community we were moving to was still Old Order Amish there was hardly anything that was the same and I had to make all new clothes to fit the standards.
We had our moving day set for when Sunbeam turned seven weeks old. A week or so before we had a message on our voicemail from my brother David to call a certain phone number. We called and when he informed us that he had left the Amish with his girlfriend we felt awful. People leaving the Amish was something that simply didn't happen in the community we grew up, so far none of either of our grandparents descendants had left. It all felt to horrible to even think about. That he would be willing to ruin family relationships by ignoring everything and walking away from everything we had ever been taught and knew was right was almost impossible to grasp.
We had already been feeling as if our little world was spinning out of control just because of our move but to have that news on top of everything else was almost too much to bear.
That must have been so tough and painful for you. I have 7 siblings and we're all very close. I can't imagine being in the same position that you were or having the strain on the relationship that you must have had.
ReplyDeleteI too know the heartache of a loved one leaving their faith behind...except it has been one of my children.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your life, though I know it must be painful to tell parts.
We come from a family steep into a denomination that believes just like the Amish if you leave that denomination you are cut off and excommunicated from the family. It did not matter that the denomination was not based on the free-gift of salvation in Christ. They believed it was a case of good works out weighing the bad, never sure of your own salvation. I lost contact with my family for 6 months and still have some members who will have nothing to do with my husband, children and I. My twin sister and I have not seen each other in over 20 years. It is very painful, yet when we seek salvation in Christ, He promised we would have some members of family who would turn against us. We even had one family member try to cause so much trouble for us with children services. My heart goes out to you. Over the years, we pray and some members have accepted us back, seeing our faith is constant, but some still hold out, insisting they have nothing to do with us. Yet I too have had to leave behind a relation fixed in destructive living because they would not allow the name of Christ to be mentioned in their home. It is not easy living for Christ, He promised it would cost us in ways we never imagine. It is part of our call to be living sacrifices for His glory. May God bless your walk.
ReplyDeleteMrs. J.
I'm still amazed that you went through all of this while pregnant and with a newborn. What a strong woman you must be!
ReplyDeleteAnd very interesting to read about the different clothing requirements in your new community.
Mary Ann...I,too, think you are a strong woman, facing what you need to as it arises. I'm sorry that had to deal with all these things at one time!
ReplyDeleteMrs.J and Miss J...I know the agony, as well, of not being accepted by a family member,due to our Christian lifestyle vs theirs of unbelief. We know that Christ is a choice, and don't force our choice upon them,but they do not accept us and our choice. Heartbreaking to say the least.
It always seems like when things are tough, more and more gets piled on your plate, so to speak. *Hugs*
ReplyDeleteThat must be very difficult. Hope in the midst of that you feel a little encouragement today! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteOh my, what timing... I can only imagine how earth shaking it must have been for your brother to leave your family and church. Having to make all new clothes sure stinks, although I had to do that myself when I got the revelation on worldly clothes being unfit for a Christian to wear. I can't wait to read what happened next. :)
ReplyDeleteI often wonder about the pains (assorted & varied) in my own life. Somehow I think they've moved me ever closer to the Lord; ever closer to authenticity; and ever closer to understanding grace better.
ReplyDeleteLove your stories ...
Kathleen
Hi - I am asking for fellow bloggers to visit my site in hopes that we can find a match for a young girl that desperately needs a bone marrow transplant. Would be great if you could visit today too. Thank you. Kelly
ReplyDeletehttp://ivebecomemymother.blogspot.com/2011/05/help-save-child-urgent-request.html
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That must have been such a blow to your heart. and I must imagine it has been hard to write about too. Blessings, Joanne
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ReplyDeleteThat must have been very difficult. Was the girlfriend Amish?
ReplyDeletePlease feel free to read a post from a old order Mennonite woman from New York state on Amish Stories. Thanks folks. Richard from the Amish settlement of Lebanon county.
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