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[wombat2u2004]

Never mind Candace....you WILL find your own way

[Marigold2]

How brave and intelligent you are to find your own path instead of being lead.
You are blessed, and the right place will be there for you soon.
Change is good, change is growth, change is a part of daily life, our souls and hearts are not meant to stay in one place but to experience as much of this world as we can be it through travel, different culture, religion, friends.
Many are afraid of change, but the wise know it is a daily experience and to embrace it as you are.

[kitten645]

Everyone grows and everyone changes. You and your needs are not what they were 10 years ago. I am in awe of people that stay married because of this law of nature. Change is what life is all about. You will find your way.
Claudia

[NicoleLJ]

I know exactly how you feel. I decided the same thing a few months ago about my church. It is a very hard and personal relationship and even now, a few months after my decision, it still hurts me a great deal. Hang in there. It does get better.

[Catty1]

Thank you all SO MUCH.

I think my one regret at this point is that I handled part of 'giving notice' rather badly. Understandable, since the state of mind and emotional condition was really unfamiliar to me.

I have known the priest for a good 6 - 7 years. His one reply was 'after 6 or 7 years - an email? get real.'

And he is right. He's only another human being, and my (understandable) selfishness, fear and the indirect and impersonal communication with him hurt his feelings, I am sure.

I'll make any amends I need to, and be accountable.

Also - the church community helped me through many rough times over the years. Now that many of those seem to be over and I am on an even keel - do I feel I don't need them any more? This bears some thinking as well.

HUGS and peace to all of you.

[FabulouslyFierce]

It is so brave of you to follow your own path and do what you know is right for you. Feelings may be hurt, but the people who truly love you will stick by your side.

[wombat2u2004]

I think my one regret at this point is that I handled part of 'giving notice' rather badly. Understandable, since the state of mind and emotional condition was really unfamiliar to me.

I have known the priest for a good 6 - 7 years. His one reply was 'after 6 or 7 years - an email? get real.'

That's ok. I know it's easier to send an email than to go thru the trauma of direct confrontation. But sometimes it's better to do it that way, because you can really speak your mind and not be swayed by the replies to your concerns. I'm sure you spelt it out the way you felt, and I think he should understand that.

[Marigold2]

A church is a business. Most people don't look at it that way but they are, especially if they have schools to run as mine did. It's a business, they want money and some are shameless in asking for it.
A church is also made up of good and bad people as any business is.
Those people in the church that are your friends can still be and you can still see them as you choice.
You might not worship in the same building or have the same beliefs but friendships should not if they are true need to be of the same faith or belief.
Many people have changed their minds on the churches teaching as we have grown in technology and wisdom.
Most people I have found only follow some not all of their churches teachings. I know at this point of no Catholics who do not practice birth control that is forbidden by the church. That does not make them bad Catholics it makes them wise people who only have children they can afford or want.
The Lutheran church I was a member at said the earth was only 5 thousand years old. THAT WAS THE DUMBEST THING I EVER HEARD!
And yet........................... When the pastor said this I saw heads nodding believing............... I was speechless and then after the shock I figured they were too far gone to talk sense into so I left them to their ignorce and keep my mouth shut. I truly wanted to throw a fossell at them but I figured it would go over their head..............
I am still friends with members of my former church, three people in fact. One Dr and two nurses, only one the LPN is still there the other two have moved on.
But that is really my point, you have not lost friends, you are in the process of making new ones and of learning and growing and letting your soul sour. I hope you enjoy this very exciting and rewarding time in your life.