Can't practice faith, and of all days, today.

[Susie~Q]

The situation here makes it hard to find a good day where I can sort of drive. I want to talk about things like this in person, not on the phone if I can help it. Since I've been hopping from parish to parish for Mass attendance, I feel that I don't have a "home priest" to talk to, which makes me sad.

I have to admit, I'm scared to reach out for help. I know one lady who might be excellent, but I'm worried she'll think that I'm only contacting her when I need something.

If it the lady that you have told me about, I seriously doubt if she will think that at all, I think she would be very happy to at least discuss things with you.

 

[Michie]

I know what you are saying, but even though this is LB's right, the family could make it extremely difficult for her, I don't think her brother has any fear of any law, he thinks he is "Mr Perfect" and this could very well through her dad in more of a rage. I am telling you, I have been corresponding for over a year, I think I am on to how that family of hers thinks, it isn't a normal situation and I fear for her.

It smarter to seek out professional help than to live under duress. Internet advice is not going to help anything. She needs to get the professional, real life help she needs on several levels so people are aware of the situation and she can get the assistance and real advice she needs. I know about her family. It’s a step that needs to be taken for everyone’s benefit and to break this cycle. It’s the last I’ll say on the topic. I’ve told LB the same several times before. I’m not here to instill more fear into the situation.

 

[Lady Bug]

I appreciate you two's perspectives but please bear with me, I'm too tired to "arbitrate."

 

[mourningdove~]

The situation here makes it hard to find a good day where I can sort of drive. I want to talk about things like this in person, not on the phone if I can help it. Since I've been hopping from parish to parish for Mass attendance, I feel that I don't have a "home priest" to talk to, which makes me sad.

I have to admit, I'm scared to reach out for help. I know one lady who might be excellent, but I'm worried she'll think that I'm only contacting her when I need something.

Unfortunately, your situation has isolated you to where you haven't been able to get out and make connections with those who might be able to help and support you. And the situation affects your health in ways that makes it hard for you to even function at times. I sure do understand all of that. But thank goodness for the internet, right? You clearly have friends here who care very much about you.

I specifically mentioned your priest, because I see this situation as greatly affecting your ability to practice your faith and you feel poorly about this. While confession absolves us of the sins we are responsible for, I just don't see you as being responsible for all the spiritual struggles you continue to face. If the priest really understood your situation, I think he might agree that your situation involves extraordinary circumstances that are beyond your control to change. And that makes you less guilty than you are feeling.

I've never been comfortable asking for help, but I've learned that there are good people in this world who care about others and will want to help. It sounds like the lady you know may be one of those persons. The truth right now is that you do need something, and that is a friend 'offline' to talk to. Nothing wrong with that; we all need others in time of need. So yes, this lady may be one that God is providing for you at this time. I'd sure give some thought to reaching out to her.

 

[mourningdove~]

I appreciate you two's perspectives but please bear with me, I'm too tired to "arbitrate."

Having once been in a tough situation, I learned that sometimes it's best to be 'compliant' (go along to 'keep the peace') ... and other times, it's best to 'fight'. Only you can know what's best for you in your situation at any given time, and how much strength you have to deal with it. Sometimes these situations can so wear a person down that it's just not possible to fight for oneself. And other times, one must fight in order to survive.

When I did not know what to do ...
when I was too weak or weary to do anything ...
I found "Jesus, I trust in You" to be a very wonderful prayer.