Recovery from Mormonism

by The Man in Black Nov 2011

So recently I was told by a member of my bishopric that due to my lack of attendance I should not bless my child. So naturally I did it anyway.

There wasn't a lot of fanfare or resistance from anyone. I just scheduled it, got dirty looks from people, and did it anyway.
Without going into too many particulars I did it to maintain peace with the relatives and people from whom I may someday inherit money, so there's my rationale.

I chose my words very carefully. I gave the baby a "name by which he/she shall be known throughout his/her life" but I left off, "and on the records of the Church."

I blessed my child to "come to a knowledge of the truth of the Church" but not to "come to a knowledge of the truthfulness of the Church."

I blessed my child to be an example and "help others to come to a knowledge of truth." Not "come to a knowledge that the Chruch is true."

I blessed my child to marry happily and rear a noble family, but I made no mention of the temple.

I blessed my child to grow strong and to be a missionary, but I did not say "serve a mission."

I blessed my child do what is right in spite of peer pressure, but I didn't say that the peer pressure was outside of the Church itself.

Lastly, I blessed my child to know that he/she is loved unconditionally and that his/her family loves him/her without reservation.

Afterward many people came up and told me it was a beautiful blessing. Sadly, I doubt any of them knew what it meant. What matters is that nobody is going to tell me what I can and can't do for the well being of my kids. Sure, the blessing has no binding effect since the Church is BS. What matters is that my kids know they are loved, and to hell with the Corporation of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Money Changers.

It's more than my parents did for me.

Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/28/2011 06:03PM by The Man in Black.

Strykary
Good for you, MiB
You're right about them not understanding the meaning of the blessing. Their rose colored glasses are so red that they can't see their own hands in front of their faces.

Nightingale
Very well done!
I'm so glad you were able to do it your way. It does sound like a lovely blessing. Many non-mo parents hold blessing ceremonies for their children. It's a great idea, something for parents and kids to treasure for life.

Congrats on finding a fitting solution to an often thorny issue.

Timothy
Good on you, dude!
Ya gots balls as big as church bells, Reverend!

Timothy

freeman
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
I blessed my son that he would be able to discern truth with a kind mind, logic and reasoning. Nobody "got it" either.

wine country girl
SCORE!!!!! 

summer
People hear what they want to hear.
Congratulations on taking your own power!

Raptor Jesus
Unworthy! Now your baby's cursed. Better throw it out with the bath water. 

Charlie
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
I blessed my son with a father's (Patriarch's) blessing, declared his lineage and sealed upon him the blessings given to his forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and especially those given to his father, Ephriam. I did it as his patriarch as I had the right to do. No one said a word.

AtheistMarine
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
A more secular babtism, sending hidden messages? I like it

intellectualfeminist
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
Good for you, MIB!! I have the utmost respect and compassion for people who have to deal and live with the cult due to family, yet manage to retain their personal integrity on their own terms. You're a far better person than they will ever know......keep sticking it to those assholes. My kids are still Mormon by choice (and their dad's insistence), but I keep the lines of communication open with them and do everything I can to show them life and meaning outside the cult bubble; the older they get, the more the cult facade begins to wear thin and the more glimpses they catch of the ugliness underneath.

Scooter
color me impressed
sure got that irony thing working for you.

MollieNoMore
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
BRAVO!

Greyfort
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
Alright! Way to go. :o)

elee
You tha MAN, MiB!
When you posted about this initially, I really hoped this was the way it would work out for you. They pushed you. You pushed back.

You should be very proud of yourself. And as long as you need to participate, keep pushing back when those mouthy asshats try to push you around.

deconverted2010
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
I'm so happy for you, that you were able to do it and to choose your words. Kuddos to you. And for the record, you sound very worthy of giving your child a blessing!

D

honestone
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
I absolutely love that. Excellent. It should be posted somewhere for others to use something similar. YOU did good. And your words will one day be explained to your child and they will understand.

Sorcha
Well done, MiB!
Am happy for you and for your child to have you as a parent! Made my day!

dieublanc
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
That's awesome. Way to go!

cl2
I'm impressed!!! 

angsty
Right on! 

dclarkfan1
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
"The good guys dress in black, remember that!"

anagrammy
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
Good for you, grandson, I am so proud.

Next time bless a boy so that he will grow up and see through his mission.

I promise no one will notice a thing....

Good work!!!

Ana

unworthy
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
Good for you!! Lead on,,,

catnip
I think we were ALL blessed by this special event! ROCK ON!!! 

WiserWomanNow
Great blessing!
Be sure to keep a copy. The day will come when your child will be old enough to appreciate the thoughts and love behind the blessing!

Queen of Denial
Standing ovation. 

introvertedme
Re: I was "unworthy" to bless my child. So I did it anyway.
Love it - WTG!

imalive
Ditto on all the bove posts. Great job there! :-D 

derrida
I'm surprised you were allowed to bless the baby--not a "saving" ordinance I guess. 

"Recovery from Mormonism - www.exmormon.org"