I have something I've been wrestling with for a while. I've been hoping it would slink away into oblivion, but it appears I'm not going to be that lucky. I'm going to do this in two parts, since I was to see if the response differs, based on a twist I was to throw in at the end...
Let's say you're a member of an organization. It's not a bad organization, but your membership in the organization has been a little rocky of late, and when you look back over the past couple of decades, there seems to be a definite downward trend.
Some of the problems you're experiencing are:
The organization likes to use examples of bad behavior to try and encourage the behavior it thinks is desirable. Unfortunately you've followed in the foot steps of some of those examples. Knowing how those bad examples have been treated by the organization in the past, you have a pretty fair idea of how they're treating you.
Which brings up the next point... The organization has a wicked grapevine too, from which no-one is immune. The only time you can be sure that you're not being spoken about is when you're in attendance.
The organization has 1 particular belief that it believes is core to it's existence. Unfortunately you no longer subscribe to that belief.
The organization views you as somewhat of a bad apple. A rebellious spirit if you will, and treats you as such.
OK... So there is the relationship with the organization in a nutshell. There is obviously more too it than that, but I think that's enough to get a sense of it.
The organization has some good benefits for both parties, member and organization, and there is a fair amount of history between you and it.
Recently events have caused a significant split between you and the organization.
Is it worth pursuing your membership in the organization, or do you think it better to just leave it behind and continue on with the positive influences of the organization as a foundation for something better?
I wondering what you think the best decision might be. Obviously that's a little cryptic, and some of you might be able to see where I'm heading with that question, but if you could base you opinion on the facts currently on the table, I would really appreciate it!
There are no wrong answers, I'm just looking for some different perspectives.
"Is it worth pursuing your membership in the organization, or do you think it better to just leave it behind and continue on with the positive influences of the organization as a foundation for something better?"
ReplyDeleteYes, and here's why:
-You're not a bad apple, but your ward might be. I read some of your stories and wonder if we even belong to the same church. The frustrations you express may be wide spread in Utah and concentrated on your current location, but please realize the mindset is not universal.
-You're experience has been dictated (as far as I can deduce) primarily by emotion. I'm not suggesting you take emotion out of the equation, but I'd humbly suggest you 1) remove yourself somehow from the heart of the storm, and 2) let the emotions cool before making any decisions.
-The arguments you've made about corruption don't hold water with me. I've refrained from commenting on them because I'm not sure the debate fits this medium, but I'd caution you to avoid letting these things drive your decision.
-I was soured to the subject of chemistry in high school because my chemistry teacher sucked. Later in college I realized that not only was chemistry a fulfilling subject, but that I actually had a knack for it. Don't let the teacher (uptight ward members and leaders) spoil the subject (the gospel), which exists independent of them.
Excellent points Mr. Sirmize, and thanks for comments. I especially like that last one.
ReplyDeleteThe organization in this situation isn't my ward or any specific part of the Church however. Some of it is still relevant, particularly the emotion parts, because in the situation, emotion plays a huge part.
I'll elaborate more either later today, or tomorrow...
Middle of a triathlon...first mile of the running segment...small pebble in your shoe causing discomfort and occasional pain...do you wait until the end of the race to stop and pull it out or do you resolve the issue immediately. How much discomfort and pain I choose to endure is up to me, but in the end the pebble will be removed and will care less where it lands.
ReplyDeleteOh, to be a pebble.
Loving your blog!
I like the way you think, my Off Grid friend!!
ReplyDeleteThere is a small detail I left out which will complicate this a little, but perhaps not having that detail makes it more objective. Either way I think your advise is pretty sound, but it could be applied a few ways.
And finally.... Thanks! Very appreciative of having you along for the ride.
The devil is in the details...especially the small ones!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your Thanksgiving weekend and keep steering this ship in a similar direction...I like its course!
Don't have any answers for you, but offering prayers for a safe journey!
ReplyDeleteclink
Thanks Clink and my Off Grid friend... That's actually really funny...
ReplyDeleteAbout to write the tell-all next post and you may see how this all fits together.