Hi there Kevin, from your post I could just swear you were my younger brother. Much the same story, minus the Ricks part. He served his mission in France, got married in the Oakland temple, divorced 5 years later, no kids thankfully. But he is much like you, although he still seems to feel alot of pressure from the family to be active again, but he doesn't get it that we love him regardless. Sure we would LOVE for him to come back to church, but as you say, maybe that isn't in the 'plan' for him right now. However, I do believe that if we, my family (mom and I in particular) have enough faith, like Alma senior when his son was running about with his friends spreading lies about the church, I believe that he will come back. Equally so I hope you have not shut that out of your life permanently either. I know the life of an inactive, and being bitter, I served my mission in Seoul Korea, went to Ricks for a whole year, had every calling from Beehives to Laurels, so on and so forth, but the 'happy ending' of a marriage in the temple was not on the books for me. My loving husband is a strong (not devout!) Muslim from Egypt and I love him dearly. When we met, I was fixin' to head out and there he was to wine and dine me! 13 years later we are still together, and after 8 years or so, I am back to church. As I feel it is for my brother, I believe that this is a test for you and him. I believe everything happens for a reason. Many of the experiences I have had throughtout my life, while active and inactive, have come to serve a very important purpose sooner or later. I am currently the Laurel advisor in my ward and dearly love the girls I have had such a blessing to work with. I don't condemn you for what direction you are going, just hope that you have not shut the door for permanent. If you have, maybe you have a window open. What can I say, I am very much so an optimist! I really think you will find good people here, I know I have!
mrscurlymo
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