Posted on 10/11/2013 6:51:02 AM PDT by colorcountry
Our Transition of Faith
Everyone knows the story about our political ups and downs, if you don’t you can read back to the beginning of our blog. But what no one knows, and what we didn’t expect to come out at this time is the story about our religious transition.
Recently, a door opened that offered Carl an opportunity to run for the Utah State Legislature, a position that he once held and thoroughly enjoyed. My first instinct was to say, “H*ll no!” But, since I don’t use that sort of language, I settled for, “I know you’ll make the right decision, Dear.” Then I went into a three hour lecture on how simple and sweet life has been this past year.
Our Utah House Representative recently accepted the position as Lieutenant Governor, which means that his seat is now open for someone else. Being a person with much political ambition, Carl’s phone immediately blew up with calls from political friends as well as those in the media wondering if he was going to run for the position.
I’ll be honest; the pull to politics is strong, even for me. I enjoyed the five years he was in the legislature. It was a wonderful opportunity for our entire family as we grew leaps and bounds in our knowledge of the working government and the issues. We developed many lasting friendships as well as a strong sense of patriotism. It was an amazing overall experience.
The Congressional loss brought about a different kind of opportunity for our family. It taught us humility. Faced with multiple options at the time of the loss, we decided to make decisions without really seeking God’s help. Boy, did He teach us! He allowed us to stumble to an all-time low in order to convince us to look up and say, “God, you are in control.” As soon as we accepted this knowledge, the doors opened for the right path that we needed to follow. That path brought us to Gunnison.
Fast forward a year, and now we are faced with another open door to politics. What a tricky spot to be in as we have questioned whether this is a test or an opportunity. Ultimately, and with much faith, we have decided that this is not the right time. However, God works in mysterious ways, and this wasn’t all for nothing.
I mentioned that the media has been inquiring about his status. Salt Lake Tribune writer, Paul Rolly, finally reached Carl and asked about his religious beliefs of all things. Specifically, “Have you left the LDS Church?”
The answer is yes. Yes, we have left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormonism. We did so this year, but looking back, the process that got us here has been ongoing for many years. It wasn’t that we were lazy in our religion or faith, nor was it because we were offended or desired to be sinful. The reasons are much deeper and varied but won’t be shared at this time. Rest assured we have felt God’s guiding hands through the entire process.
Most of our family and some of our friends already knew about our transition, but many close and very dear friends did not know. We were not trying to keep it a secret; rather we were waiting for the right opportunity to tell others.
Some of you will be shocked, possibly hurt that we have made such a decision. Those of you who are active and faithful members in the church will sincerely question why, but you may hesitate to ask in fear of learning our response. A few will choose to believe we have been misled by Satan. The day I told my family about our decision, my brother posted a picture on Facebook of the “Kool-aid” man in jest. There’s no doubt that we will be watched closely by many and even judged by some. But there will also be those who are going through a personal crisis of faith who will reach out to us for help.
Although our political beliefs in individual liberty and freedom are as strong as ever, this was not the time for us to enter back into politics. However, the door was opened for a reason. We would love to share our testimony of faith to those who are seeking a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
-Sherry
We should keep the Wimmers in our prayers.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.
Eph 6:12
A follower of Christ would know this.
Phillipians 4
SPANK! -- A follower of Christ
Never heard that violence before, they do however shun even families and it is not uncommon to lose your job.
Mormonism has quite a violent history. There’s lots written about it out there.
Yep.
Wonderful scripture - you can hit me all day long with the work of God, I rejoice! Is there a reason you use King James English?
Intresten....
Do I take it, since your immediate response was to question my faith, that you will not join me in praying for the Wimmers?
Powerful, darkly satanic forces of the foreign, and most sexually foul Mormon sort are gathering against them. Should we not offer them any protection?
Why will you not join me in prayer?
What’s wrong with the King James version?
Joe Smif were a man of piece. He got a piece o her and a piece o her and...
Are we a cult too? Should I seek God's forgiveness, and your approval?
Not a thing wrong with it. I just asked why you use King James English.
How do you know I am not Mrs. Wimmer? ;)
What is your problem laotzu? You have a problem with a Mormon Republican politician turning to Christ?
I just don’t get it.
But thanks just the same for bumping the thread and showing your bias and hypocrisy.
Obvious. Mrs Wimmer would have thanked me, and joined me in prayer.
I heard she's a Christian, and that's what we do.
No prayers from you though.
Leftist hippies showing up at FreeRepublic to bash religion.
Oh, Shiz.......here we go again.
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