Am I the Only One?

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Magenta

Senior Member
Jul 3, 2015
60,546
29,790
113
#62
Wow! Thank you so much, Magenta😊😊🥰🥰
You are ever so very much welcome :)

I am so happy for you that you have found counsel here that will help you stay the course. I am short on advice, but will say I was not as wise as you are in not wanting to wait to get out from under the restrictions that were put on me in my fairly strict religious family home. I will say that sin looks attractive to the uninitiated. The glamour and lure of freedom to do what you want, party, drink, hang out with friends, etc etc? I went there. What can I say? I was addicted for 24 years, almost died many times, wanted to kill myself on occasion, and only survived by the grace of God, Who was long suffering toward me as I ran in rebellion and defiance from Him, and to Whom I am now grateful for allowing me to survive the stupidity of my youth :) Blessings to you in your walk with Him (y)
 
Dec 22, 2020
1
1
1
#63
Hello. It's been a long time since I last engaged on this site. Some of you may recognize me. Some of you may not. It doesn't really matter. Okay...so it's been ages since I last written something like this, so bare with me😊

I've been feeling quite discouraged lately. I'm 17 years old and I've been raised very sheltered ever since I was born. My parents are super strict and sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I feel I'm expected to be the "perfect Christian girl." I've been struggling with my relationship with God and things I'm having a hard time dealing with. I don't have any close friends due to my upbringing and the fact its iterally been like I was sheltered from the outside world. I haven't really gotten the chance to make friends because I don't go to any sort of public school/university/college.

It's been hard for me because I feel so lonely. And I really get frustrated with my parents about it. I want a social life so badly...is it too much to ask? Is it rebellious to want to experience what's really out there just once?

I feel like I'm the only one whose remained pure....all my cousins around my age are literally out there partying and drinking. They're not really living a godly lifestyle in a sense. Like all of them. I don't know it seems teenagers nowadays seems to have lost moral values...well, at least I see it that way. It's hard to actually find someone who shares the same Christian values and who've remained pure, you know...

So, which comes to this. I really feel like like Elijah in the Bible where he said he felt like he was the only one who hadn't bowed down to Baal. And then the Lord reminded him there are 7000 (I apologise if I got the number wrong😅) other prophets who haven't bowed to Baal.

I know I'm not perfect. And I'm not trying to be self-centered here. I just feel alone...
.....................................................................
U are a valuable one !!!
And not alone !
 

Attachments

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#64
.....................................................................
U are a valuable one !!!
And not alone !

We wish you a warm welcome to CC, brother Andrew, and a MERRY CHRISTMAS too!:)
 
Sep 15, 2019
61
25
18
#65
Hello. It's been a long time since I last engaged on this site. Some of you may recognize me. Some of you may not. It doesn't really matter. Okay...so it's been ages since I last written something like this, so bare with me😊

I've been feeling quite discouraged lately. I'm 17 years old and I've been raised very sheltered ever since I was born. My parents are super strict and sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I feel I'm expected to be the "perfect Christian girl." I've been struggling with my relationship with God and things I'm having a hard time dealing with. I don't have any close friends due to my upbringing and the fact its iterally been like I was sheltered from the outside world. I haven't really gotten the chance to make friends because I don't go to any sort of public school/university/college.

It's been hard for me because I feel so lonely. And I really get frustrated with my parents about it. I want a social life so badly...is it too much to ask? Is it rebellious to want to experience what's really out there just once?

I feel like I'm the only one whose remained pure....all my cousins around my age are literally out there partying and drinking. They're not really living a godly lifestyle in a sense. Like all of them. I don't know it seems teenagers nowadays seems to have lost moral values...well, at least I see it that way. It's hard to actually find someone who shares the same Christian values and who've remained pure, you know...

So, which comes to this. I really feel like like Elijah in the Bible where he said he felt like he was the only one who hadn't bowed down to Baal. And then the Lord reminded him there are 7000 (I apologise if I got the number wrong😅) other prophets who haven't bowed to Baal.

I know I'm not perfect. And I'm not trying to be self-centered here. I just feel alone...
Hey , I’ve got good news for you : you’re NOT alone ! You are not the first (nor will you be the last) to feel the way you do. You mention being familiar with the structure of church. Thats good. Find a reliable youth leader and confide in him/her how you feel. Cry to God with your wondering/questions. I’ve just prayed for you that the Comforter will comfort you. You have a rich wonderful life ahead of you , full of friends and positive experiences. Trust God. You are VERY important to Him. Blessings.
 
Jun 22, 2020
1,231
741
113
Australia
#66
Hello. It's been a long time since I last engaged on this site. Some of you may recognize me. Some of you may not. It doesn't really matter. Okay...so it's been ages since I last written something like this, so bare with me😊

I've been feeling quite discouraged lately. I'm 17 years old and I've been raised very sheltered ever since I was born. My parents are super strict and sometimes I feel overwhelmed because I feel I'm expected to be the "perfect Christian girl." I've been struggling with my relationship with God and things I'm having a hard time dealing with. I don't have any close friends due to my upbringing and the fact its iterally been like I was sheltered from the outside world. I haven't really gotten the chance to make friends because I don't go to any sort of public school/university/college.

It's been hard for me because I feel so lonely. And I really get frustrated with my parents about it. I want a social life so badly...is it too much to ask? Is it rebellious to want to experience what's really out there just once?

I feel like I'm the only one whose remained pure....all my cousins around my age are literally out there partying and drinking. They're not really living a godly lifestyle in a sense. Like all of them. I don't know it seems teenagers nowadays seems to have lost moral values...well, at least I see it that way. It's hard to actually find someone who shares the same Christian values and who've remained pure, you know...

So, which comes to this. I really feel like like Elijah in the Bible where he said he felt like he was the only one who hadn't bowed down to Baal. And then the Lord reminded him there are 7000 (I apologise if I got the number wrong😅) other prophets who haven't bowed to Baal.

I know I'm not perfect. And I'm not trying to be self-centered here. I just feel alone...
Hi, its an older thread but anyway... Surely u have friends from school...

Helicopter parents are very very common these days
With your parents there comes a time when the apron strings have to be cut and the child becomes an adult...
Your an adult now and should be able to do what u like without asking your parents... Im not suggesting u rebel but just have a chat with them... You have bloomed like a flower and they know they will have to step back sooner or later... I mean, they do expect you to get married and start a family, don't they

Clubbing, drinking, dancing, there is nothing wrong with that, fun is permitted and encouraged...

A great way to meet people is to become involved in some kind of hobby, club, team or something...
U should be proud of remaining pure. U know the more people someone sleeps with the harder it is for them to pair bond resulting is the high level of divorces we see these days...

As for meeting a partner u should be ok i think, u come across as a nice girl, u look like a nice girl and your pure...
I think one of the best methods is meeting and dating guys that are friends or related to someone you know...
A friends brother or something

There are always the wild ones that go off the rails as teens, like myself unfortunately
 
S

SophieT

Guest
#67
I don't see how any of that is going on with Covid restrictions.

Clubbing, drinking, dancing, there is nothing wrong with that, fun is permitted and encouraged...
Right. Best Christian activities out there.

smh
 
Jun 22, 2020
1,231
741
113
Australia
#68
I don't see how any of that is going on with Covid restrictions.

Right. Best Christian activities out there.

smh
True... What better way to love one another than to celebrate together
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#70
er

funny the ones that grow up sheltered want to spread their wings and the ones that are pushed out of home desperately want to be sheltered.

Its always been that way. I hope you find some friends esp some youth at church I know oldies can less understanding of young ones but you can actually learn a lot from older people. How about your grandparents do you have any?
 
Sep 3, 2019
62
70
18
#71
Hi, its an older thread but anyway... Surely u have friends from school...

Helicopter parents are very very common these days
With your parents there comes a time when the apron strings have to be cut and the child becomes an adult...
Your an adult now and should be able to do what u like without asking your parents... Im not suggesting u rebel but just have a chat with them... You have bloomed like a flower and they know they will have to step back sooner or later... I mean, they do expect you to get married and start a family, don't they

Clubbing, drinking, dancing, there is nothing wrong with that, fun is permitted and encouraged...

A great way to meet people is to become involved in some kind of hobby, club, team or something...
U should be proud of remaining pure. U know the more people someone sleeps with the harder it is for them to pair bond resulting is the high level of divorces we see these days...

As for meeting a partner u should be ok i think, u come across as a nice girl, u look like a nice girl and your pure...
I think one of the best methods is meeting and dating guys that are friends or related to someone you know...
A friends brother or something

There are always the wild ones that go off the rails as teens, like myself unfortunately
Hello😊 Thank you for your post.

First off, I don't have any friends from school because I was homeschooled since I was ten. I never got that chance to make any friends. I'm 18 and still friendless. Sucks, right? NY parents struggled to create a community of other homeschooler because there weren't any were we lived. And we didn't really go to church that much. My parents were trying to look for that "perfect" church I guess. So my friends are my siblings I suppose. Which isn't so much fun lol

My parents do not like the idea of clubbing...I've never done it before and now with the lockdown restrictions here...every chance of socialising has gone down the drain. It really sucks coz I literaly feel bad when I see others have like a beat friend...and I'm like on my own and don't have anyone my age to talk to about stuff, you know.

But anyway, I don't want to repeat everything I already said.
 
Sep 3, 2019
62
70
18
#72
er

funny the ones that grow up sheltered want to spread their wings and the ones that are pushed out of home desperately want to be sheltered.

Its always been that way. I hope you find some friends esp some youth at church I know oldies can less understanding of young ones but you can actually learn a lot from older people. How about your grandparents do you have any?
Yeah, I know, right. I do have a grandma...but she lives quite far. Soo...yeah, hopefully, I'll find a church soon when all this covid is over. But I just feel I can't take this isolation anymore lol
 
Jun 22, 2020
1,231
741
113
Australia
#73
My parents do not like the idea of clubbing
Clubbing.... Ye look I hate be an online daddy and wave the finger but not alone. U need a little group of 3 at least even 2
And now I'm actually wondering how "streetsmart" u would be..... But u can't fear the future or else... u just can't live in fear

What do u love to do? Can u join a club? Yoga? my mum goes swimming and has a crew of friends... Reading groups...

What do u like?

Its easy to make friends when your young... Remember when we were kids, we would play with a stranger.
Get harder as u get older to let in new people... So meet people,
 
Jun 22, 2020
1,231
741
113
Australia
#74
Yeah, I know, right. I do have a grandma...but she lives quite far. Soo...yeah, hopefully, I'll find a church soon when all this covid is over. But I just feel I can't take this isolation anymore lol
Actually... Hold on a sec... Rewind... My first question should be why don't u go to university?
 
Sep 3, 2019
62
70
18
#75
Actually... Hold on a sec... Rewind... My first question should be why don't u go to university?
Complicated. I guess my parents aren't really fond of me going to university. 😕
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#76
Yeah, I know, right. I do have a grandma...but she lives quite far. Soo...yeah, hopefully, I'll find a church soon when all this covid is over. But I just feel I can't take this isolation anymore lol
keep in touch with her, write or phone her if you can. You only really have your grandparents for so long.
 
Jun 20, 2017
46
10
8
#77
I am fully persuaded Christ last suffer was with Lazarus. When the soldiers pierce christ side. Out came blood and water but not poop
Christ had been fasting. I believe 4 days, a pearl?

Any thoughts welcome.

Richard
 
Jun 22, 2020
1,231
741
113
Australia
#78
Complicated. I guess my parents aren't really fond of me going to university. 😕
That is so strange... :unsure:
What parent doesn't want their kid to go to university... That doesn't make sense.
U said it's complicated which only makes me wonder even more...

That's the best way for someone your age to meet people your age. And get an education for a decent career as well
 

Lanolin

Well-known member
Dec 15, 2018
23,460
7,188
113
#79
That is so strange... :unsure:
What parent doesn't want their kid to go to university... That doesn't make sense.
U said it's complicated which only makes me wonder even more...

That's the best way for someone your age to meet people your age. And get an education for a decent career as well
some parents think its too expensive, cant afford it, or they dont really want their offspring to mix with others who arent exactly like themselves. Many reasons.

I think with some really conservative parents, especially with daughters, dont really want them receiving a full/higher education and prefer them to get by on their looks rather than their brains.

Or maybe they want them to carry on the family business and dont see the value in university.
its usually the case that parents just cant afford it.
If they cant then you need to apply for a scholarship. There are christian universities and bible colleges so its not actually the case that all univserities are bad and secular. Even the secular univerisities often have active student christian fellowships.
 

DesertWanderer

Active member
Nov 17, 2019
366
201
43
61
New Mexico, USA
#80
Wow, great post, all of it. And so many great replies.

Okay, you can tell me I'm crazy for what I'm about to suggest, but here it goes.

Since you are now probably pretty close to 18 you may want to postpone college for a few years and join the military. I am assuming that the UK armed forces accept women with open arms just like the US. You might start with the Royal Airforce and see what they offer by way of training and education. (I support any military establishment that has the F-35 as their main fighter jet, just saying).

The reason I am so adamant about the military is, from what you have already stated in your replies, it sounds like you need to break out of the cacoon. That really is a polite way of saying you need to break free from your parents and be your own person.

If the armed forces are not an option, you may want to try the VSO. It's similar to the peace corps here in the states. Or maybe you want to try the very challenging mission field. You may even want to get a job on a cruise ship, after COVID, of course.

The point I'm trying to make is you just gotta get out of where you're at and start seeing the world. I joined the military when I was 17, and don't regret it one bit.