Something I Never Thought Would Happen
I called my Mom's house just a minute ago to thank my stepdad for the money that he put into my account (he gave my sisters and I some money because he won 30 grand at the casino), and she told me something extremely odd; apparently one of my sisters has decided to be
baptised in 11 days. Jess wants to be baptised into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, which is not our family's religion. Ever since Jess has been spending a lot of time with my ex-Aunt, she's been going to this Mormon church with her for about a year or so. My Mom and I didn't approve of this from the start, but Jess insisted on going. I feel as though my sister is making an extremely rash decision, a decision that will affect the rest of her life. My sister is very impressionable and naive, and I feel that she's been swayed into making this decision by my Aunt. I feel this way because Jess had never before expressed an interest in going to church or of being baptised before she started spending so much time with my aunt. My poor Mother is at her wit's end discussing this with Jessica, because although my Mom wants to be supportive, this is a decision that is not easily supported by any of our family members. I'm scared for my sister. I love her and I want to support her in the decisions that she makes, but in my heart I don't think that I will ever feel like this is a decision that will positively affect her life. I want her to change her mind, but I also want her to follow her heart. But is she following her heart, or is she being persuaded? I'm also scared that if Jess is baptised that she'll begin to judge my life choices, such as living with my boyfriend before marriage. I couldn't stand to be looked down on by my little sister. This probably doesn't even make any sense but I'm so confused and I don't know what to do. If my sister was known for being headstrong, then I would support her; unfortunately she's a follower. I suppose I'll do some research on this religion, and ease my suspicions of it being a cult-like atmosphere for a young girl. I don't know whether I'm in the position to say something to my aunt; my Mom won't say anything because she's afraid that she'll freak out on my aunt. If my sister does decide to go through with this, is there a way I can still be a good sister without supporting or liking her decisions?
ARGH. I'm so angst-y.