u/Far_Fennel_6611

Hi! Back here again needing advice.

About a month ago I (22F) was going to church regularly, paying tithing, and reading scripture everyday. The only thing I was lacking was ministering. I've always been bad at being the first to reach out, but I was working on it in therapy.

And then I was in an accident. It's been over 8 weeks since I've gone to church. I was in physical pain (slipped disc and damaged nerves) and had a hard time doing anything, so attending church wasn't my priority at the time.

Then things got worse. Both of my cars died. I got one fixed, but only enough to get to work and back, not enough to take the 40 minute drive to church.

And then my family blew up. My aunt's fiancee broke it off with her last minute. I've been taking care of her since (they live next door).

A few weeks ago someone from church reached out to me about my absence and lack of participation. Meanwhile, my entire life structure feels like it's crumbling.

Next week I'll have a vehicle and will be able to go to church again. On one hand, I still believe in the Lord and want to go back. I miss socializing and the charity I used to do. On the other hand, it's been a really long time. I don't want to be judged for disappearing for a while. I don't want anyone I know in person to know I've been struggling, especially because I know others are suffering far worse than me and are still making it to church every week.

I feel like a lazy member who hasn't done enough. I have a calling, but I've never really done anything with it and no one has given me much direction when it comes to what I'm supposed to be doing (young women's secretary).

It all feels like a mess now and a part of me wants to put in the towel and join an "easier" church. There's another part of me that knows I'm a better person when I'm active in this church specifically. It all feels like a mess.

Advice from members and non members appreciated.

TLDR: I put church on the back burner while dealing with a lot of life stuff that happened all at once. It's been over 8 weeks since I've done anything church related. Do I go back? If so, how do I deal with the judgement from others.

I (F22) have no idea what to do/ what's going on anymore.

About 2 weeks ago I had what I now suspect to be sciatica pain begin. It was mostly in my right hip, radiating down my leg to about my knee. It wasn't terribly bad, but it was noticable considering I have a very active job.

That pain kept getting worse and worse until I couldn't walk without a cane. Then it got so bad I ended up in the ER. That was on Sunday June 21st

ER gave me enough pain meds to tranquilize a horse, got 2 CTS and an X-ray of my hip. All of that came out normal and they sent me home with the max amount of pain medications they could and a referral to Ortho.

I go to Ortho the next day (June 22nd) and they order an MRI for scheduling. The Ortho Drs say they're concerned and think I have Cauda Equine Syndrome. Dr says to keep an eye on toilet habits and just wait for results.

Got the MRI done yesterday (June 24th) and still no results. Pain is now consistent but manageable and I haven't lost control of my bowels or bladder. Peeing is getting harder and harder to do (sitting on the toilet for like 30 minutes at a time and still feels full after going) and I've only gone #2 once and it looked more like a bunny had used the toilet.

What I'm worried about is the fact that my right leg constantly feels like someone is sitting on it. I can still move it, but only with a lot of effort. My right leg feels like it's asleep constantly and my left feels mostly fine except in the inner thigh area where I can't feel anything but pins and needles. I don't think it would be CES considering that they have me waiting on the MRI results until July 2nd.

It should also be noted that my family has a long history of herniated discs. My mother currently has 4 herniated discs and is getting surgery soon.

Should I be worried? Do I call the Drs or do I just chill till I get the followup appointment? I don't have anyone to ask advice from. So comments are appreciated.

TLDR: back issues with possible cauda equina syndrome. Drs are taking their sweet time for mri results. I'm panicking bc I can't feel my right leg or my inner thighs. Should I be more concerned or should I just rest till results come in?

Hi I (F22) really feel called to serve a mission. I've been an official baptized member of the church for a little over a year and have changed so much for the better. I love my church and it truly feels like the home I've been longing for for years prior to joining.

When I first joined I had a lot of direct inspiration from the spirit. My questions were answered incredibly quickly and very directly. It was truly inspiring and my story has helped others join the church. Missionaries asked if I would ever be interested in serving a mission myself and I've been thinking and praying about it ever since.

This is the only time I've never had direct answers from the spirit and I think that means I should follow my heart and that it is ultimately up to me to choose what to do. I really REALLY want to, but I'm not naive. The world is a big big mess right now and 18 months is a long time. My heart says to go on the mission. My brain says that it might be too dangerous due to the wars and other things happening in and outside of the USA.

I'm not worried about my job. I'm not worried about my home being taken care of. I'm worried about getting stuck somewhere because something awful happened or coming home to an environment that I don't recognize.

TLDR: I feel called to do a mission, but I'm afraid of the world because of the political climate currently. Should I take the risk? Should I stay home? Thoughts and opinions are greatly appreciated!