Surrounded by secularism. Overwhelmed by it

[ErJ]

Good afternoon, brothers and sisters.

Let me start off by saying that I’m in my senior year of high school, still living a normal teenager life with my mother and sister and lately I’ve been through a pile of changes. Also I’m a really introvertic and emotional person.
Well…Over a year ago I had fully converted to the faith: for the first time ever started living a practicing-Catholic life, got confirmed, completely changed as a person.
Although I was brought to the Catholic faith by my parents, they were never that practicing.
I’d tend to call it a ‘Christian tag’ and that doesn’t really say much. My parents claim to believe in God, but tend to keep it private. They don’t really believe in priests, Confession as a Sacrament, sometimes calls the Church fraudulent and stuff like that. Well basically, it’s called free will, I get it. But actually it deeply involves me.

I’m not only sinking into the daily criticism from my “friends”, but also from my MOTHER!
For example, I’m reading the Bible and then she comes in and tries to put all these secular ideas into my head, which is nonsense to me, like: “It’s not that cool”; “You can believe in God without showing it, like I do”; “This is not usual for people your age”, etc…
Or that she finds all the icons in my room, cross necklaces and bracelets that I’m owning obsessive and weird, and often confronts me with that, and because of that she fears that I’m gonna become a priest now…COME ON!

All these words coming from her really saddens me and also makes me angry. I’m really sorry it might come off as offensive but truly that’s how I feel - pathetic and dispirited. Once I even suggested her to pray with me and she just rejected the idea with disgust.

So, am I destined to hide my believes and all the spiritual practicing around secular people? Have you ever experienced something like that?
I’m actually kind of lost, however, I’m glad it does not affect my believes - I love God and this amazing Church and this won’t ever change…

(Btw, sorry for my average English, it’s not my native language and I’m still learning ) God bless.

 

[Lee1]

Hi. Peace be with you.

When I was not a Catholic I would have been concerned if my son became very religious. I’d wonder if it might be an illness or I’d be worried that they would become ill in time due to a religious fanaticism. Therefore I’d try to protect them, by reminding them of the ‘real’ world, the world where most other children or young adults lived. I’d test that theory until I was satisfied that it was not a bad sign of illness, that it was balanced, Holy and a healthy pursuit practised with a little compromise perhaps.

If I saw that I’d rest my fears and lend support.

I have experienced a little of what you describe but as an adult, far easier for me I think.

There are other posters who may also be willing and able to offer more than I can. God bless and keep you safe and give you fortitude and the grace of perseverance today and always.

 

[ErJ]

I have nothing but respect for her and her motherly concerns.
But I think she’s afraid of me not living the ‘fulfilled’ life she thinks I should try to endeavor. And basically, with my current philosophy, I’m gonna find it hard to keep up with life. That’s her perspective.

-Thank you for your support guys. God bless you all

 

[Dan_Defender]

Pray for your mother. Be confident that your way is the right way and be patient with everybody else.
‘I have said this to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.’ - John 16:33

 

[TheLittleLady]

For now, your station in life is that of an obedient son. Your job is to be such a loving and happy son that she brags to her friends about it.

Trying to shame her into prayer, sneaking around with religious things, those are not the way to win hearts for Jesus.

If you are reading the Bible and she comes in, put down the Bible and talk to her. Ask if you can do something to help with supper, fold the laundry, look after your younger siblings, etc. Do not let her feel that you put religion ahead of your love for family.

When you are an adult, you can go live as a monk if that is your vocation, but, always with your parents demonstrate love and joy.

 

[Tis_Bearself]

In a way, you are suffering the age-old things that every kid suffers who gets really deeply into something, whether it’s religion or philosophy or music, and his parent just does NOT understand.

Spend time with your mom. Try to do nice things, make her happy. Don’t hassle her about praying with you, just pray for her instead. I agree with LittleLady, help your mom with things, spend time with the family. That would make Jesus happy. You can read the Bible when you have some private time, like when mom is out, or asleep, or you’re someplace away from the house.

With respect to your friends’ criticism, just smile a lot and maybe think of some snappy comebacks. Don’t get mad. You may be having more of an effect on your friends than you know, and it’s also possible that they don’t mean to be critical of you and think they are just making a harmless joke.

See if you can find a church youth group to spend time with, so you can have some fun in a supportive atmosphere.

 

[0Scarlett_nidiyilii]

Assume that your mother loves you
If one of my kiddos had a sudden personality change (either for good or for bad), I’d be wondering if that was a red flag.

For now, just be a good son, helping around the house, being open and authentic with her, friendly and pleasant.

 

[Anne1964]

Hmm. You said you are a senior in high school. Will you be leaving home to go to college next year? Perhaps your mother is anticipating missing you and your faith is a visible reminder to her that you are growing up and will soon be going in your own direction in life.