NOM

I'm x-posting from that Reddit site:

I sent my parents an email explaining why I am not able to bless my son. I outlined at a high level why this is the case - My Bishop won't let me because I could not answer yes to a couple temple recommend questions about believing in restoration or sustaining the prophet (And I outlined that is because I have not been able to reconcile the major concerns I have, and that the November 2015 policy broke my heart and in essence I could not support it and also follow the Jesus I was taught about).
Here is part of my dad's response:

"The medium of an email is completely inadequate to convey the deep love and feelings in my heart that I have for you. I have faith in my Heavenly Father, too, take the long view, and affirm that "things will work out." I look forward to a big bear hug!"

And part of my mom's response:

"I hope you know that we would love you no matter what. I’m sorry you have had these challenges to face. I appreciate that you have been thoughtful in trying to determine how you feel and where you stand. Yes, I do need time to process and think about this but I don’t need any time to affirm that I love you and your family no matter what."

Sadly it seems these types of responses are outliers, which is unfortunate considering that most Mormons profess belief in a loving God and compassionate Savior.

I think we do need to acknowledge the good TBMs that are out there, who practice their religion and faith in ways that are positive and supportive. I feel like I won the parent lottery, and I'm sorry that many of you have had much more traumatic and difficult interactions.

There is still work to be done, the relationships with my parents will transform into something else, but I think as long as we keep the long view that love matters most we'll be OK.

What wonderful parents you have. I'm so glad this went as well as it did for you.

Congrats Sunbelt!

Your parents sound wonderful! Human kindness is a true tender mercy.

I love this - responded to your post on Another Site. Your parents sound amazing - their path is guided by love.

Clearly the grace you used in dealing with this tough situation is in part an inherited trait from your parents, in reading their response to you. This was a silver lining in a really tough story. Thanks for sharing this with the group and brightening up my day.

I just wish I wasn't so jealous of your situation; my dad was long an inactive member so he and I generally got along very well. Another story with my TBM mom. So this was needed today, that things CAN be different.

You must have good parents. I think my parents would act in a similar way. I've read stories where parents wrote in their will that their estate would only be passed on to active faithful children.

Very cool. Too few TMB parents would respond that way. I'd it gets that way for me, my parents will respond rhe same. My gay brother broke the mold and created unconditional love across the board in our family (although they all would be this way regardless).

The upcoming generations will be more and more this way.

This is why I feel the church will have to change or shrink.

Really lovely.