Dear Gramps, 

My testimony is strong and the gospel has brought me great joy. The problem is that my husband has strong beliefs of his own and he vehemently hates the Mormon Church. He forbids me to attend meetings, or to have anyone call. If he sees the Mormon missionaries in the street he swears at them and tells them how he hates them for “brainwashing people’s wives”. He makes unpleasant comments, like when we were watching a TV program about the holocaust where six million jews were killed, he said “I wish they had been Mormons”. I go to church sometimes when he is away at the weekend and live the gospel completely, and am temple worthy, I long for peace and sanctity and the blessings in my life.

We have a fairly good relationship apart from our religious differences, and four lovely children. Do you think I should divorce my husband so that I can be a full and active member of the church? I dream of one day marrying a righteous priesthood holder and being married in the temple, but I do love my husband and my greatest wish is that he will be converted. Unfortunately knowing him it seems impossible. Please let me know what you think. Thank you.

Anonymous, from the United Kingdom

Dear Anonymous,

There are times when our only recourse to change the lives of others is an appeal to our Father in Heaven. It’s wonderful that you have a good relationship with your husband, and you seem to have a lovely family. If you maintain your personal integrity and always live to be temple worthy, you will be blessed for your faithfulness and obedience, and the power of your righteous example will preach a powerful sermon to your husband.

In my own experience, my mother was a faithful member of the Mormon church and my father was a non-member. Although he did not prohibit our church activity, he would have nothing to do with the church. Finally, when he was 64 years old, I had the privilege of baptizing him.

It is comforting to reflect on the scripture,

Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another.” (D&C 90:24)

Gramps