DesertRat, it helped and does help me a lot to communicate with others who experienced life as a JW. When I was a teenager my family had the DO and his wife for dinner. He asked me what I want to do in the future and I told him I want to study psychology and think all elder should study it. One of my teachers had studied it (others too) and I thought he would make a good elder. Not knowing the WT view on this, I thought I made a good point. And since one of our COs studied psychology before becoming a witness I was surprised the DO quoting this studied CO saying “psychology doesn’t from but deforms you!” When elders came to meet with my father at home to prepare for a shepherding call, I was disturbed because their preparation was just like preparing for a program point at the meetings. They looked up the elder book, WT’s and scriptures to read to the troubled witness. The atmosphere was not ‘how can we help this person?’ but ‘how can we get this job over with and get back home on time?” The fact that they would talk about the case in the living room or kitchen showed that they had no interest in being discreet. Most elders are neither interested nor qualified to handle mental distress. Their main concern is to fulfil the WT guidelines and not to get in trouble with the CO. And them telling us to ‘pray and study more, wait and trust in Jehovah’ gives them an alibi that they have done a good job and are themselves trusting in Jehovah. Thinking back, there were many cases were the elders worsened the situation for the ‘weak publisher’ instead of helping. They passed judgment not encouragement. I had many fears leaving the organisation. Meeting worldly people and becoming friends was remarkable. Receiving help from complete strangers was a total contradiction to the WT view and teaching. I am sure you will find many who can relate to you here. To communicate with people who understand what we have been through is wonderful. The experiences are the same no matter what country it is. Welcome again, freetosee
Lonely newbie who is glad to be here
by DesertRat 24 Replies latest jw friends
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delilah
A very warm welcome to you, Desertrat....I'm glad you found us.
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Sunnygal41
Welcome to the board, DR
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Sunnygal41
Welcome to the board, DR
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Sunnygal41
Sorry about the double post...........you've come to the right place for connection and support! Yes, I think we've all dealt with emotional and mental issues being part of such a high control group, but, having Aspergers certainly complicates things...........glad you made it here and didn't end up suiciding like some who have left the Borg. Hugs, Terri