I have been gone a few weeks on vacation. Visited with many family members, most out, but one long time hold out due to circumstances beyond her control. The visit was marred by my mothers constant phone calls to an uncle stating he should not be talking to me, and he was guilty of sending me mixed messages. As some of you know I am neither DF's or Da'd. Been gone almost 30 years. After a talk entitled "Obiedience or Innovation" by a 30 year old Circuit overseer with no children, my mother decided to take it upon herself to shun me. Quoting the typical scriptures and saying it was discipline from Jehovah.......No word or action from the local KH...mind you.
Anyway, my uncle who is still in and his wife were thrilled to see me....until the phone calls started, sadly I did not see them again.
His youngest daughter was a full time pioneer for many years, home schooled her girls and was married to a "beloved" elder. He refused to work for years, had them on food stamps, and cut her off from all her family members, including her parents who were still in, (my uncle)
After visiting, and enlightening her on several websites, this relative got up the courage to tell her husband to leave. He promptly fell apart, and gossiped to everyone that she was evil. He had all their friends convinced she was no good. Her own father warned her "There will be no divorcing, if you divorce him you disconnect yourself from Jeh." She told her father, I have two options, "I divorce or I commit suicide." His response, "It would be better if you commit suicide." Turns out after 2 elder's meetings, her husband was removed, she was given the green light for divorce and told that this man had wasted 20 years of her life. On the negative side she was informed she would be watched like a hawk, and any dating et.al. would be grounds for disfellowshipping.
Little do they know she has been waiting 10 years to accomplish what she did, feels agnostic, and is on the path to financial, mental, spiritual, and physical freedom. I am so proud of her.
Thanks to all of you for your mental support which in turn I was able to relay to her.
One step at a time.
Regards,
R.