by InquiryMan 51 Replies latest jw experiences
Thanks for posting your journey. It sounds like they left you alone and never really
tried to help you until a sister saw the Christmas lights. So typical. I am happy that
you have a peaceful outlook. I am still fighting bitterness- toward the organization, not the
individuals.
While I make great strides toward my freedom, I still sit thru many of the meetings. That
will change this year.
I wish you the best. A wise thing, if possible, is the plan your "departure" as you do. Make a network if possible, so you do stand alone when outside. Be prepared for up and downs. (I do not feel any resentment for them not visiting me the past four years. They did once, we had a nice, politie discussion, but I made it clear I would contact them if I wanted to come back. Having been an elder, I know all the procedures..... Being an elder, made me even more determind to leave.
I wish you the best. A wise thing, if possible, is to plan your "departure" as you do. Make a network if possible, so you do stand alone when outside. Be prepared for up and downs. (I do not feel any resentment for them not visiting me the past four years. They did once, we had a nice, politie discussion, but I made it clear I would contact them if I wanted to come back. Having been an elder, I know all the procedures..... Being an elder, made me even more determind to leave.
Inquiry man, I like how you took hold of the reins of your own life. You've treated those you love with openness and integrity. I bet your approach has had a lot to do with how you have remained friendly with your ex-wife.
As a witness, I missed ceremonies in a way. In this respect, the witness tradition is poor to say the least.
As an evangelical-"unbelieving mate", I've noted the absence of traditions and rituals as well. I've attended enough weddings and funerals from different brands of Christianity to appreciate the great wealth of ritual in some of the older churches. I think somehow, the "modern" version of "Christendom" has lost something by discarding all the trappings from the past. We've "industrialized" Christianity somehow.
Before print and literacy, the only connection to God the peasant had was the Church and the sky. They had paintings. They had statues, candles, incense, genuflects, chants. They had thunder, wind, mountains, and stars. Their Christianity assaulted ALL the senses, and must have been FELT more than it was KNOWN.
We've lost something.
For you, your wife, your children and your new partners. Many blessings on your new large family!
Isn't this life spectacular!?
Amazing, I didn't realize that to be on these forums you had to drop all belief in the Bible, God's laws or God himself. Having gripes with the WTS is one thing but this is a bit much. My, how far we fall.
I didn't realize that to be on these forums you had to drop all belief in the Bible, God's laws or God himself.
You don't have to. But you certainly may.
Otoh you do have to be respectful of other people, especially as they relate costly personal experiences; I'm afraid you are starting poorly in this regard.
That's fine but why be here then?
Inquiryman - thanks very much for your experience. It is very inspiring. Wow. You sound like a great man/great father. Much success will all you do.
CD
Wow, and I thought I had a tough road out. Kudos to you!!! Sounds like everything is working out well.
