I recall those special needs talks. We were already suffering under the heavy burden of 5 meetings a week, feeding our families, working, time with our family and here they would come with the whips and chains to tell us to get moving preaching and never missing a single meeting. It was always about slack meeting attendance, lack of time in the door to door work or preaching hours, lack of enthusiasm for everything JW. I remember them telling us even when sick we should be there which is insane considering it would make everyone there sick too. It is funny the control they had over us and my poor kids then. My son and I were talking about it this afternoon how hard it is to escape the constant pressure put upon the kids from birth. But my sons got free for that I am grateful.
Circuit and District conventions were the same. Always more to make us feel more humiliated and useless. I can say though that all those spiritual beatings truly helped awaken me out of my depressed stupor and get the heck out of that stupid and cruel religion. When I had less responsibilities it wasn't so bad the 5 meetings a week, but with a family including children it was exhausting and frustrating. It was just too much.
I would love to hear of Kingdom Halls going belly up and closing because they can't make ends meet. When the money stops coming in only then will the WTS come crashing down. These law suits on sexual abuse certainly helped take away the prosperity they have known.
Ruth
