When I first returned to Texas after living in California for ten years I ran into a young woman whose JW family I was warmly connected with for a long time. She had been a hellraiser who finally settled in and had become zealous. We had shared so many life experiences over the years I assumed she greeted me with a hug and kiss because our connection and friendship went deeper than religion.
She was very glad to see me having tears in her eyes. We chatted and caught up. She hugged me again and kissed me on the cheek and said we had to get together soon.
I saw her not three days later at her mother's beauty salon. She cut me dead! Her mother did not and never would! Her mom apologized and told me that Debbbie had been lobotomized by the Watcthtower and didn't know what she was doing.
It hurt! In fact, it broke my frackin' heart! It still does.
So many people I spent years getting to know and love sharing important moments of our lives bonding and sharing life with------cut away like toenails! Zip. Nada. Like having your brain operated on and a memory bank removed by surgery!
I built so much of my life on absolutely NOTHING but belief, trust and a foundation of "love" about as solid as an elevator fart with a lump in it.
I guess I just can't get it through my thick skull that people can treat you this way!!
Quentin might remember the Market Hall Int'l assembly in the 60's where some "Evil Slaves" were in the parking lot handing out pamphlets.
I walked right up to them and asked them questions. Not in a challenging way at all. I was curious and eager to hear what they had to say.
An attendant came up to us and cautioned me away."Don't talk to these people, brother--they are enemies of Jehovah."
And now---I'm one!