As some of you know my mom and dad have been JW's since 1951 . Since time began. They are very respectful of my fade - and I have been able to talk especially with my mom about my doubts since leaving the org. 5 years ago - and she has listened to me question the child abuse crisis, higher education , and complain about my adult witness daughters shunning me. She has never once disagreed with me. She acknowledges my concerns.
But after reading Steve Hassan's books I am taking a bit of a different tactic with her now- as I will other witness relatives. Get her and them to think about things - while avoiding verbally putting the religion down . Hard to do, but doable. Here is the 1st conversation I had with her recently :
Mr. Flipper : " You know mom , I remember you sent me the April 15th Watchtower dealing with generation . And I found it interesting.
Did you ever think you would make it into your 80's in this system of things ? Or did you think we would be in the
paradise by now ? "
Flipper's Mom : " Well, no, I never thought I'd make it to my 80's in this system of things . I felt we'd be in the paradise by now. "
Mr. Flipper : " Yes , I know. I remember being told as a teenager in the 1970's that I'd never have to raise my children up in this wicked
system - that I'd have children in the paradise and raise them then ! And look at how things are now ! I have a 23 yr.old,
21 yr.old, and 20 yr.old ! Isn't that something ? "
Flipper's Mom : " Yes you do have children that old ! Really amazing ! And it seems like the longer we are in this system, every year
we see more and more things happening in the world as it winds down. "
With that, when I saw her climb back into the protective cocoon of her hopes I felt it would be better to cease and desist and wait for another opportune time . At least maybe she will start thinking about things on her own.
Another brief conversation she was complaining about my 34 yr.old witness niece being aggressive talking to the doctors about my sister's stroke situation. Seem's the doctors thought my niece ( sister's daughter ) was coming across too bossy ! My nephew, her brother 31 yrs.old ( an inactive , never baptized ex-witness since 18 ) was summoned to talk with the doctors and handled himself brilliantly - being very considerate, taking care of setting up details for his mother . So when my mom was going on about how respectful my nephew was , and how good of social skills he had in dealing with the doctors, I briefly said , " Well mom, it 's interesting my nephew hasn't been to meetings or a witness since 18 years of age - and look, he's still able to carry himself well, showing manners and respect to others. I guess this shows there are some nice people outside of the witnesses who learn how to be polite ! " And my mom came back politely to me and agreed ! She said, " It sure does show there are lots of nice people outside the witnesses ! There are lots of them ! " So- I just left it at that and changed the subject.
So- What do you think ? Do you think my mom is possibly thinking a lot about things as she is aging ? Perhaps on the outside just appeasing my elder father , but playing along to keep the peace ? I will gradually just give eyedropper amounts to her in questions at times. So- I look forward to your opinions as always ! Peace out, Mr. Flipper