Family Members Going Back to the JW's- Terrible News.

OnTheWayOut

I may have described the players in this story long ago, and changed the details to hide who I am.
I don't really worry about it anymore, and I don't want to look back over two years to see if I changed the details.
The following is true, and the sex and age and situation of each person is pretty accurate despite any details seeming different from before:

My nephew is 14 years old, he's my wife's sister's boy. I asked him maybe a year ago some questions and he answered as best he could about going with his grandmother to the Kingdom Hall and how he felt that Jehovah's Witnesses had "the truth." His mother was disfellowshipped when she was pregnant out of wedlock with him, so she's been out for over 14 years. The nephew said back then that he was going to the Kingdom Hall with his mother sometimes. I was afraid to say too much, as he would be drilled by family who might tell him never to talk about anything with Uncle Jerry-in-Chicago. So I told him how important it was to enjoy sports in school and seek higher education and to not, absolutely not get baptized until he's an adult. He hemmed and hawed about why that wasn't such a great idea ("I know it's the truth, so why keep waiting?") I told him to follow Jesus' example and wait. I told him that his own mother got in trouble because she wasn't ready to be a JW when she got baptized. "JUST WAIT."

I had hope for my wife's family. Her parents always went to the Kingdom Hall, neither of them ever got baptized. They are divorced from each other now, still both go to the Hall- Dad not so much, but Mom goes more regularly than most baptized JW's. She's retired now, and she might be getting dipped this summer. (She knows my position and won't really talk about her "spirituality" to me.) My wife's other sister never got baptized, I think she hates the religion.

The wife told me that her sister called to report a health scare for their dad. I thought she meant the never-JW sister, because my wife has spoken to the DFed sister, but still keeps contact minimum. NO, it was the DFed sister that called, and guess what? She's REINSTATED. AARRGGHH! This is part of why I think their Mom may be getting dipped this year. All bad news all around.

Billy the Ex-Bethelite

Jerry,

That makes for a tough spot. But remember this... It's not the end of the world. Give your nephew a message for me:

"When I was 14, I was continuously reminded that the end was very near, no more than just a couple of years away. That was 30 years ago. Currently, Watchtower is making construction plans in New York that will stretch at least a decade in the future. So, do like Watchtower, say that the end is just around the corner, but be prepared for it to continue for a long, long time. After all, a couple of years can easily become 30 or 40 or 50 or 100 years more."

B the X

OnTheWayOut

Thanks, Billy.
I recall when Patterson was being built. "Oh, they know that such an education center will be needed in the new system. Building it out here away from New York City, it's sure to be protected and survive Armageddon and keep being used. They know what they are doing."

It'll be more of the same for the new HQ.

truthsetsonefree

I'm always afraid of this for my daughter. I know the feeling. People once hooked on the WT often feel comfort in that they "have the truth" even if they personally fall "short of the mark of perfection". It's part of the problem many of us who broke free will probably always face.

Tired of the Hypocrisy

All we can do is what we can do. You've planted seeds and will be around if they need you no matter what. Now let the wbts try to water and show itself to be what it is...a dry and desolate place. I hope it works out for the best.

mraimondi

there's gotta be a reason, and there's nothing to fear.

its the same difference when people are told not to talk to "apostates" or read their websites... etc

theres nothing to fear....

isaacaustin

I am sorry to hear this. Not good news. Will make the wife feel more supported 'spiritually'.

OnTheWayOut

Will make the wife feel more supported 'spiritually'.

Yes, my biggest concern. I certainly hope all people come out, but the closer to home the harder to take when they stay in.
I want to help the nephew, will continue to do what I can. I want to help my wife's sister and her mother, but my influence is pretty deflated by this whole matter. My biggest concern now is that their influence over my wife will get greater and greater. "The family that prays together...."

Thanks all for your thoughts and concerns.

oompa

unfrikkenbelievable......sorry otwo.........dogs and vomit..........oompa

Family Members Going Back to the JW's- Terrible News.

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