How Were YOU Viewed By Other Witnesses?

by minimus 26 Replies latest jw friends

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  LongHairGal

  Even though my reputation was good morally-wise, I was still viewed with suspicion. I was criticized over my full-time job, dress and figure but was never reproved for immorality. Even though I wasn't popular I still had a few friends and some understood what it was like to work.

  I refused to quit my job in order to pursue 'full-time ministry'. I realized this was a crock of sh#t because, being single, I had to support myself. I wasn't pursuing poverty for these idiots! I flatly refused to get a 'roommate' or do the much touted 'housecleaning'. They imagine that a young woman should 'get a roommate', 'do housecleaning' and be married in five years. This was the plan that most followed but not me.

  I rejected the advice of all these busybodies. As a result, there was a resentfulness towards me by certain people. I also got the sense that some thought I 'owed' somebody something or were jealous of my independence and self-esteem. I was no easy mark and refused to be targeted by users. It didn't help that I am also outspoken.

  So, I was NOT the woman they were looking for.
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  designs

  I was accused of Thinking to much ie being to smart for my own good, and not being a Company player.

  The politics of the Elder world were some of the final straws. As painful as it all played out it led to the exit.

  Ain't it grand
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  IronHill

  When I was young I was mature and exemplary...by the end of the road, I was spiritually weak.
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  brizzzy

  I was considered quiet and antisocial (because I was), and too smart/intellectual for my own good (because I read everything I could get my hands on, skipped a couple of grades in school, was fascinated by "worldly" pursuits such as the arts, literature, antiques, architecture, etc.)

  Nobody at the congregation noticed or took an interest in me. They were too busy grooming my outgoing, vapid little sister who takes everything at face value and is as thoroughly brainwashed as they come. Then, this year, when my story made the news and my family found out I'm "apostate", all the Witnesses from our congregation began to gossip with my sister about how "we could always tell that behind that quiet exterior she had a rebellious spirit!" and, "she always was spiritually weak!"
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  The Finger

  I had no desire to be used in the hall. I saw privileges as something to be avoided as they could be withheld as punishment. Sometimes I was a student of the m. school and sometimes not. The Elders needed an appointment to visit me as they were never my friends. My meeting attendence was my decision as was my answering and field service. I hardly ever wore a jacket and didn't own a suit and had a beard. I have a clear conscience of my conduct before God. I think I was probably viewed as weak.
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  daringhart13

  It sounds arrogant...but

  ..highly respected young elder.......all the way up to convention level, KM School, etc.
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  mindmelda

  I was often told I was an amazing Biblical scholar (I researched everything and am very well read in some areas) but weak and flakey when it came to actually DOING what Witnesses are supposed to do.

  A pretty accurate assessment. I never could make myself walk the walk, not totally.
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  minimus

  I can't see how any JW can be a perfect example. There's always something that can be pointed to to show you ain't all that!
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  jamiebowers

  For most of my time as a jw, I was a pioneer and a battered wife with a nutjob husband wo seldom qualified for priveleges. I was mostly ignored.
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  Nowman

  We were the "perfect" little JW family. Dad elder, mom pioneer, daughter pioneer (me). We were in a drama together, had parts at the CA and DA, we went to other KH's on Sundays when my dad was chosen to be the visiting speaker. We had the bookstudy at our house on Thurs for years. Everyone thought I would marry a nice strong brother at 18-19, and then go serve where the need was greater. Yeah right.

  It was quite a shock when I went out in service all day with my mom pioneering on a Monday. That same evening, I had my car that day, I said "see you at home mom" (I was 18), and I never went home and I never told any of my close friends of my plans. I planned my escape fro 3 months.

  I know it was a shock when my name was accounced that "Nikki is no longer a JW, and has been DFd from the congregation".

  Nikki