Here are my notes from Saturday
The part on family was about grieving when a close family member leaves. They used Gen 6:6 to show how Jeh was sad that Adam and Eve rebelled.
"It is very unwise to let [unbelieving family members] influence you."
Then the FDS had 3 things to remember:
Why your kids leave: They make their own choices when the grow up. Parents feel to blame, but don't blame yourself. (Gal 6:5- carry own load).
Respect the Disfellowshipping Arrangement: Take a stand against Satan (1 Pet 5:9) If you don't respect the arrangment, you can become a stumbling block and impede them from coming back. Don't blame others.
Maintain you own spirituality: Be loyal to Jehovah and his organization. "We have the secret to happiness." "Remain on a spiritual high if/when they come back." We have spiritual friends to confide in. Do not look for an excuse to associate with DF'd ones.
~That last thought cut through my heart. That is the cruelest form of punishment...parents having no natural affection.