Wow, so many great comments since I last checked in! Thanks everyone.
Although generally most of you think it's a good idea, I can see why a few don't. A lot depends on our personal experience as well as our intentions in reaching others. Also, the reasons we left/were expelled will possibly make a big difference on how this might be received by our loved ones still in. They might not even know the real reason we're out. Usually, those that stay-in only hear one side of the story when anyone would leaves and it's more often than not a very biased version distorted through the lens of JW-thinking.
Many of you looked at this as a way to send material to your relatives that might help them see TTATT. That was not my intention. From everything I've read and confirmed by my personal experience this does not work. It usually has the opposite effect and only drives them further away.
Phizzy, Agreed. Anyone forwarding a message would need to do just that: send the message the sender wanted with no editing or additional commentary. I may take you up on your offer. Right now I'm working a particular tactic to reach some family members. Depending on how that does or doesn't work I may instititute this idea. That's why I'm discussing it now, to work out the kinks, get some feedback and have it ready to roll out if and when I need it. Thanks, mate!
Hermano, Thanks for the endorsement!
Blondie, In your situation I completely understand why your father's attempt to contact you was unwelcome. That is not the situation in my case. My reasons for being estranged are different. Also, my letter forwarding idea is not exactly the same as having someone else call and then jumping on the line.
You're right, Steven Hassan does recommend patience, but he most definitely does NOT advocate doing nothing. He recommends trying a variety of ways to communicate unconditional love with the goal of maintaining/rebuilding a relationship with the goal of reaching a person's authentic self. To that end, he emphatically advises the importance of not discussing doctrine and beliefs, at least not directly. It's all about establishing and building rapport.
Roberta804, you might be right, but that wouldn't be my goal.
Tater-T, I think you and Roberta804 are on the same page.
perfect1, does this mean I can count you in? Where are you located? (PM me if you don't want to post that publicly.)
BlindersOff1, Thanks, that's the spirit! Where are you located? (PM me if you don't want to post that publicly.)
DOC, understood. That's why for now it would just be about maintaining contact--any contact is better than none--and reaffirming love.
Wonka, Thanks, that's the spirit! Where are you located? (PM me if you don't want to post that publicly.)
Londo, for someone that hasn't had enough coffee, you certainly hit the nail on the head! You're absolutely right, this is what it is all about, reaching loved ones! Can I count you in?
ABibleStudent, good comments. Your Facebook strategy has a couple of problems: first of all, JWs are NOT supposed to be on social media (I know many are). Also, as I've commented above, trying to get info to them about TTATT usually backfires. You can't really wake someone up that isn't ready. I'm not interested in that for now. I just want to keep sending the message that I love and care for my family members. That way, if and when they wake up they'll know I was always here for them.
mind blown, I'm glad you're able to maintain email contact with your daughter. You're smart to leave out any "apostate" info. I hope you can continue. Do you know that in the January 1st WT there is a study article that forbids e-mail contact with DF's relatives? I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's important we know what we're dealing with.
Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail. - w2013 1/15, p. 16, para. 19
They'll be "studying" this the week of March 4 - 10th. The paranoid leaders of this cult just keep tightening their grip on the flock. Their obsessive need for control is very disturbing. It's insane!
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