Moral dilemma: to tell my husband or not to tell him...

by Julia Orwell 27 Replies latest jw friends

  • Band on the Run
    Band on the Run

    OMG, when we were fading, the worst thing that could happen was a surprise visit. Now I believe they purposely did not schedule a convenient time. My mom would always find someone to stop them if she knew. One JW male ended up screaming at our door, with attached houses, imploring her to "love him" and return to Jah. The neighbors must have big ears. She told him to leave immediately.

    I will never forget my much younger sister ripping a Pilgrim construction paper creation from school off the wall and discarding it in the trash with all haste. In fact, when I was in law school she telephoned me in a panic. We have a Christmas tree we loved up for the holidays. My JW aunt decided to use a family bathroom. Altho I was out for almost a decade, I told her to wrap it in old sheets and throw it off the fire escape.

    If it were me, I would like to have a choice whether to shave or not. I was a coward. My aunt pretended she did not see our glorious Christmas tree. Friends of friends flock to see my personal tree. I assembled it with such devotion. Sometimes I am glad in the aftermath that I had to make a moral choice. People pleasing is my addiction.

    If it were my spouse, not telling me would go to the very core of marriage. Mulling over a decision helps. Of course, an email will stop the Witness from calling. Maybe your hubbie can bring someone else out. How close can they be if the JW friend has no clue to your husband's mind set.?

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    I will tell him. I'd be peeved if the situation were reversed. I need to think about how over the next few days.

    He wouldn't even know about Michael. He has the most basic understanding of Jw doctrine. What works with him is the bible. That itself proves the wt wrong.

  • Oubliette
    Oubliette

    If your husband's friend accepts him as he now is, then he is a real friend. If membership in the "group," or more specifically in your case, meeting attendance, is a requirement for on-going friendship, then it is not a real friendship.

    If it's conditional, it's not love.

  • NeverKnew
    NeverKnew

    I guess going on vacation is out of the question?

    How about stopping all the drains in the house which could require staying at a hotel and falling off the grid for a few days.

    Can you make your off work hours much busier?

    Theater tickets?

    Amusement park tickets

    Free hotel stay that HAS to be used that week?

    Gosh... I feel horrible for you.

  • ABibleStudent
    ABibleStudent

    Hi Julia Orwell, IMHO tell your husband about his friend's visit and continue to make plans to do fun things with your husband so that he can see the WTBTS from a different perspective.

    What is the current state of your husband's belief about the WTBTS? Would he be upset with you for reading "Crisis of Conscience" by Raymond Franz in your effort to understand the WTBTS's actions better from the prespective of a former GB member? Up until Raymond Franz died he continued to believe in the Bible as your husband does. Also, do you remember about the Bereans in Acts 17:11 verifying what Paul said was true in the scriptures? Critically thinking for yourself involves doing independent research and the WTBTS's has been stunting your intellictual and emotional development.

    Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,

    Robert

  • Comatose
    Comatose

    I think you are doing right by telling him. It gives you a lot of time to talk to him. Draw him out. Encourage him to communicate. Tell him YOUR worries. Tell him YOU are afraid he will shave his beard which you love, or try to be someone he isn't to please his friend. If you do that after a nice dinner and during a calm healthy conversation it would help. Thinking about it like that for your man is important. He is who is, he shouldn't be ashamed of it.

  • Roberta804
    Roberta804

    Who are you married to?

  • jean-luc picard
    jean-luc picard

    I suggest that you also tell your husband of your fears, as they are justified.

    You both have some time to prepare yourselves.

    I have followed the evolution of your situation with interest. It seems that until now, that you have been pleasantly surprised. There is probably no reason why that should change.

    By the way, was your husband planning of going to the CA?

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    Captain Picard :He hasn't said anything about it so I don't think he has any intention of going to the CA. I don't even think he remembers it's on soon.

    Roberta: I'm not sure what you mean. He's not a member of this board if that's what you're asking.

    Robert: I don't think he'd object. I've actually read it online and he doesn't know it even exists. He was one of those witnesses who while having a strong moral compass and desire to do right, didn't really think too much on doctrine or have much of a concept of the religion's context and methods. He sort of took things in his stride at face value and saw the good in everyone. He doesn't have much idea about apostates and they they're evil.

    So, what I've done today: I made him a huge pancake and fresh coffee for breakfast and the conversation went a bit like this:

    Me: Kerri [friend from cong] emailed me last night.

    We speculated a bit about her work and that.

    Me: she told me Harvey and Haruna are coming to Australia in a few weeks.

    Hubby: really? I had no idea they were coming.

    Me: I suppose Harvey wants to see his kids and grandkids. Hang out with the family for a bit.

    Hubby: I suppose so.

    And that was that. Hubby was far more interested in his pancake. I wonder if because Harvey (names have been changed) didn't tell him he was coming my husband is like, meh, whatever, about it?

    Or maybe like me, he just doesn't have the emotional energy to talk to jws anymore.

  • Scully
    Scully

    I'm glad you told him.

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