@Flipper - Glad to be of service. After 11 years of not attending, they still haven't give up "hope" on you? Yikes!
This winter will be 2 years that I haven't been attending. I haven't officially said that I will never come back, so I know they still hold out hope that I will return. My husband still asks if I will attend big events (circuit assemblies, conventions, memorials, his parts on the meeting), but I consistently say no and I think he's grown accustomed to that answer. My mom still invites me also, but she usually waits until the last minute to send an "encouraging" text message much like she did last night..."hoping you will come tomorrow, would be nice to sit next to you. I hear that we get some counsel on how we are treating one another in the congregation. Jehovah keeping us in check. I heard bring tissues."
I was baffled at why she would think I would enjoy hearing a talk about how people treat each other within the congregation. The only thing I've ever said about others in the congregation and one of the reasons I have given as to not attending meetings is that I get social anxiety. Guess she hopes this would make me see that the congregation is a safe place, no need to have anxiety about returning.
@cultbgone and magnum - I completely get the pity and weakling tone from family, especially from mom. She has no qualms about labeling me "spiritually weak" straight to my face on more than one occasion. It's quite insulting.
@all for show - thanks for your comments about the talk. "Show personal interest" - this statement of course will motivate those do gooders who haven't bothered with you for so long, but now at the urging of the borg will come out of the woodwork to show you what the complete opposite definition of genuine personal interest is.
You've also reminded about the wonderful experience I had of my husband implying that I have a guilty conscience about something. Lovely feeling I tell you. Clearly my not wanting to be apart of this loving organization must be evidence of a serious sin on my part.
@tiki - The whole idea is that the "inactives" are just so dumb they are laden with guilt and just don't get the marvelous forward motion of the org....or they are just such human weaklings they can't cope with everyday life...........OR.......the biggie.....those hidden sins. They are painting any who no longer imbibe the kool-aid as lesser beings......they are stumbled, cast down, feeling ashamed, not understanding.....they need our love....gag me already.
but then - it would never fly to admit that perhaps these people are assessing the realities of life and recognizing their own cognitive dissonance.
My sentiments exactly!