G'day all,
You're too kind! But most encouraging. Ta! I'll have to email many of y'all. For now, just a couple of responses:
Prisca: Sorry about last weekend. Mrs Ozzie's flu just won't let go.
ItsJustlittleoldme: I think what you say about "the only way you can become a victim is if you let yourself become a victim" is true, but only up to a point. You see, a relationship is built on communication between two parties. If one party refuses to accept the approaches of the other, then what hope is there of maintaining a relationship? So then the one being shunned does become a victim, even if they are unwilling.
Southland: How very astute of you! You're quite right when you say: "what I don't understand is that since the Society discourages its people from anything other than trade school or two year college, going to the University for four years surely this doesn't follow the rules". How did she 'get away with it'? Because of her father's support and other family members who're prominent in the org. Of course, her dad got a bit of flak at Bethel but this was kept 'behind closed doors' and I braved it out because I really believed that it was a personal decision and was the right thing to do. It was always my point of view that parents should ensure that their children get a proper education which would equip them for life, so that if my son was going to be a tradesman, he should become an apprentice and take a trade course. If, on the other hand, he was going to earn his living at one of the professions, he would need to take a university course. To me, it had nothing to do with their pursuing "worldly goals" at all, but simply getting trained for their occupations.
Now, what happened today?
Mrs Ozzie is still sick with flu and has a high temperature, but was determined to be with her daughter on her special day. This morning we phoned another daughter and invited her to travel with us, which she declined, with the words "You know we can't associate with you". At least we tried.
So we travelled to the city alone and had a lovely relaxed lunch (with shiraz, of course!) at a 5 star hotel. Then made our way to the uni, buying a beautiful bouquet en route. It was roses. When we arrived, what a crowd of familiar faces! Family members and former friends in a large group at the entrance-way. We made our way bravely towards them and what dark, angry faces they had! Almost all turned their backs. (Not nearly as attractive as their faces!!!) Fortunately we did have someone to talk to. We saw a familiar face or two in the crowd, some 'worldly persons'. Isn't it strange how 'nice' people are when there's no conditions?! Anyway we were glad to be able to have a few minutes alone with our daughter and she accepted the flowers. A special day!
A lovely Christian lady had spoken with Mrs Ozzie yesterday and said tto be grateful for each small moment. Wise advice. We are grateful. But how terrible for young minds to be twisted by the 'puppet-masters' of the borg in such a way. And what is it doing to their emotions? When our lives are ended, it will be a fearful thing to be judged on the basis of what the borg's masters direct.
Cheers,
Ozzie
"If our hopes for peace are placed in the hands of imperfect people, they are bound to evaporate."
- Ron Hutchcraft
Surviving the Storms of Stress
