Giving thanks in restaurants!

by Beck_Melbourne 45 Replies latest jw friends

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  Beck_Melbourne

  When I was in dub-dom....I used to hate eating out....my ex always made us bow our heads and close our eyes tight shut while he gave thanks out loud. Did you do that in public?? Or did you do it discreetly with your head bowed but eyes not shut....or.....head in hand...hoping people would think u were in deep thought?

  Whenever I used to see other people do that, I used to feel a warm glow...as I felt that they too must be VERY spiritual people - like myself *cough* Truth be known....I hated it...it always attracted attention - my ex said it was 'good' attention because it was a good witness. Being an introvert *cough* I hated the attention...it seemed like a showy display to me.

  I also remember feeling especially guilty when I left the troof and didn't give thanks anymore....I would sit and wait and then go 'oh yeah that's right i'm a worldly'

  What did you do when you ate out in public??

  Beck

  Edited by - Beck_Melbourne on 14 June 2002 11:31:7
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  SpiceItUp

  I always waited until everyone had their eyes closed and would snatch a quick bite..... lol

  Spice
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  Mister Biggs

  Gawd! I remember being with a group of friends after a district convention. Brother 'Reaching Out' decided to give a fine witness for all onlookers by offering up a prayer on behalf of our table.

  Sometimes I bow my head and do a quick, sincere thank you. Other times I rub my forehead and my eyes and act like I'm just rubbing the sleep out (I do this when the prayer is a tad longer).

  I can't stand that public prayer crap, though.
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  LizardSnot

  I always give thanks in restaurants....I dont really care if anyone is watching or not...its between me and God.

  Lizard
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  Undecided

  The first time God buys my meal I'll give him thanks.

  Ken P.
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  MikeMusto

  My father, an elder, said this looked pompous. He said it caused a scene and was unnecessary.

  We could say a prayer with our eyes open and withoug lowering our heads. Another family

  I knew would all hold hands and lower their heads--dear god that was the most painful thing to

  sit through--i of course refrained--pulling rank that my father said I didnt have to --and it was

  up to Jehovah and I...Later on--when i joined the family again, at a restaurant--they said their

  own prayers...They still insisted on loweing their heads though.

  I have seen other pray with their hand on their head..Like they got a bad headache.
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  aTHINKING1

  truly i say to you, they are having they're reward in full
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  Amazing

  The only time Jesus ever gave thanks for a meal was when God used him to mulitply the bread and fish via a miracle. He also gave thanks at the Last Supper, but that was not for the bread and wine, but for what the ocassion symbolized. Why would we thank God for providing what we ourselves worked for with the sweat of our own brow?

  I never give thanks in public, and I have always resented those who do, whether they are JWs or other denominations. I was taught as a Catholic that the tax collector in the temple prayed privately and was modest, whereas the Pharisee / Priest (or whatever he was) prayed openly and publicly to be heard by all ... and what did Jesus say about this? He condemned the man who made a public spectacle.

  Edited by - Amazing on 14 June 2002 11:58:58
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  Beck_Melbourne

  A lot of families I knew would give their own thanks....but NOT mine...such a shameful experience and memory. The attention and stares was meant to make us feel proud....we were in fact standing out as different from the world. Even now the ex still gives thanks in public places....poor cherub...he thinks he won't be glorified with 10 beautiful submissive wives in paradise on earth if he doesn't.

  Beck
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  orangefatcat

  my father was an elder and he always said the prayer in the car before we went into eat in a resturant. If I was alone or with me sister we would just say our own short prayer and that was it. I think that people who make a bib ta do about it or only making themselves look wierd and one more reason why people laugh at JW's.