Hello, ISP. Its been a hectic year for me! Good to see you too!
Hello, Marilyn. Its good to see you too. I remember when the board was, shall we say, a little more intimate than it is now. It seemed then that it was more civil as well and that the discussions were more meaningful. That is not to say that there are not some excellent poster now but I suppose the sheer volume of posts detracts from those few that are worth reading and responding to. But, like you, I think the old board was far more interesting and exciting.
I have also noticed that some of the older posters have changed their attitude and position. I am still technically a witness. I family and friends that are and you know what would happen if I were to disassociate myself. I rarely go to a meeting and have not been to a convention or assembly for two years now. I still think there are a lot of good things about the witnesses. I enjoy the clean speech, the moral lifestyle, the honesty that most practice, the commitment to what I consider to be higher principles. I still think that a lot of exjws are just as intolerant as the witnesses that they criticize. I still think that some of the criticism is not justifiable and that this counts against them and diminishes those points of contention which are valid.
I am still struggling with my faith. I have found it very difficult to maintain faith in God after I essentially left the JWs. I suppose that is because my belief in God was so wrapped up with the WTBS. I find that I have a concept or philosophy that is slowly emerging that is allowing me to maintain a belief in God without the encumbrances of having to accept as ironclad the doctrines and rules and policies of an organized religion.
Thank you very much for your post. I really enjoyed reading and responding to it.
Waiting:
Its great to see you too! Yes, I was also moved by that statement concerning the advanced understanding. Isnt that a riot?
** One thing that the Bible Students/WTBT/JW's have never been bashful about - declaring that they're The Best, The Truest, The Only, God's Chosen.**
They remind me of a son-in-law I have! Hes not short on self esteem either!
I like Marilyns response to this. (smile) They are very good at playing their fiddle.
Kenneson:
Thats fascinating! Yes, I am pure bleed Cajunboth sides of the family. I live in central Louisiana and I have been to Breax Bridge many times although, regretfully, never for the crawfish festival. I plan to remedy that, however!
I lived with my grandparents until I was about eight or ten and they spoke only French so I had to learn English in school as well. Back then they would whip you good if they caught you speaking French on the school grounds. I learned English while I learned the first and second grade. I had teachers that were bi-lingual and so it never really slowed me down in school.
I remember going out in service as a young man and often meeting people who spoke no English at all. That never happens anymore. Now its hard to find a person under fifty who speaks French at all. That saddens me because the language is so rich.
I met a fabulous lady in Breax Bridge some time ago. She sings French songs (has a couple of CDs) and she sounds just like Kitty Wells. Its a great area and I do so love the French people.
I hope to talk to you some more.
