Perry, You present a nice succinct list of the way it is for Witness children. I would add one that is somewhat related to #6 on your list - Do not let them express their special talents. No sports, No school clubs, No participation band or school orchastra, No advanced education. If they show special skills, but sure to "humble" them.
Musings on Children, Ex-JW Wars, & Truth
by Perry 22 Replies latest jw friends
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Earnest
Perry,
Many thanks for making those points so clearly. I still associate with JWs and there is much that they teach, believe and practice which I also hold as true. But I have been conscious for many years of the mind games they play and try to neutralise the effect on both myself and my family.
I owe Simon in particular and this board in general a debt of gratitude for mistakes I have been able to avoid which I would otherwise certainly have made. This post increases my debt.
Earnest
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FreeFallin
Perry,
Excellent essay. I really can't add to anything that's been said. They said it all.
FreeFallin
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Perry
Wow, that one hurt Larc!
I remember after being denied sports, the chess club (it was learning war), band, and most television programs, a friend and I decided to start drawing very elaborate mazes and trading them to see who could out-do each other. My mind simply could not be shut off and I was hungry for activities to fight the boredom of class. I could not stand class because it was so structured and boring.
Anyhow, imagining that my mother would be impressed with my abilities, I would bring her my finished pieces for her expected adulation. What did I get? After about 3 of them we had a "family study" and learned that mazes were rooted in Greek mythology. It involved mythical creatures like the Menataur, who were surely demon possessed. I learned that God would surely be displeased if I continued in this course of rebellion.
Funny how I haven't thought about that incident in over 20 years untill you broached the subject.
Thanks
Edited by - Perry on 12 October 2002 17:50:49
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Perry
Earnest,
Glad to hear that your family has benefitted from what you've learned here. It is comments like yours that make many here feel effective when we see people take a more active role in the lives of family members.
I learn so much from others that sometimes I feel I have nothing to offfer. Glad to offer a helpful perspective.
Perry
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bay64me
I loved reading through your very well thought -out and stimulating post. I'm going to keep that. Thank you.
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BeautifulGarbage
Great piece of writing and worthy of a "bump"
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Perry
Thank you Beautiful Garbage ;-)
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Sabine
Excellent post Perry. Thanks for your efforts in writing and posting it. My 21 year old daughter's suicide letter had many of the sentiments you expressed in points 1 - 10. Add to that being in a congregation where most of the kids are leading double lives, and you have a recipe for disaster.
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Perry
I'm so sorry that you had such a tragedy in your family Sabine. I don't know what to say other than I'm glad you are here. E-mail me if you ever need anything.
Perry