by Nathan Natas 8 Replies latest social current
You'll find the story about 2/3 of the way down the page under the heading "Jehovah's Witnesses."
http://search.npr.org/cf/cmn/cmnpd01fm.cfm?prgID=2&prgDate=10/24/2002
Seventeen year-old Gabriela Jacobo's mother is a Jehovah's Witness, but Gabriela and her brother are not. This simple fact is a source of constant conflict for them. This sound essay by Gabriela comes to us by way of Youth Radio. (5:00)
Aw man....that was a bit hard to listen to..very sad.
"My mom's favortie passages were from Revelation...." ACK!
"At times I feel like I've lost my childhood."
"It always felt like I was telling someone a dark secret and never getting any response." Her take on praying to Jehovah.
"So here we are in this religious house without any religion."
From the mouth of babes indeed...
Sincerely,
District Overbeer
"...I wish instead instead of praying to God to express her love for us she would come to us directly to show her love. Sometimes I feel like I need her more than I need God."
That was powerful stuff, and struck a real chord with me. Thank you NN for the link.
How sad!
"My mom's favorite passages were from Revelation...."
I have some favorites from Revelation too, which apply directly to the Leaders of the Watchtower:
Revelation 22:15: Outside (in the Lake of Fire) are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
Revelation 22:18: I testify to everyone who hears the Words of the Prophecy of this Book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to him the plagues which are written in this Book.
Revelation 22:19: If anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this Prophecy, may God take away his part from the Tree of Life, and out of the Holy City (Heaven), which are written in this Book.
Matty,
You are right on. That was very powerful and simple at the same time. I think this the girl hit the nail on the head. For most JW's, showing love is doing what the WT tells them instead of simple acts of kindness. It is a cult mentality.... and it really sucks to grow up in it.
Nice post Nathan! I listen to my local NPR every day and it has proven a valuable source of gems like this particular story!
Sad ... Very Sad ...
Especially for them growing up in a house without love... I hated that. At least I felt I had God with me ... more because I didn't feel like my mom was shoving Him down my throat ...
Life shouldn't have to be that way ... not all JWs are .... but some need to quit being such extremists. It makes life miserable for the kids ...
I pray that Gabriela and her brother find love and God ... and that their mother comes to her senses ..
Which scripture is it?? The JWs quote it all the time ..
If you do not take care of your own ... and you try to help others ..you are worse than the man that does nothing ... something like that ...
M
God hates it when you are there for everyone else and not your own family. Our families are to come before anybody elses. Kids need us. That's it ..
