Oh this is just worth sharing!
So , as many know, it has been two years since I have attended any meetings, conventions, etc....nothing...cold turkey.
The hassles and problems the elders threw our way were monumental....so many details I could share, but suffice it to say, we stood firm and kept our dignity and poise and reminded them of "appropriate boundaries ". One elder in particular has since spared no effort in ensuring that malicious gossip and slander has been spread so that witnesses have avoided us like the plague!
Despite the fact that we are kind, generous and caring people, the elders have attempted to malign us at any opportunity...and I'm not being paranoid...trust me....it's real.
Seriously, if anyone wants to know more, let me know....
But, the other week, quite randomly, i was driving and came across a car accident! It had just occurred, and I recognised one of the cars: that elder and his family! So without hesitation I stopped, and genuinely atttended to them, and despite his look of shock on his face, I offered any help they needed, including transporting the family and offering to help with the aftermath.
I genuinely did not act in order to prove a point, nor be smug or whatever. But it did make me wonder whether he feels bad for maligning my name or spreading gossip for two years?
Remember, this is someone and his family I have known for decades. Someone I have been close to and genuinely liked. I didn't change as a person simply because I found out disturbing things about the society. No, but they changed...they took it personally and made out that I was evil.
Maybe they will see that true human kindness is not dependant on whether someone is a witness?
What did Jesus say about the Good Samaritan? Wasn't it someone NOT from the same faith, but rather an "apostate" that showed compassion?