by joelbear 18 Replies latest jw friends
I think the witnesses are not to concerned about being happy, its all about being at peace with themselves because they have the "truth".
When I was pioneer our group of reg pioneer was the most miserable group of people I have had the misery of having to see every morning. Nobody was happy, but we had the truth! So many witnesses today take mental medications to be happy, because they suffer from depression! But they have the inner peace knowing that they have the truth.
"its all about being at peace with themselves"
I believe that's the key for everyone. JWs, former JWs, never JWs.
Mann377, enjoyed your post.
First the way a person veiws their religion has a lot to do with their attitude
That is so true! It does make all the difference in the world. I know many JWs who are very happy people "In their own world"
They also have the same view of others who are not JWs, believing they are only going through the motions of happiness without being truly happy, knowing what true happiness is, due to being a part of ?the world? and feel pity towards them.
It?s all a state of mind.
My Jehovah's Witness mother suffered a prolonged illness and died many years ago; however, her eyes sparkled with true joy and happiness up to the last moment I saw her alive. Even in her dying, she gave strength and gladness to others. She had an intimate heartfelt relationship with Truth, that most others could only gaze upon in wonder. Happiness for her was not in some future destination, but was rather a method of travel. I am not one for religion, as it seems to numb and blind most to deeper understanding. But I can not deny that even the Jehovah's Witnesses can be a doorway to peace and happiness if our hearts are sincere and earnest enough. So I guess what I am saying is my mother was not happy and joyous because of her religion, but in spit of it; and she probably would have found joy in worshipping a rock in a shoe because her happiness was not gleamed from outside of her, but flowed sweet from within. There are people from every religion and culture who are truly happy.
j
The ones that seem happy as a JW are probably only happy for pretty much the same reasons as anyone is happy out there, either with or without religion, ie, as more than enough materially, lots of friends, great marriage, good health, enjoyable job...but as soon as those things are all taken away they are probably as miserable inside as anyone. The only difference is being a JW they have a psychological escape, a little fantasy to keep their daily problems in perspective, ie, the forever close end to this system to be replaced by lots of material blessings in the new one soon, always soon.....
Mann,
I don't know where that came from, but it was brilliant and spot on! When I grow up, I want to be as smart as you!
They are happy being unhappy. They have worked hard for it. They have earned it. They deserve it.
JamesThomas,
that is a lovely thing to say about ones mother. How your mother would beam if she heard that.
I have neighbors who are church of Christ and they are some of the happiest , family oriented epeople i know. My dil comes form a close family that never attended church. They are extremely happy people ane have great love for each other. We all know happiness comes from within and from helping others.
JamesThomas, that is a lovely thing to say about ones mother. How your mother would beam if she heard that.
Thank you, Wednesday. I said it only because it was true. It seems my mother was in love not with her beliefs in God, but rather with an aliveness within her self. I remember how her eyes sparkled so; it was like there was a light in there you know. Strange thing is, is that being a Witness tore my heart out and had no positive affect at all. It was a stepping stone only in that it taught me how asinine concepts and beliefs about God can be, and that such an outward direction was not the way. A heartbreaking, yet valuable experience. j
