Turning 41 and Moving ON- smile

by JT 31 Replies latest jw friends

  • scrubmaster
    scrubmaster

    JT- as you know from our converstion -- I have always been different when it came to the truth. You now my current situation and know what got me to start seeing how things work. All a person has to do is research the societies own books to see some of the changes and the effects these changes have had on people. I would say for those who choose to stay in the organization -- if the principles is not to be found clearly in the bible -- then remember your relationship is with Jehovah -- do what you have to do, but you may have to face the conquensces. Also remember this the Almighty was question on a couple of occasions in the bible and even listen to the voice of reason...therefore as I told an elder there is nothing wrong with me having questions, Abraham even question Jehovah....JT is my friend and I am glad I have the opportunity to meet him -- will I leave the organization? I will not answer this question, but I can say this....I will be there for those who want my advice and guidance and I will help them if I can.....remember in the end Jehovah will judge each one of use....he will have the final say.

  • scrubmaster
    scrubmaster

    I meant to thank JT for all his help and support I will be in touch.

  • Yesterdays Child
    Yesterdays Child

    Happy Birthday JT I think you know me from your cleveland days.

  • wednesday
    wednesday

    Jt, u and Garybuss have meant everything to me. Having been in the org all my life(and i'm 50) i heard the ring of truth form both of u guys. I knew u had been there and back. I will miss u, Thank u for all the info, i know it was not just directed to me, but i got the message.

    weds

  • scrubmaster
    scrubmaster

    Okay for how come my icon will not come up ---- !

  • waiting
    waiting

    Well, Mr. Chester Drawers,

    I certainly will hate to think of not reading your posts again (no smile) - is that what you meant? Hope not! .......you and your wife are a Defiinite Addition to any forum. (smile)

    I'm glad ya'll are doing so well - congratulations!

    May you marriage & life be filled with continued love & laughter. You've earned it, sweetie.

    waiting - on your next post.

  • Sassy
    Sassy

    Happy Birthday JT . I know turning 45 last month (and celebrating for the first time) was a huge deal for me, realizing how I had spent the last 40 years living a life that I now feel was misdirected. I can't tell you in words the amount of respect and admiration I have for both you and your wife in how you have helped so many learn the 'truth' as you say about the 'truth'. I was actually thinking about the two of you the other day and how in some ways you guys kept on with a pioneer spirit. You were still saving lives only in a different way. And how unselfish it has been since this time it was not because an organization was telling you that you needed to be out there saving lives, but instead you both were doing this out of your own motivation and heart and doing so in a loving way. I haven't even had a chance to talk to you both on the phone yet with my hectic schedule lately but already the two of you have touched me just by your story and I thank you for that.

    Have a wonderful birthday JT!! Happy 41st!

  • codeblue
    codeblue

    JT:

    You have been one of the most impressive posters to me.

    ...When I started reading from this site, one of your posts caught my attention. I then researched others you had wrote and found the one about what really happens at Bethel. I was totally shocked...I had been so NAIVE. I shared that story you wrote with Mr. CB. You see, I had been raised in the "truth" and tried to be as faithful as I could. I never got to go to Bethel for a tour....never had the money for such a trip. I vaguely remember a trip on an airplane and informal witnessing to a guy. He said: You would be surprized if you really knew what went on at Bethel. That is ALL he said. I sat there stunned thinking: He must be an APOSTATE. So when I read your posts and then I found that what you wrote "matched" other Bethelites (heavy--so be the postion) stories on this board, I knew it was the "real truth"....(I don't need to go to Bethel now...thinking about Tahiti instead...thank you!!!)

    Thank you for being brave enough to share the "real truth". I hope you and your wife have much success in your life.

    Codeblue

  • simplesally
    simplesally

    Happy birthday JT..............you're not 41 you're 30-11. Thats what I say, I am 30-10, not 40.

    I really appreciate your words and how hard it was to get out. When you have not been overtly hurt, shunned and mistreated its hard to see the truth about the truth.

    FOR MANY on the net I see their exp. and they felt they were cut short or dealt with unkindly by the elders AND FRIENDS, yes they felt that they got DOGGED, yep THE SHAFT

    Or they were just the outcast of their Congo- So when they come to the net they are mad as Hell

    That was not the case for me?

    I was loved and well respected --

    I don't think I could have ever seen the truth about the organization until I got df'd. Even then, I had elders pulling for me to come back and one elder was most kind to me. But then the general rank and file was so unkind and I saw that the story of the prodigal son really didn't apply, the story of the Samaritan woman or the woman with the blood flow.............none of the seemingly untouchable, don't talk to people of the Bible that Jesus chose to love and help were the examples that the elders were following. Instead, the elders and hence, the congregation, followed the example of the Pharisees who shunned those who were excommunicated from the Jewish religion. We who leave the truth are treated worse than Gentiles even if you are a df'd jw who is trying to come back.

    I remember when I was active, I never viewed df'd people as pariahs. I viewed them as JWs who were undergoing discipline. I never thought that they were NOT my brother or sister, after all they had been baptized. I viewed df'd ones as BETTER than worldly people because they were lovers of Jehovah and coming to the meetings. Even when my ex was df'd, I held out hope for him and it made me mad that ones would try to find out his 'sins' since he was considered open territory now that he was df'd..............it was not gossip if he was not a brother.

    Good luck on your journey, thanks for your words, misspelled and all!

  • xjw_b12
    xjw_b12

    James. Happy Birthday. Thank you, and Godspeed.

    David

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