Believers ? I need your input ? elder called and left my mother in tears

by acsot 36 Replies latest jw friends

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  acsot

  Thanks Guest 77!!
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  LittleToe

  Ascot:
  You'll have a job bettering the Psalms, even from the NWT (but the KJV sounds nicest).

  How about Psalm 69, which is likely Messianic, and Freudian
  It really might touch a chord.
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  acsot

  thanks LT (BTW, how are things with your sister ??)

  I'll start with the Psalms tonight, but I have such an aversion to the NWT right now I'll stick with the one I used yesterday, it's a Catholic translation, I think it's called the New English bible.
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  LittleToe

  She's getting stronger, after such a knock, and her fiance is very supportive (though he finds the whole thing incomprehensible). She's a tough cookie - she'll be ok. Thanks for asking.

  As for the NEB - sounds good
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  orangefatcat

  Dear Ascot,

  What a great example you are and a very loving son to his mother. You ought to be proud of yourself, I know that you love your mom and you will do anything to make her happy. Here are a few points I found that may help you with your mom and tell her not to be hard on herself, like you already said to her. And It was a great way you handled the sitution and made her feel better about herself and the Jehovah will never abandon her. The elders too can benefit by re reading some of this counsel..

  The WatchTower of 1994 August I page 30 w94/8/1/30

  Reverence for the aged was reflected in the Mosaic Law at Leviticus 19:32: "Before gray hair you should rise up, and you must show consideration for the person of an old man." So the aged ..... Furthermore, a body of elders can benefit by tapping the experience of aged ones in their midst However, tending to the special needs of the aged involves more. Many are troubled by loneliness, fear of crime, and financial difficulties. Furthermore, once the elderly become infirm, these problems are compounded by failing health and disappointment at their own diminishing vigor. They then need much more attention. How should individuals and the congregation as a whole react?..........

  The Scriptures say that caring for family members is an obligation for Christians. "If anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith." (1 Timothy 5:8)?ED. Awake 1994 August 22 page 30.

  I know you are already this way although not being a JW it is still a good example that you amplfiy. God bless you for your unselfishness.

  Many congregations have reason to be deeply grateful for the past efforts of our dear elderly brothers and sisters. It was they who perhaps laid the foundation for the congregation, building it up from just a few publishers decades ago. Where would the congregation be without their past zealous activity and, perhaps, current financial support?..............

  When increased care becomes essential in the case of an aged publisher, relatives need not stand alone with the responsibility. Others can assist by running errands, cooking, cleaning, taking the aged one for walks, offering transport to Christian meetings, or simply conversing with him at the Kingdom Hall. All can join in, though efficiency and routine are best achieved where efforts are coordinated............

  However, it appears that other congregations should be more aware of their obligation toward the elderly.

  "The Elderly Will Appreciate Your Visits"

  Much good can be accomplished by planning a call, perhaps of 15 minutes, on an aged one after preaching activity.

  In March 22 Awake 1991 There is an article called "Do You Honour the Elderly?" I am certain that even many time over and over the elders are reminded of their Christian duties as elders and paying more than the usual attention to the sick and elderly.

  Well dear friend I hope that you mom isn't to hard on herself and no elder has the right to make them cry. I am glad you called that Elder Idiot, He says he didn't intend to upset your mom, but remember there can be some pretty nasty elders out there.

  Love to you and wishing you mom a recovery and tell her that she is being thought of this day, by me,

  Orangefatcat (Terry) PS. Ascot be good to yourself.
  
  
  
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  Satanus

  How about one of those jesus videos. I liked it during my christian phase. Christian literature crusade (clc) in westmount, st catherine st has some, i think.

  SS
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  acsot

  SS: are they like the Hollywood movie type? You have a PM.
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  bebu

  The gospels... and like you said, psalms can really help, too. Shoot between (edited to change numbers here) 91 and 119 and you'll find a lot of uplifting ones there...

  Psalms 103 and 139 are wonderful (I always think about the WT when I hit the verses near the end of 139, btw!). (Added to add: Also, take a look at psalm 146.)

  My favorite verse is from psalm 73

  PS 73:23-26 Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

  Ascot, I'm glad to hear that you have discovered that you are less controlled and intimidated by the elders! It's amazing to think that we really can change so much. Good for you!!

  bebu
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  garybuss

  
  Ascot, My comment was relevant to this line in your post,

  I would have never ever called up an elder and questioned his activities. I would have been afraid . . . .

  But I see that comment was not welcome or appreciated. I have removed the post. My intention is not to upset you. Sorry if that did. GaryB
  
  
  
  
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  acsot

  Gary: sorry, that's not what I meant, maybe I'm being too sensitive! I used to be afraid of dishonouring God by not being obedient to the elders. Maybe with you it was different, maybe men can stand up to other men easier, but I figured if I was too "rebellious" then I wouldn't be a good example, you know, the guilt thing. It seemed like in your post you were referring to the present tense, as in "what did I still have to be afraid of", but my original post referred to my past habit of avoiding confrontation. Since I did call back that elder and demand to know what he had said, I figure that it was a lot of progess for me.

  I apologize if if I over-reacted.