I don't agree with this statement. For some it may be. But in my case it wasn't a feeling of belonging. If I depended upon that I would have been a different type of person. I was alway able to belong no matter what in life. I have the right to make that choice wether to belong or not.
I had a very bizarre ex husband who had a personality that clashed with practically everyone. We would never get invited out to peoples home in the congregation because of the kind of fanatic he was. He was frankly an obnoxious, self righteous, jerk. He pushed people away, so I learned that we were never ever going to belong or have the feeling of belonging. We invited others to our home, but that is because I wanted to, and told my ex to shut up and let others talk. He repelled the friends. As I became sick over the years I began to see the true colour of many JW. Frankly me dear, they don't give a damn.
I am a person who is self sufficent. I didn't have to depend upon others to be my friends. If a person wanted to be my friend that was wonderful, but if they didn't want to be around me that was quite frankly their loss. And it was too bad for them, because I have alot of love to give.
As a witness and I am sure many of you have seen the same senerio. A couple or an individual has started a bible study. Everyone lolly gags over that person to help him /her learn their truth and then these persons get invited out to peoples homes, they are like the cream of the crop, they are new, they are eager, they are loved by all in the kingdom hall. Then they decide to get baptized and everyone is delighted and happy.
Then wham, after baptism many are dropped like a hot potatoes. All of a sudden they are not fitting into the so- called circle. Their personality may be different, but you excepted it while they were helping you get a thousand hours of service in each month. So you put up with them all of a sudden. Now lets see, they live in abject poverty or where less fortunate then others in the kingdom hall. Now they are looked upon as a burden, they all of sudden feel dejected because people in the hall aren't making a fuss over them. Then reality sets in, they all of a sudden don't fit the crowd. He or she may be a little less that what you think is normal behaviour, or a normal person. (To you). But that is okay they are witnesses now and they can find friends on their own. But for some reason they aren't feeling like they belong. All of a sudden you hear rumors that so and so isn't been going out in the service as much as they use to. Did you notice that she doesn't keep her home very clean, their children are monsters.
I have seen it happen so many times, I can count it on all my fingers and toes many times over. I have had friends who were dropped like a hot potato after they were baptized, no one visits them any longer and all of a sudden they are the topic of gossip in the hall. Do you think for one minute they think they belong. Let me tell you from my experiences, no they don't feel like they belong or have a real sense of security in the congregation. Next and this is the awlful part, they are now being reproved or disfellowshipped. Am I being cynical? Nope not one bit, as I have seen it.. Haven't you?
Its true and I am certain you have all seen it or you are a victim of it. How could you honestly feel like you belong when no one bothers with you any more and you can't figure out why.
I have watched this hypocricy until it made me sick of being called a JW. True love what a joke, they don't know what that means one bit. It's all a facade.
Yes lets face it, the main reason to be a JW is to please God, not individuals, but alas in reality we strive to fit and belong. Many do and many don't.
That is how I see it.
Orangefatcat
The watchtower has 'cocooned' my 'alienated' family in the cult mind-control, psychopath ,"pods".