WW. It isn't Jehovah who is exacting the toll, it is men who say they have the authority to speak in his name! Not to long ago I was visited by a pioneer sister who'd thought it might be a good idea to stop by and see my wife and I. I couldn't believe what I saw! Between pioneering, working at night, and the responsibilities of a single mother, the poor woman was on the verge of a physical collapse! That is what happens when one follows men, not God. Just remember that your step-daughter is doing this because, in her world, she has to in order to feel important. Support her the best you can. that's about all you can do.
Why is it wrong for step-daughter to go from FT Pioneer to Aux. Pioneer?
by wordlywife 20 Replies latest jw friends
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Gill
It's a problem of status as already mentioned.
I remember a missionary from Japan giving a slide show at our old cong about Japan, where he and his wife had been preaching for forty years.
He was talking about the fanaticism of the Japanese and why there had been such growth in Japan and so many had bee FT pioneers. He explained that position and status was everything to the Japanese and that's why everyone wanted to pioneer just to be on top of the heap.
This comment did not go down too well to judge by some of the brothers comments later. But he was right.
Everyone is supposed to be reaching out to be better than everyone else, not going backwards.
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Buster
I think there is a bit more than just the status thing.
Anyone in the congregation that is perceived as easing off will have to face some questions, even if that easing off is from the insane commitment of an FT to the still silly waste of time Aux. But the really hard part is that some will of these questioners will do so behind her back, under their breath. Her commitment to date won't matter.
If she answers truthfully, she will say that she needs to put more focus on supporting herself. Then the fun part, some will question her 'faith in Jehovah to provide.' Others will decide that she has become materialistic. What will she say when she is reminded of the critical need is this, the time of the end?
But really at the heart of the matter is this: If she is allowed to use reason, to keep her life in some form of balance, then others may find themselves faced with the question, "Why am I doing this?" That is a scary thought in a controlling cult.
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Joyzabel
ww, you sound a great step-mom and wife. Keep on keeping on.
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OUT and about
In answer to an earlier question, no my husband does not Pioneer (tm). He struggles with attending, although he attends almost every meeting.
Worldly Wife. Thanks for answering my query. I suspect your husband may be trying to live vicariously through his daughter. Kind of like the father who pushes his son to play football or some other activity. Although I'm not a parent, I think this is a natural phenomenon that is understandable. The WTBS does a lot of talking about serving Jehovah in one's youth. I don't know how familiar you are with their liturature, but there have also been wt and awake articles on being balanced, and not overdo it. Of course these ideas get swept under the rug, especially in a congregation like mine was with about 10 percent of the cong being bethel elders. I think you are doing exactly what you should be doing. She is fortunate to have you in her life. Ultimately it's her decision. Perhaps you can research and find the articles I'm refering to (I discarded all my literature during a move, I should have kept at least the CD rom).
One point I'd like to make is that in my demographic, those bethel elders really pushed serving full time at all costs. It's easy to say that when you have a warm bed and three squares provided no matter what. It's not like that in the real world. I just heard a report on the radio yesterday that was interesting. They said that to RENT a two bedroom apartment in my county, you had to have a minimum income of $18.00 per hour (remember they are assuming a 40 hour work week). And I'm betting that doesn't allow for much discretionary income. Anyway, the State mandated minimum wage in Connecticut (where the above demographic represents) is $7.10 per hour. See the problem here? It's nice that she can stay in your home now, but what kind of future is she going to have this way? The ones making the rules behind the scenes just simply don't have to deal with these realities.
Young ones - if you want to make the most of what god has given you, spend 4 years and get a degree. The evil world will still be here waiting. Trust me!
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Undecided
What happened to the Special Pioneers who were given a small amount of money from the WT Society so they could spend all their time going from house to house. My mother did this for many years after my dad died and never remaried. My aunt is still one I think, but she is now in a nurshing home. They were required to put in 150 hours a month in field service. They started back in the 50's. My mother died a special pioneer and it looks as though my aunt will too. I'll try to find out the situation with my aunt, I think the Wt.Society still gives he a little check each month.
Ken P.
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Eyebrow2
I have to say, I think it is great that you are letting your husband and stepdaugther lead their own spiritual lives. I can just imagine how difficult that can be.
That being said, every pioneer is supposed to make sure that their pioneering work doesn't create a burden financially on others. I have known parents that allow their adult kids to live with them and pioneer, but usually at some point that stops. The kids realize they need to take care of themselves at least, because mom and dad ain't gonna be here forever....and oh, yeah! Armageddon ain't coming as soon as they thought. It would be nice to say that some of these pioneer kids also realize they need to help take care of their parents, and I do think that happens, but not as much as one would think.
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blueztunez
My moms been in the "truth" for 30 years or so and I often point out how the jw's are so isolated and focused on doing gods work and how too much work and no play makes johnny a dull boy (a lotta dull boys @ the kingdom hall) . Well surprizingly enough she agrees and states that balance in life (with gods work always in mind) is the key to making god happy with ones efforts. I'm quite sure shes deviating from wt org's dogma but hey I think she's closer to the truth than she may know. (:
your a blessing to your family and credit to your spirituality
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wheres caleb?
So serving Jehovah and having a close relationship with him is dependant on what other people think? Hmmmm.
Makes sense to me!
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willyloman
The Witnesses have created a god whose sole concern is, "What have you done for me lately?"
She worships that god and is concerned about being perceived as moving backwards, in the wrong direction, not doing "enough."