... I know she's dropping by my house later on this evening. I just don't want to be in any way disrespectful or cause her any pain by my comments.
Any suggestions as to how I should handle this 'being put on the spot like this' situation?
DY
My Mother Wants To Talk About My Spiritual Weakness....
by Doubtfully Yours 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Doubtfully Yours
I was thinking of just listening respectful all she had to say and then asking her ever so politely not to address this issue with me again. Then continuing on with my spiritual business as usual.
At least I give her a chance to get it off her chest. As though I don't hear the same stuff at the meetings. I guess she wants to make it her personal battle now. I sure hope this is not the case.
DY
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Purza
I would think that you may need to set up some boundaries. You don't have to be disrespectful in doing so, but just firm in your statements so that she doesn't cross the line. I do not speak to my mother very often, but we have an understanding that we do not talk about our religious beliefs (hers is JW and I no longer have religious beliefs).
Don't know if I am being very helpful.
Purza
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LittleToe
I don't know if this would work, but could you tell her that if she doesn't stop hastling you you're gonna stop going? Of course she might call your bluff...
Tough situation.
(((DY)))
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blondie
Matthew 7:3-5 (Amplified Bible)
3 Why do you [a] stare from without at the [b] very small particle that is in your brother's eye but do not become aware of and consider the beam [c] of timber that is in your own eye?
4 Or how can you say to your brother, Let me get the tiny particle out of your eye, when there is the beam [d] of timber in your own eye?
5 You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother's eye.
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Kaethra
hmmm...well...I know what worked for my mom. She started doing a lot of reading on codependancy and issues of controlling other people. She saw herself in what she read and set about changing her behaviour. It sort of goes against the grain of the jw 'convert, convert, convert' mission, but it works for her and I'm grateful! Then again, my mom has always managed to be able to think for herself, even if just a little.
Additionally, we have had a few discussions about my beliefs, (or rather lack thereof), and I've asked her some questions that have made her visibly upset as she has no answers for them. So now, when she does feel the urge to get at all preachy, I just tell her that I really don't want to discuss religious issues, as it just upsets her. :)
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Billygoat
DY,
I was thinking of just listening respectful all she had to say and then asking her ever so politely not to address this issue with me again. Then continuing on with my spiritual business as usual.
At least I give her a chance to get it off her chest.
I think you're on the right track with that statement. No point in making the conversation an argument, but gently and kindly telling her questioning is appreciated (because it IS her way of showing she cares for you) but is off limits. Your relationship with Jehovah is very private, the way it should be. (What is that scripture about praying privately and not for show?)
Good luck!
Andi