I would like to raise a subject that I bet all you long-time posties have already discussed:
When a person enters the org having already had a life outside it, he/she is told that family and friends must take a back seat. Further to that, some individuals will even 'COUNCIL' you that total departure from those you love would be wise and indeed expected! (we don't want to do anything that will prevent Jah's blessing, do we?)
Gullibility and a desire to do the right thing according to 'what's expected' will then pull you to actually carry out this terrible deed. For some, sadly, it will be exactly the excuse they've been waiting for in order to snub someone they don't like but for most, it will be the most painful experiences to endure.
For someone who was abandoned by their birth-parents and then adopted by a new set of parents it's another ball game:
Where is the spirit of love in suddenly telling these people who rescued you from being an orphan that you can no longer honour their birthdays nor can you allow them to share family Christmas hols with you and your own children who they view as their grandchildren?