While I was being "Publicly Reproved"(I had moved out with my wordly BF at age 19 and had moved back home with my parents when I was about 20 or 21) the commitee told me if I so much as had *any* contact with my EX, I would be Disfellowshipped. It seems that either this committee liked to use scare tactics or they pretty much just assumed that if I so much as spoke to this person again, hopeless, weak-minded "me" would fornicate. I got smart after this one and realized they were "just men" and had no right to say such a thing OR assume such a thing. It's a shame because I went in with the mindset and certainty of wanting to dedicate the rest of my life to this way of life. Thank God I saw the hypocracy through my momentarily clouded mind.
Aalena
JoinedPosts by Aalena
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29
Elders "disassociated" me-after I married non-JW
by Nikita inin was baptized in 1983 at the age of 18. by the end of 1984, i was beginning the fade thing.
for 5 years i was an "inactive" witness.
i can recall maybe one visit from an elder , though a few more from some "friends" that had missed me.
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22
What's up with JWs only loving each other?
by new light inhow can it be called love when it is contingent on religious fervor?
i saw first hand today how some dubs only respect those of the faith, while dismissing others as scum.
their ridiculous, unnecessary preaching work is their only claim to being christ's followers.
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Aalena
They are taught to take care of themselves and their "brothers and sisters" in the organization first and foremost. The older ones, and some of the newer ones in different areas have been taught from day one to "set an example when trying to teach others the truth" and to shun those that doubt the organization. If that isn't the recipe for fake I don't know what is. Personally I cannot bring myself to blame each JW individually, though. They are only doing what is STRONGLY implied they do from the literature they read and sermons they hear.
This has always been one of my largest issues with the organization: Seperation from the "world." God has no conditions on his love, right? I wouldn't think so. If this is the "truth" then what is to be feared by mixing with such ones? How could ANYONE turn a blind eye to something so blatantly RIGHT despite who they chose to associate with? Guess what we can because it's NOT the "truth." There may be some truths... but no absolute truth. If there were only absolute truth as the way they seem to try and live, then God would not have given us choice. Just because we make an unwise choice God is not going to stop loving us why should they? Just because we do not chose something that ANOTHER MAN thinks we should chose God will not stop loving us, why should they?
If a fleshly father has an unconditional love and support for his children and God is supposed to be so incredibly MORE forgiving and loving beyond a man's comprehension what RIGHT do people in some religion have in judging someone as to take away their support and appreciation for them? That's right-- they SHOULDN'T. Like I said, however-- their minds have been conditioned to do so and I just have to remember that every so often so I am not consumed with resentment towards every one of them. You better believe I cannot stand organized religion now, though.
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What's up with JWs only loving each other?
by new light inhow can it be called love when it is contingent on religious fervor?
i saw first hand today how some dubs only respect those of the faith, while dismissing others as scum.
their ridiculous, unnecessary preaching work is their only claim to being christ's followers.
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JW - non JW relationships
by sjf84 ini'm sure that if i had come to this website as a non-jw looking for information on this cult when i was dating my jw girlfriend, i would not have taken any notice of a message like this.
but i cannot stress this enough to any non-jw in a relationship with a jw: get out now!
it is only natural to believe that your relationship will be different to the other failed relationships between believers and non believers which you read about on boards like these.
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Aalena
If anything, I urge people to get out of the relationship b/c of the hurt it brings the rest of the family. My parents were married 22 years until my father(the non-JW) died. It's created a lot of pain and confusion and regret for their children. Please, think about the effect it would have on any potential family if you are in a relationship that could result in marriage and only one is a committed JW... or even if there is a possibility that someone that is astragned from the religion going back.
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Anyone Involved In The Resturant Business????
by ApagaLaLuz inmy friend and i have been contemplating opening up a sushi/ karokee bar.
we have been doing our research and have alot of great ideas.
however, neither one of us has any experience in the resturant business.
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Aalena
If ya ll want to drive up to sacramento I'll take care of ya well, hehe.=p
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Anyone Involved In The Resturant Business????
by ApagaLaLuz inmy friend and i have been contemplating opening up a sushi/ karokee bar.
we have been doing our research and have alot of great ideas.
however, neither one of us has any experience in the resturant business.
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Aalena
I WORK AT CHEVYS!!! =p
Funny story(... sorry it's not really related to this thread but I'll conclude my post within relation to the orignial subject=D):
I found this site by typing in, Chevy's Riverside(where I work) to get it's address, lol. =) It picked up CHEVYSNTATS name=)
Anyway... I've been in restaurants for longer than I'd like to admit. I've held every position but owner... feel free to PM me with any question or ask here for my opinions. I've helped open about 6 different restaurants working for Brinker International and a few other private ones.
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25
Do you still get embarrassed by it?
by Mr Ben inthe other night in the pub a guy pipes up, "hey, how you doing mate?
then proceeds to inform everyone that i used to try and convert him to jwism about 8 years ago.
i say, "how you doing dave?"...
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Aalena
Not embarrassed a bit-- especially since it's undeniably shaped some of the person I am today. Being embarrassed by it would be, being embarrassed of myself!
I have no problem defending the people that are still in it as well=p It's their choice and if they are happy in it kudos to them. I simply say it wasn't for me but still have family that are and that usually extinquishes any further conversation about it=p
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"I Used to Have a Family..."
by Larry ini was just reading a moving post by flower, that inspired this thread.
but i admit i am lonely for the comfort that a group of people called 'family' brings.
i used to have a family.
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Aalena
I lost a father when I was sucked in and lost a mother and a sister when I broke free.
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70
Hi, I'm new to the site, and kind of don't understand...
by my-journey ini was just curious as to the aim of this website?
i thought it was a discussion board for those interested in/ for jehovah's witnesses, but it seems like you're all former jehovah's witnesses?
so is this site just to bash jehovah's witnesses?
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Aalena
Oh, and I'd guess that the Donate Icon is to keep the domain and message boards going =) They aren't for free =D
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70
Hi, I'm new to the site, and kind of don't understand...
by my-journey ini was just curious as to the aim of this website?
i thought it was a discussion board for those interested in/ for jehovah's witnesses, but it seems like you're all former jehovah's witnesses?
so is this site just to bash jehovah's witnesses?
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Aalena
I'm new to this site but from what I've read there are people with multiple views that come here and share their feelings. Not everyone here hates JWs. I think everyone just tries to share their views in search for someone to relate to. Being a JW is a way of life. Changing that way of life can be very tramatic and conflicting since it means leaving behind many that you have grown close to. Personally, I can see this place being a support to me because I find others that can relate to my feelings of non-belief in the religion of JWs. I was a JW from birth. My mother and youngest sister are still JWs. I was a pioneer and very active in the congregation as a young teen. At 16 or 17 I stopped going to meetings. I was "publicly reproved" in those years somewhere.. but in the 8 years since, remained inactive. I will never become a JW again, but strongly believe that everyone must do what makes them happy in life so I do not denounce others for continuing with them if they are truly happy with it. Nor do I, personally try and change their mind about the religion.