Hi everyone. I have been a resident lurker for a number of years. I have never posted but I have really enjoyed what I have read here and have come to appreciate all of you (Farkel, you are a mess!!)
Anyway, my husband passed away 12 years ago (he was "worldly"). If it wasn't for my "worldly" neighbors and co-workers, I don't know how I would have gotten through it. Not one invite for anything from a witness. I'd been a witness for years so this was totally expected by me. Just further proof that Jehovah's spirit does not dwell at the kingdom hall. One brother did help me when I was single with 2 kids. He loaned me lunch money for the kids and helped me fix my car. He would have gotten in trouble if the elders had found out that we were hanging out together. This man was also helping a sister with MS who was wheelchair bound. She had no one to take her to doctor appointments or the store, etc. He got called into the back room and told to stop associating with her because it didn't look good. It's funny but the "worldly" people don't give a rat's behind about things like that. You just have to watch out not to cause gossip at the kingdom hall. This really hurt him and the sister as well since no one else in her congregation helped her. Another time a sister who lived in Jacksonville, Florida had a house down in Miami and wanted to go check on it after Hurricane Andrew struck. My friend volunteered to take her. She was in her 80's. The brothers told him it wouldn't look right if he took her alone without a chaperone. Now how laughable is that? She couldn't find anyone else to take her, let alone go along as a chaperone. This man remains my friend even though he knows I no longer believe. He is one of the only true Christians I know in that organization.
The love just isn't happening. I sat back and watched it for years. I really got a kick out of the watchtower lesson that talked about reaching out to others in the congregation. Talk to them when the meetings are over, blah, blah, blah. So when the meeting was over, I stood up and looked around to speak to someone, since I hardly knew that many people and not one soul spoke to me. NOT ONE!!!! I walked out of there with the biggest smile on my face because I absolutely knew this was not the place for me.
They may consider us all apostates but there is more love here than in all the kingdom halls combined. The only thing that matters to the organization is going out in field service. Helping a brother in need is not necessary for eternal life in their opinion. I love being able to give love unconditionally to others and receive it in return. It is a wonderful feeling. I love God and I know he did not intend for others to micro-manage our behavior or consciences. It shows a total lack of love on their part.
Dee the "Heathen" BIker Chik
