Yes, I agree, urstruly. I don't care for sarcasm. I think sarcasm is a defense mechanism, sometimes it's an automatic response that can be hurtful.
It's a good discussion. Just ignore the sarcasm.
willow
willowmoon
JoinedPosts by willowmoon
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99
Many Questions
by urstruly inhi i'm new to this forum.
i've looked at other websites to and i see all this about the jw's, now i'm not one, i was raised a jw but made my own decision and my parents respected that.
i've read so many horror stories, but my life wasn't like that at all, as a matter of fact, when they first knocked on our door and my mother accepted a study our life changed for ever, it was for the best in many ways.
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99
Many Questions
by urstruly inhi i'm new to this forum.
i've looked at other websites to and i see all this about the jw's, now i'm not one, i was raised a jw but made my own decision and my parents respected that.
i've read so many horror stories, but my life wasn't like that at all, as a matter of fact, when they first knocked on our door and my mother accepted a study our life changed for ever, it was for the best in many ways.
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willowmoon
I might not agree and you might neither life goes on.
You are so right.
But if we can help each other understand and make life better for each other, isn't that a good thing?
willow
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54
Anyone here have access to deer meat or sausage?
by Elsewhere in.
i haven't had access to deer meat for awhile and i'm hoping to find another source.
i'm hoping one of you might like to go deer hunting, or might know someone who does.. thanks!
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willowmoon
Wow, thanks for the great idea guys.......
Think we'll have some nice venison chops for dinner tonight.
Thanks!
willow
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54
Anyone here have access to deer meat or sausage?
by Elsewhere in.
i haven't had access to deer meat for awhile and i'm hoping to find another source.
i'm hoping one of you might like to go deer hunting, or might know someone who does.. thanks!
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willowmoon
I don't like deer meat at all. It's so "gamey"
marinating it in wine vinegar with an apple, or red wine, gets rid of the gamey flavor and makes it tender and sweet.
willow
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99
Many Questions
by urstruly inhi i'm new to this forum.
i've looked at other websites to and i see all this about the jw's, now i'm not one, i was raised a jw but made my own decision and my parents respected that.
i've read so many horror stories, but my life wasn't like that at all, as a matter of fact, when they first knocked on our door and my mother accepted a study our life changed for ever, it was for the best in many ways.
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willowmoon
urstruly, thank you, I try to be kind and understand others' opinions.
I agree, some are bitter. Some people are bitter in life, no matter what their religious views. Some JWs are bitter. You're right, it doesn't accomplish anything to be that way and it's something we all should guard against.
I know some very happy JWs and would not want them to be any other way. I don't think many here are trying to "ruin" anything for anyone. (Though some may speak very harshly out of bitterness, but we can't change that.) I will continue to love humanity and take my associations at face value.
But, when asked, I will express my opinions (from experience) about individuals working on behalf of an organization who are proving themselves or the organization to be hypocrites and hurting others in the process.. I do agree, God will do something about it. In the meantime, if someone's experience can help another avoid being hurt, wouldn't it be wrong not to try to help them?
willow
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99
Many Questions
by urstruly inhi i'm new to this forum.
i've looked at other websites to and i see all this about the jw's, now i'm not one, i was raised a jw but made my own decision and my parents respected that.
i've read so many horror stories, but my life wasn't like that at all, as a matter of fact, when they first knocked on our door and my mother accepted a study our life changed for ever, it was for the best in many ways.
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willowmoon
urstruly, one of the great things about this forum is that everyone is welcome, with no conditions. Meagan was not being sarcastic, if that's who you were referring to.
You've apparently been spared and didn't experience much of what others here have gone through. I was fortunate enough to recognize warning signs and wrongdoings before getting too closely attached to the organization, thanks to reading the experiences and thoughts of others here. I still had to made my own decision, but could do so from having information learned here from everyone, not just ex-JWs.
I think you'll find you won't be attacked, but will be addressed in a direct and honest manner. It may not always be what you want to hear or it may sound harsh, but that's often the way with people who are passionate and truly believe what they're saying. The difference is most here are open to hearing the other side of the story. There are many articulate posters here with sincere intentions and open minds.
I hope you'll share more of your thoughts and questions. It's not a bad thing if you do decide to go back, it's just your decision based on knowledge.
willow
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99
Many Questions
by urstruly inhi i'm new to this forum.
i've looked at other websites to and i see all this about the jw's, now i'm not one, i was raised a jw but made my own decision and my parents respected that.
i've read so many horror stories, but my life wasn't like that at all, as a matter of fact, when they first knocked on our door and my mother accepted a study our life changed for ever, it was for the best in many ways.
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willowmoon
urstruly, much of what you say is agreeable, fair and kind. You're right, everyone has the ability and the right to believe whatever they choose.
That would be fine it it was where it stopped.
But when others, as members of a group or as individuals, manipulate others to cause hurtful actions, or commit the very sins for which they condemn others, or callously hurt and deceive others for their own gain, it becomes worthy of discussion. And, yes, candor and honesty to those who are asking questions.
When a group or individual uses the name or spirit of God to exercise power, control and intimidation over others, it ceases to be a valid religious cause for the good of humanity. It becomes a hypocritical mockery for the good of only certain individuals. It is an insult to God, the Society's proclaimed master and his son Jesus.
urstruly, you said:
You found out they were lies, and now your out. Can't that be the end of that?
No, that can't be the end of that. Not when people's lives have been disrupted, imposed upon, threatened -- and they come here seeking honest advice and answers.
"To each his own", "live and let live" --- nice catch phrases and grand principles. In order for those principles to be effective, however, they must be applied by both parties.
If being involved with the organization was a productive and rewarding experience for you and anyone else, that's wonderful. I hope you will return to the Kingdom Hall and help the brothers and sisters with whom you share beliefs. Perhaps you could help them apply the "live and let live" principle or help them keep non-judgemental open minds. Yours is the kind of thinking many of them would benefit from.
yours truly, willow
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35
Shunned on my home turf for the first time!
by AlmostAtheist inlong story short -- my father-in-law and uncle-in-law came today to buy some appliances from a friend of ours.
while my father-in-law seemed willing to stretch the "necessary family business" clause to its limits to talk and joke and be basically human, my uncle was cold as a witch's dead penguin.
if i said anything to him related to the task at hand, he answered as minimally as possible.
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willowmoon
Or........ the love for his daughter, you, and humanity might win out,
he could wake up
there's always hope.
Keep the champagne chilled just in case.
willow
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27
I think I've finally had it! (long)
by lynnmelo insome of you may know that i had regularly been studying with the jw's for about two years, but i was never baptized.
i stumbled on some information about the child molestation scandal a few months ago, and that started me on the road to questioning the organization (for further details on my situation, see my topic history).. anyway, up until now, i had decided to just fade into the background, still attending sunday kh meetings because i want to attend some church, and i just don't know where else to go (don't agree w/ the teachings of the other churches in my vicinity either).
my last "study" w/ my bible study conductor (a month or so ago) was terrible.
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willowmoon
I'm angry now and don't even want to go back to the KH, but one part of me wants to continue going just to get her goat.
Don't go back for spite, it won't accomplish anything except more stress for you.
If you go back, be resigned to giving yourself over to them ... any faith or love you have for Jehovah will take a back seat to what the brothers and sisters expect from you to be an accepted member of the congregation. You said yourself what that is: a complete wind-up toy for the JW organization.
She does want you to stop attending. By questioning, you are no doubt now considered a rebel and a bad association. And because she's your study conductor, she'll get the heat for your "weakness" and poor heart condition.
Unless you're willing to give up completely to them, leave now before a little nick becomes a gaping wound, and then a permanent scar.
willow
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When a fader pretends not to know you in front of JW's
by Chasity1 ini am friends with this fader or at least i thought i was.
i went back for a visit to my home town a couple of months ago and i visited a lot of old friends.
one was a fader who was a jw but has been out for like 10 years.
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willowmoon
If he's trying to fade, he's already got lots going on that's making him confused and upset. Your ignorning him will make him feel worse. He needs a friend. Be one, take him back.
willow