Thanks so much for all the responses. I had a whole page of venting again but have edited it.
I’m glad to hear that it is allowed to get outside counselling. Not sure if my mother will go for it at this point though. She was so strong when I talked to her in the morning, yet 4 hours later, after he came back from his meeting, she was cowering.
I agree that they’re only concerned with protecting their own butts. Elders that lead a spiritual organization, God’s chosen people, that only care about outward appearances? Does God not see?
The very thing I feared; that my mother’s husband is letting the Elders know that they need to butt out, that it’s his duty and right to handle his household the way he wants. My mother does tell him about the scripture: men love your wives like Jesus loves the Church. But I guess when a woman says something it’s invalid.
I have considered asking a neighbour if they have heard anything. I live 40 min away. Thankfully one of my brother's lives close by and always has his cell phone with him. I wanted a meeting with my mother’s husband and his son but my brother seems to think it would be better if it’s just him and her husband, man to man.
The only thing my brothers and I can do is be there for her. We will not abandon her. My oldest brother called yesterday and he will fly up if needed. He does not go to church but he is a spiritual loving man. I realize that in the end it’s her choice, either stay in this miserable marriage or break free. She lived alone for about 3 years and she was doing much better than she is now. But it isn’t easy for a 76 year old woman. She may even have to live with us for a period of time, don’t know how we would do that, the house is crowded as it is.
I am so tempted, if this gets even worse, to stand on the sidewalk by their Kingdom Hall holding a sign with the message that an Elder is verbally abusing my mother and the other Elders are silent, not protecting the widow. Where is the love?
