caliber
JoinedThe following is a partial quote from the author listed below it is not word for word: we must face the pain and sorrow of our betrayal and disappointment, and discover the movement of heart that opens to forgive in spite of it all. Each of us will find our hearts closed or feel ourselves hostage to the past at times during our journey. A successful spiritual journey always requires forgiveness--for others, for ourselves, for life itself. Without the wise heart of forgiveness we carry the burdens of the past our whole life. (How the Heart Grows Wise on the Spiritual Path by Jack Kornfield) I also feel that my life has been a relatively smooth ride compared to many and therefore do not wish to offer any judgements against anyone. I realize that many have suffered in ways beyond my imagination and to these ones I merely offer hope that their spiritual journey is successful. Although there have been taints of what some might consider betrayal or hurt or unretrievable things lost because of the WT; but at a certain point you simply have to try and get past things. Dwelling on negative experience at least for me personally brings me down. It is counter productive, call it denial if you so choose, but I call it moving on. I find Ray Franz to me is a good example of where I want to be. C.O.C. pg 274 "We have been followers of followers." Another said, "We have been victims of victims." I think both statements are true. Charles Taze Russell followed the views of certain men of his time, was victimized by some of the myths they propagated as 'revealed truth." Each successive part of the organizational leadership has followed along, at times contributing additional myth in support of, or in elaboration of, the original myth. In place of rancor, I feel only compassion for those men I know, for I too was such a "victim of victims," a "follower of followers." So Ray see's the facts but never lets bitterness swallow him up. Even on a recent Utube Ray in Bulgaria or at least some eastern European country, Ray always turns the conversation from one of condemnation and bitterness to logic and understanding of the people he worked with at Bethal. It is good to gain true knowledge of the organization, not as they appear but how they really are (intent and purpose). But finally when we have sorted it out we must at this point apply wisdom for the sake of our sanity and inner peace. Its all about your spirit, always protect your inner spirit. In order to accomplish this I find the following poem to be truly uplifting and inspiring. Deserata -- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s -- Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter, for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.