i have (well had) an extremely small circle of jw friends.
lots of acquaintances and associates but 2 or 3 i would consider my true friends.
that list is now 0. yup, once i told them i no longer believe in the org and haven't for a long time, and their attempts to encourage me thru jw lingo and terminologies to "rely on jehovah" and not to "stray away" failed that was pretty much it.
Same as Seventh Day Adv, Mennonites, Scientologists, and the RC church if they truly involed their disciplinary measures.. so there are a lot out there in the same situation...
Look outward for friends, join an art class, gym, volunteer, become a photographer, take courses -- you may be surprised.
last night on 20/20, they did an interview with leah remini (american actress know for king of queens tv show) she was raised in scientology since the age of 8, and recently left rather publicly.
she re-enforced what we all know, that they are bat shit crazy (like any cult) but also talked about how hard is it to leave something that's been a part of you for so long.. so many interesting parallels to our world (former world) of jw'dumb.
it's a great ep to watch with someone you are trying to awaken.
She was on Wendy Williams today and mentioned how if she met Travolta or Kirstie Alley on the street, they would turn away from her and she would turn away from them as they would get it trouble if they had anything to do with her.... ding, ding.. and they don't believe in God - just the bad alien spirits that came out of a volcano that has to be cleared from their minds on a regular basis - she said 2 1/2 hours a day!! and had to do three months being brainwashed or brought back to" clarity" once when she had a report or reports written up on her for saying or doing the wrong thing against perceived scientology teachings... plus all the money she expended to purchase Hubbards books to work her way up the system over the 30 years she was in.....
So much reminded me of the "truth" - people turning you in and having to meet with committee and being put on reproof and /or have a bible study to regain your spitiruality, monetary support (amway) system, getting new convenrts to support the Amway(pyramid) system, disfellowshipping - shunning - complete control over your life and making you believe it is Gods will... and on and on
well, my sister-in-law and her husband, special pioneers for only a couple of years, just got their letter.. her comment was along the lines of, "they're having to do this because they forgave all those kingdom hall loans a few years ago and the brothers aren't donating anymore.".
when my wife told me, i laughed so hard i farted.
;).
Mentioned this all to a sister in the car today- not quoting any sources, you know, and she replied," well its about time, the preaching work is all its about and that has to be now!!! " So much for the RF understanding what is going on..
Apparently, in Canadian bethel they have been told 49% or so are being "laid off" while the ones remaining are to feed themselves and clean their own rooms.... like that will happen..
i know we are all anonymous for our own personal reasons, so i understand if you would rather not say.
but if you don't mind sharing that would be cool.
i currently live in georgia, usa.
TS100
So you went from a caper to a newf??
just got a phone call from an older sister saying that a couple that got re-assigned from bethel 4 years ago to live at their kh apartment as special pioneers, just received a letter saying "as of january 2016, your special pioneer assignment will be discontinued".. they live in a south miami kh(snapper creek congregation).. this couple had only served in bethel for 15 years before they were sent out into the special pioneer work.
they are now in their mid 50's and the sister said that they have to find part time jobs to support themselves.. the older sister (does not have a pc or internet), says that the couple are just devastated!
.
Seems like so many have hit on some aspects of our life.. hubby an elder, left a govt job to pursue ft pioneer service pre 1975, nothing happened! He put in hours and hours with pubs who had marriage, money, emotional issues although not a professional in any of these avenues by any means, just felt he had to do it to help... nights and days, anytime - studying with other kids while his saw very little of him... using up what funds we had saved to help interested ones before the big A came at the end of the 6000 years in 1975.....
Then.... as I had not been brought up as a JW,but later became one, I found that post 75 I got a full time job, he quit FT pioneering-no money left and none being given to support us, and found part time work, and moved up from there, in 1980- that was it -- Both of us started putting extra monies away -- so from govt pensions, to monies saved, we get along but the faith we had is shattered... End times indeed - for the society!! Jehovah will cleanse from the inside or so the scripture goes - we just have to sit back and watch it implode while others who were not so wise will have to eake out a living in the "wicked world" some how - family, friends, hand outs -hopefully some have received courses at Bethel that will help...many congregations cant support the hall or those who are less fortunate, let alone be supporting those bethel has displaced. I really truly believe this has been a suck in job all along - its just so bad they have used Jehovah to build their real estate empire and lay the guilt trips on those who don't fall in line with their thinking we we did for years.......I relate to Leah Remini and her being outcast from the Scientology belief system..... I so relate....
i know we are all anonymous for our own personal reasons, so i understand if you would rather not say.
but if you don't mind sharing that would be cool.
i currently live in georgia, usa.
TS100
No coal boats anymore!! Mines closed down on the East Coast.. now they drill for oil
i get infuriated when i see the god's (guardians of doctrine) sporting pinky rings or rings on there right hands.
like a club association.
when i try and take a look at the ring it resembles a masionic ring.
i get infuriated when i see the god's (guardians of doctrine) sporting pinky rings or rings on there right hands.
like a club association.
when i try and take a look at the ring it resembles a masionic ring.
i was invited to a small get-together by a long time friend.
we both served as elders for years.
he is in his late 70s.
hi.i've been pouring over this site for the past few days looking for some advice and i hope there is someone here that can help a guy out.
i'm desperate.....short bio: i came into the organization after high school and shortly after married a wonderful girl who was born-in.we have been happily married now for nearly 20 years and things were well until 2015 hit.
by the way, i currently serve as an elder and have the ""privilege"" of being the "watchtower overseer".. either here nor there, we were told we would never have children but late last year my wife became prego!!
DK:
Right now you are not in a position to drop out.
Although this is a sad time for you both, it could be the time when you "can't handle any more responsibilities at this time".... "your wife is having a hard time as are you" ... "you would appreciate it if another brother could take over your responsibilities for now".......
This can be termed as depression and you both need doctors advice as to what to do to help you through this...
AND-- this is not a lie. Take the time to reflect and make yourselves well, then you can proceed with whatever you think will work
TL
