One thing I remember when I was a Witnesses, was the lack of responsibility we had to take for our own actions. If we said something and someone took it wrong and we were attacked for it. Well we would call the elders and they would work it out and people would have to accept their council. Do you remember that?
I do, and I remember that certain people in the hall had this really good ability to upset others and always make it seem like they did nothing wrong. Soon we would be getting the 2AM call from someone saying, "that such-in-such said this and is bad mouthing me." We would then have to take the next meeting and pull such-in-such into the back room and work things out. Then it would be a month or so, and their was another such-in-such bad mouthing the same person. Soon we would catch onto the pattern, yet what could we do? They were bad mouthing the people after all.
Well this elder protection allowed for some very rude people to thrive in the Kingdom Hall, by working the system. They did so for years and years, and never had to be responsible for their own actions. Why should they be, when they had the PO's number on the speed dial. What about now?
Well I notice sometimes on this board, and I have been their myself. Where you have problems, confusions and upset talk. In the end, wouldn't it just be so nice to call the elders and let them work it out? Well yes, but that would be if we wanted to be baby-sit more. Instead we have to hash it out on our own. Sometimes these battles can be heated, angry and down right ugly. In the end though, we worked it out and moved on without having to "call the elders." What benefit comes of it?
Well some will say that fighting has no benefit, that arguing has no character building qualities. I say the opposite. I think since exiting the Witnesses and dealing with some harsh times in my personal life, and dealing with minor ones online. I have learned the power of "standing on my own two feet." Yes, at times it might seem hard to do, and there might be emotions that get in the way. In the end though, I see benefits in handling it like an adult. Even having situations like this lead to good friendships.
So when you get into those situations, and someone says something that offends you. Isn't it nice to know that no one will call the elders. At the same times, isn't it frightening to know ... your on your own?
So next time there is a online battle I am yelling " ... quick, someone call the elders before we have to work this out on our own ... "
My thought
Dragon
