Wish I knew how to edit after posting.
rubadubdub
JoinedPosts by rubadubdub
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94
Unbelievable Assertion!!!!!!!
by The Searcher inwe had our special assembly day this weekend.. what the district overseer stated in his talk totally stunned me, and made me feel sick to my stomach.
he said, "christ is directing us through the governing body, and we cannot get holy spirit except through them!".
i do not wish to reveal all my thoughts on his statement, but i pray to god that it acts as a wake-up call to at least some of the audience.. suffice to say that the gb is now the mediator to our mediator, and from now on, i will have to pray for holy spirit through the name of the gb!!.
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94
Unbelievable Assertion!!!!!!!
by The Searcher inwe had our special assembly day this weekend.. what the district overseer stated in his talk totally stunned me, and made me feel sick to my stomach.
he said, "christ is directing us through the governing body, and we cannot get holy spirit except through them!".
i do not wish to reveal all my thoughts on his statement, but i pray to god that it acts as a wake-up call to at least some of the audience.. suffice to say that the gb is now the mediator to our mediator, and from now on, i will have to pray for holy spirit through the name of the gb!!.
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rubadubdub
I was there for the pre-1975 frenzy through mid-2011. I have the CD ROM and Shepherd the Flock Book and can substantiate the following, however, my intention is to share my own thoughts about how it felt to be under the control of the GB.
The change in the baptismal vows was an obvious power/control grab. Not what I signed up for.
The following changes have been made incrementally over the years to induce more control and obedience through fear:
The shunning doctrine has been morphed from 'it doesn't interfere with natural family relations; 'just don't talk about spiritual matters' to 'Essential family business only' to 'Don't speak a single word, not even a text message or email.' Even though the 'Don't speak a single word. . .' was initially presented through an "experience", trust me the message is getting through. My FIL (50 years+ as an elder) has never initiated a phone call to my husband, who walked away over 30 years ago, but would take his call and speak for about 5 minutes. This weekend when my husband called to inquire about the impact of Blizzard Charlotte, my FIL was exceedingly nervous and said he couldn't talk, as he was waiting for another call. He hung up immediately. Until now, on average they would speak only once or twice a year.
The morphing of the definition of "apostate" has been progressive over the years. In the early 1980's when my husband left, I was told by a C.O. to treat my husband as an "unbelieving mate". My husband walked away, never DF'd or DA'd. Now he is a "mentally diseased apostate."
"Get-togethers" have been down-sized, and are no longer congregation sanctioned. (Remember when they would announce gatherings after the Book Study?) Congregation picnics are a thing of the past in our area. An elder has to take responsibility for anything that may go wrong (Dubs gone Wild!) Who would take that on?
Weddings are down-sized. No destination weddings. Weddings must be at the local KH, "the center of pure worship in the community". There must be a "Director of the Feast" to insure that all takes place "properly and by arrangement."
The position that the GB is the FDS and HS only comes through them is a blatant power grab. When the FDS was the remnant of 144,000 still on earth today, who were later to become our kings and priest in heaven, it kind of gave me the warm fuzzies. After all I had met several "annointed ones" and they seemed to be good, kind shepherds who displayed "the fruitage of the spirit". We were asked, 'If Jesus trusts the FDS, shouldn't we?' The FDS was "God's sole channel of communication on earth" and dispensed the "proper food at the proper time". Inspite of all the quotes provided by Blondie (Thanks!), it still felt like the GB fell under the authority of the FDS and Jesus, directed by the HS. All of that is gone now. Eight men are in charge and have sole ownership of HS? End of discussion. Seriously???
Notice where they changed and morphed doctrine to reduce their liability:
Use of "Blood Fractions" became a conscience matter giving doctors more wiggle room and reducing the likelyhood of a lawsuit from unbelieving family members.
Bedroom rules. I'm sure you remember those. The GB could not legislate what an unbelieving mate might insist upon in the bedroom, better to back off that one and avoid potential lawsuits.
The thing that doesn't fit into this pattern is the "Two Witness Rule." All they have to do is serve as mandated reporters and use the findings of the authorities as the second witness in child sexual abuse matters.
Just my two cents.
And Thanks Ann!
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Over 4 months, still no response to this letter to the elders!
by Greybeard inhi everyone, its been over 4 months and i have not heard a response from the elders.
i called one of them a few weeks back.
he said they sent it to bethel and haven't heard back yet.
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rubadubdub
Greybeard, You and I seem to have lived parallel lives! I was baptized when I was 16 years old in March of 1975 as well (raised in since I was nine years old)-- too young to enter into a binding, lifelong contract. And yes, the old bait and switch with those baptismal questions! Forty-two years of my life undone in a moment of clarity (and about two week's of researching and reading TTATT.) I've been out for just about 18 months now! We are free! That's all that counts in the end. My husband had to wait 30 years for me to wake up-- a truly patient man! I hope with all my heart your wife wakes up!
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Statute of Limitations on Safety Checks During Major Storms?
by rubadubdub ini never really considered myself a fader, as i just walked away after day three of my dc in july, 2011. i was literally stalked every day (text messages, vm, cards from children of eldubs (seriously?
), notes in the door, mags in the door, emails.
you get the picture) for five full months; and then it stopped abruptly, except for the text message inquiries regarding my safety before, during and after hurricanes irene and sandy (we live in a mandatory evacuation zone.).
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rubadubdub
I never really considered myself a fader, as I just walked away after day three of my DC in July, 2011. I was literally stalked every day (text messages, VM, cards from children of eldubs (seriously?), notes in the door, mags in the door, emails. . . you get the picture) for five full months; and then it stopped abruptly, except for the text message inquiries regarding my safety before, during and after Hurricanes Irene and Sandy (We live in a mandatory evacuation zone.)
Now we have Blizzard Charlotte. Buried in 32 inches of snow, drifts to four feet and winds gusting over 50 mph, most in our area are without power; and it is blissfully quiet here. No inquiring eldubs! Have I crossed some magical threshold into the land of freedom? Is there some cut-off date for inactive pubs and then poof-- no more safety checks? Please tell me it is so!
(Sorry about the font size. I can't seem to make it larger!)
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221
What JW catch phrase DRIVES YOU NUTS!!!!
by megaflower in"we should be mindful".
grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
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rubadubdub
Since "Happifying" and "Evidently..." have already been spoken for, I will add:
Sing Praises To Jehovah Song 125
"JehovahIsonMySide"
2. I know that in this crucial hour
My faith will yet be tested.
Around me swarms the Devil's crowd
Like bees that were molested.
But I can ever beat them off
Beneath divine protection.
On those who love to bear his name,
God sets his deep affection.
NWT (Psalm94:19) . . .When my disquieting thoughts became many inside of me, Your own consolations began to fondle my soul.
Psalm 94:19
Parallel Bible
New International Version (©1984)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.New Living Translation (©2007)
When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.New American Standard Bible (©1995)
When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.International Standard Version (©2012)
When my anxious inner thoughts become overwhelming, your comfort encourages me.King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.Aramaic Bible in Plain English (©2010)
In the multitude of my heart' s afflictions, your comforts have redeemed my soul!GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
When I worried about many things, your assuring words soothed my soul.Bunch of Pedophiles. "Indeed."
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Ever Caution a Former RV about JWs?
by rubadubdub inhas anyone ever felt a strong desire to go back to one of their former "return visits" in order to warn them about ttatt?
i used to call on the sweetest gentleman who was truly hurt as a child by the catholic church and its doctrines.
last we spoke he was still so fearful about being damned to hell.
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rubadubdub
I am very pleased with the success of my "un-witnessing" endeavor. My former RV, Mr. B***, and I talked for over an hour. His "girls" (hens) are well, and Phyllis Diller is sassier than ever. As I expected, some of the "friends" have been by for a visit or two since I left. Mr. B*** was quite amenable to my request for a confidential conversation and has promised that he will not let on that we spoke. He will be requesting that his name be put on the "do not call list" should he receive any future JW visits. Mr. B*** also intends to share the "do not call list" option with his siblings!
I started by telling him that I had always known him to be a kind and gentle man and that I have been feeling a strong need to talk to him and explain why I was no longer visiting him as one of JWs. I expressed that when I visited him as a witness, that I sincerely thought I was helping
I shared with him my initial exposure to the witnesses when I was nine and how I was drawn in, because I desperately wanted the stable and happy family life they portrayed. I explained how the doctrines have changed, morphed and flip-flopped over the years-specifically disfellowshipping and shunning and how they destroy individuals, families and marriages, "This Generation", the blood doctrine, disapproval of higher education, the two-witness rule that protects pedophiles and the recent doctrinal change identifying the GB as the F&DS. He saw that for what it is-a true power grab. I talked about the increase in control I have experienced over the years, the US vs. Them mentality and the failed doomsday prophecies.
I also explained the cult exiting process I have had to go through over the last 18 months to clear my mind after 42 years of indoctrination. I explained the B.I.T.E. method of mind control. He understands fully that JWs are a cult. I left no doubt. Mr. B*** expressed that he was truly happy that I am free and said I am always welcome in his home. He asked what I believe now stating, with a chuckle, that his beliefs seem to change every six months. I told him that I am working from the perspective of what I feel I know to be true today from my own personal experience and am doing lots of reading to challenge my thinking. He encouraged me to take some college courses, as it is never too late.
Mission accomplished!
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Ever Caution a Former RV about JWs?
by rubadubdub inhas anyone ever felt a strong desire to go back to one of their former "return visits" in order to warn them about ttatt?
i used to call on the sweetest gentleman who was truly hurt as a child by the catholic church and its doctrines.
last we spoke he was still so fearful about being damned to hell.
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rubadubdub
Thanks, for your thoughts, and Label Licker I really like the way your former bible students think! I wasn't about to shun my son DF'd son.
I have business where this former RV lives tomorrow, so I think I'll swing by for a chat after the morning Field Service group leaves for the day. He lives on a main road just north of the KH, and my car is a bit on the noticible side!
I haven't been at all reticent about un-witnessing, but this is my first venture back into the field so to speak. I don't think he'll rat me out.
I'll let you know how it goes if I find him and his chickens at home. Phyllis Diller (the chicken) is adorable. I kinda miss her!
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Ever Caution a Former RV about JWs?
by rubadubdub inhas anyone ever felt a strong desire to go back to one of their former "return visits" in order to warn them about ttatt?
i used to call on the sweetest gentleman who was truly hurt as a child by the catholic church and its doctrines.
last we spoke he was still so fearful about being damned to hell.
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rubadubdub
Has anyone ever felt a strong desire to go back to one of their former "return visits" in order to warn them about TTATT? I used to call on the sweetest gentleman who was truly hurt as a child by the Catholic Church and its doctrines. Last we spoke he was still so fearful about being damned to hell. In my sincerity at the time I really tried to alleviate him of that fear. I still feel deep concern for this kind-hearted and wounded man.
I know through the one JW friend that I still have lunch with about once a month that my RVs are being followed up on by others. I did take several brothers to visit with this man through the years, but thankfully, he would never really open up to them. The C.O. told me that this man was happy just doing his own thing, and I should spend my time more wisely.
I feel a strong need to warn him to stay away from the witnesses--to ask to be put on their Do Not Call list. I am a strong believer in following my intuition.
I have little to no contact with the two local congregations (same KH) that I attended in the last 26 years in this area and want to keep it that way. I am not DF'd or DA'd-just walked away. My CoBE texted me to make sure I was safe during Hurricane Sandy as I live in a mandatory evacuation zone. That is really the only official contact in about a year, and I want to keep it that way.
I would appreciate any precautions, thoughts or suggestions on how to proceed. Thanks.
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Why did you pick the name you have now
by label licker injust wondering if your name describes what you saw, how you were treated when you were "in" or now "out", maybe your personality, ect.... i'm label licker and the why i picked this name was because of all the licking up one side of elders and down the other to either be an elder or ministerial servant.
one time i was standing right in front of this brother who wasn't made an ms yet and he totally ignored me and talked right over my head speaking really loud trying to catch the co's attention.. got sick of watching the poor elderly sitting all alone or standing against the wall like a wall flower with noone to talk to and yet all these label lickers would take turns picking up the elders elderly parents and take them shopping and do their groceries at least four times a week while out in service, yet, there was noone there to take a meal to a sister who just got out of the hospital with a heart attack.
when i had shown up at her apartment with a meal she asked if i could wash her private and change her bandages.
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rubadubdub
When I walked away 18 months ago after 42 years in, my dog was still in full puppy mode and was obsessed with digging in the dirt. Daily tub baths became a given and seemed analogous to what was going on with me at the time. Lots of digging in WT dirt and the need to scrub it all away. Dub being an obvious reference to J Dub ya seemed fitting, and then there's that nursery rhyme-- Rubadubdub, three men in a tub that came to mind. I carried my name over from the Yuku forum where I first began posting. You can see my dog's photo there. She's my avatar, and I change her photo to match the seasons. In summer she's a sailor, as am I. You can read my story there too if you like. I'm known as Mrs. Rubbity or just plain Rubbity over there.
Thanks for the topic Unky Punky!
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"Im glad he/she died"....
by nowwhat? inhow many times have you heard this one?
" that way they will be resurrected and not be destroyed at armegeddon".
which brings me to another resurrection question.
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rubadubdub
Just last week I came across some letters that I wrote to my MIL and FIL back in 2006. I was fully indoctrinated at the time. My mindset and my cult speak sicken me now. I actually wrote that I wished my son had succeeded in his suicide attempt, because then he would "be safe in Jehovah's arms, instead of out in Satan's wicked world."
During my last year still fully in (2010), I had a few conversations with an elder. I explained that I couldn't envision myself in paradise. (My immediate family were all out by then.) I explained that if I lived forever, and Jehovah removed all painful memories, I would have to forget that I was ever married or had ever been a mother. I would not be the same person, if I could not remember the experience of being a wife and mother. I also told him that I was exceedingly uncomfortable witnessing to a woman who was married with children, as it likely would cause her tremendous emotional pain. I knew that pain. The elder's response, while walking away was, "At least she would have Jehovah."
For years I lived in two separate worlds, the one at the KH where the loss of my loved ones was deemed acceptable and my home life, where I loved my daughter who walked away from the organization, my DF'd son and my "mentally diseased, apostate" husband.
I didn't know the term cognitive dissonance at the time, but I lived it.