Tim: Alfred is right on. Also Vs. 26 is often ommited in the Memorial talk because to validate it would mean an acknowledgment that the Memorial is no longer required. I came to that conclusion some years ago. I am a born-in and after fading did go while my Mom was alive. After her death I went but not to any cong. that knew me. ( I avoided any contact with anyone who knew me so to keep them from stopping by for a sheparding call) This year will be my first out in the open "no I am not going to the Memorial" stand. I do not have any angst about it and am completley at peace with my decision. My personal dedication to God was just that, personal. I too appreciate and value what Jesus is and what his death means to me, and yes many JW's do not have a deep understanding not only of Jesus role in his decision to be there for us but also of Jehovah's faith and unlimited love. Celebrate in your own way as I will. Harleybear.
harleybear
JoinedPosts by harleybear
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22
Question about the memorial :)
by TimothyT ini have no doubt that in a few weeks when the campaign to spread memorials invites is underway that my good friend, the jw, will give me an invitation.
she has already told me that she would support me when walking in, telling me that i could sit next to her and she wouldnt give a damn what others would think that she was encouraging a disfellowshipped person.
she is very sweet, and i appreciate her thoughts.. however, i would rather not go because i believe the whole thing is done wrong anyway.
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Ridiculous reasons that "this MUST be the truth"!!!
by stillstuckcruz inever since i began researching about mind control, the organization, etc....i've really been paying attention to the actions and comments of the members of the congregation.
i've been noticing how so many people(usually the sisters) make up such ludicrous statements of how "this must be the truth"!.
for instance, the other day a brother at our hall who is only his early 40's was admitted to the hospital because of a bad infection.
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harleybear
Heard this a lot..."this MUST be the truth...what else is there?" God forbid you try to find out "what else THERE IS"
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Creepy Hand In the Revelation Book
by Zordino inthere are many weird and creepy images in the revelation book but there is one that i could never figure out.
why the creepy monster like hand?
is it subliminal or just an error?
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harleybear
Whoa!!! Did not notice that before. Course I never cared for that book anyways so not surprised I missed that one. How much do you want to bet the Chief Bro's at the BiG B missed it to??????
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Such a tragedy: My cousin and her BF died in a apartment fire in Kansas...
by Joliette inthis is sad news...my j-dub mom called me today to tell me that my cousin and her bf died in a apartment fire.
the batteries in their smoke detector was not in...there were no batteries in their smoke dectators.
her mom couldnt talk for two days.
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harleybear
Joliette: I am so sorry for your loss. Please everyone be proactive about replacing batteries in your detectors. The local FD here recommends twice a year. Our home uses the first day of spring and the first day of fall as the date set to replace the batteries. Buy the batteries in advance and have them available. Others use New Years Day and 4th of July as dates. Whatever it takes make it a priority.
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What about alternative help for substance abuse?
by harleybear ini am a recovering alcoholic and a former jw.
my attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action.
i stepped out of the box and sought help from aa.
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harleybear
Talesin: Your input was great. It is true that many JW's drink to cope. Booze is legal afterall and for a limited time can be hidden. The emotional and spiritual pain drives so much of that abuse but also physical. I have a beloved family member who is no long with us who because of a serious injury drank and did pain meds to deal with the pain. He was a servant and felt he had an image to keep up. He was 38 when he died. My drinking career did not get going until about 11 years ago when my Mom had her first heart attack, she died that November. Dealing with missing her so much would have been tough enough but the horriable abuse she received from the "asshole( my father) who by the way is in good standing in the cong. made me so angery and helpless. She remained IN until she died. Trying to be the "good daughter and JDub" I was fighting an up hill battle. The more I stressed about the shoulds, need to's, hav to's, and pressure from the cong the more I drank. I am not saying AA is the end all be all. I take what I need and leave the rest, but it first helped me quit drinking and second gave me a better understanding of a High Power that ultimatly gave me the courage and strength to leave the cult. I truely thank God everyday for that awakening and know I am loved and cherished by God. And I didn't have to sell one Watchtower!!!
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What about alternative help for substance abuse?
by harleybear ini am a recovering alcoholic and a former jw.
my attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action.
i stepped out of the box and sought help from aa.
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harleybear
Nice_Dream:
Good for that brother and to hell with the BOE. I have yet to meet any and I do mean any elder who had the education, credentials, or experience to offer any constructive advise on substance abuse, mental illness, domestic violence, child abuse, etc.. And to top it off they sure the hell do not have the compasion to offer support and love as a shepard of the flock. I wonder if anyone has sought legal recourse towards the elders advice for lousy "guidence". Would be interesting to find out. Harley Bear and ridin free.
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What about alternative help for substance abuse?
by harleybear ini am a recovering alcoholic and a former jw.
my attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action.
i stepped out of the box and sought help from aa.
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harleybear
wow such great and encouraging comments from you all. It is true that what really matters is ones sobriety. Aome AA groups do only allow discussions about the booze only, fortunately I go to an outstanding group that although the focus is alchohol it is recognized that other addictions do come into place. Blonde thank you for the thread of older chats on the subject. Talesin it is so true that once you sober up it is out the door of the KH. I am a "newby" with JWT just a few days. My house mate who is a DF'ed Br introduced me to the site. My hubby the "globe head" (that's my term for wordly) loves the site as well and gets some great giggles from it but also is so taken aback by the amazing experiences that so many have suffered from. I am waiting for the other shoe to drop both in respect to our housemate living with us and also the up and the coming April 5, uggWill keep you all posted. Harleybear and ridin free
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WTS position on DF'ed family members
by harleybear inwhat is the wts going to do if a non df'ed individual is the primary care provided for say an elderly family member or a handicapped child or parent?
many of us are in the position that without our assisting these folks they would have no where to turn.
does not the bible admonish a responsiblity to these loved ones??
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harleybear
Thanks so much for the imput on this subject. What I find disturbing is that the elders and the WTS can't decide if they are fish or fowl. On one hand that take the hard line of no contact at all, but as On the Way Out put it, which is so dead on!!!!! that when it comes to reaching out to help ones they recoil and pass the buck laying the responsibility on the family that has been told to not have contact. Is it just me or am I confused. In my case I will meet my christian conscience driven responsibilities and take care of my own. Can you just imagine if Christ was faced with this same situation? In light of the fact he freely gave his life for the bunch of us that he did and does not know, how can the elders and the WTS justify such cruel treatment and abandon? Don't answer that, sadly I know the answer.
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What about alternative help for substance abuse?
by harleybear ini am a recovering alcoholic and a former jw.
my attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action.
i stepped out of the box and sought help from aa.
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harleybear
Dear wha happended: Yes I am aware of outing others.
anonymous is not an accident in AA , that is why I like it. No congregation chit chat or gossip, just loving help and support. No I have not gone to meetings for years. Interesting is that AA gave me the confidence to make the break I so desperately needed not only from the booze but also the "church" . By your comment of "keep coming back" are you also?
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What about alternative help for substance abuse?
by harleybear ini am a recovering alcoholic and a former jw.
my attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action.
i stepped out of the box and sought help from aa.
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harleybear
I am a recovering alcoholic and a former JW. My attempt to get help from the elders was only met with threats of judicial action. I stepped out of the box and sought help from AA. I got holy hell when that got out. I was told it was false religion, a cult, a bunch of crack pots etc. All I know is I do not drink any more as a result of the support and help I received of which I did not and never would have received in the "church". Who else out there has thoughts or experience with substance abuse??