MC RubberMallet

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Posts by MC RubberMallet

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  85

  I was HAPPY as a JW, how did I get here?

  by MC RubberMallet in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  some have figured out, but i am a poster that previously used another name.

  but even then i did not give many details about myself.

  i barely cracked 100 posts.. but i have never done a thread to explain why i am here.

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  MC RubberMallet

  I am running out right now. I will finish it later.... but everything was "rosy". Especially in ignorance.

  8 siblings.
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  85

  I was HAPPY as a JW, how did I get here?

  by MC RubberMallet in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  some have figured out, but i am a poster that previously used another name.

  but even then i did not give many details about myself.

  i barely cracked 100 posts.. but i have never done a thread to explain why i am here.

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  MC RubberMallet

  Some have figured out, but I am a poster that previously used another name. But even then I did not give many details about myself. I barely cracked 100 posts.

  But I have never done a thread to explain why I am here. Lol.

  I was happy as a JW. Extremely happy. I was 3rd generation JW. I grew up in a household were most of my siblings did not 'take to the truth'. Growing up in such a way, I saw the effects of the truth on those that applied it, and how those that didn't apply it were unhappy/unfulfilled. Out of all my siblings, only four of us became Jehovah's Witnesses.

  I remember giving my first talk on the school. I was still wearing huggies pull ups, or just got out of them. All of my family including cousins, aunts, uncles, greats aunts, etc. came to see. Most of them were not in the 'truth' but thought JW's had it, they were just doing their own thing, as they would say. After the meeting, they had presents for me in their vehicles. Lol. They were so proud of me! I was happy also.

  I remember going to visit Patterson as a kid. It was beautiful. And I thought, I should come here. I would be here doing God's work!

  I remember getting baptized. I remember during the prayer before exiting the auditorium, others in my group were balling. I realized the seriousness of my dedication and thought, this was only the beginning. I am giving my life to the Sovereign! I was aglow.

  I remember getting announced as a regular pioneer. There was 4 of us in 1 night. The congregation applauded heartily. Us four went out to eat after the meeting. We were amongst the 'ranks', as pioneers are called. We had big plans, all of us.

  I remember seldom worked territory in the Bible belt several times. It was just like examples from the magazines. People were literally crying at seeing God's name in their own Bible, and learning that they would never die. But if they did, it's ok. Being a part of that brought great joy, because, we all thought we were participating in the will of God.

  In High School, I took courses that put me in position to take several AP tests. I passed, and was accepted to Stevens Institute of Technology, in NJ. I accepted, but with the guidance of the elders and my parents, I was encouraged to prioritize my life. So I later declined. I am STILL kicking myself! But I realize they only were helping me with what they thought would benefit my very life.

  I remember getting appointed an MS. I was young, but I worked for it. But the congregation had so many problems, a year after being a servant, I qualified to be an elder. Lol. Seriously.

  Up until this very day, the single best day of my life was receiving my acceptance to bethel. I temp'ed at BK bethel more than a few times. But it wasn't my goal to be on a waiting list, then be thrown into 2 weeks assignments. So when I received the letter I was chosen to become a permanent part of the Bethel family, I was thrilled!!! That was my goal before even being baptized! The only way to get out of the area I was in, was through a rap career, NBA, or death. One person from my area went to NBA, and that was in the '70s. And he told me to stick with preaching. Lol. Rap career? I couldn't really coincide rapping about killing people while offering a life saving message. Plus, my rhymes were elementary, like Dr. Suess, Lol. Death? Well, no. Just, no.
  But Bethel, I get to leave in order to DO GOD'S WILL! Better than any other career I could have chosen! That was my thinking at the time anyway. Nevertheless, everyone was happy for me. I was the FIRST in my congregation and 3 generations of JW family to get to serve at Bethel. A lot of people were proud of me, and I was too! I remember the feelings... That was the pinnacle of everything I've ever worked for and turned down!

  Bethel was great! It had its challenges and people I didn't care much for, but that's anywhere. I loved the atmosphere, food, area, my assignment, and wierdly, the strict way of life. It was awesome.

  I remember getting appointed an elder. I was young also. But this hall I was in had 21 elders at a brief point. So I had a ways to go before I was given anything real. I just had to watch and learn. My love for friends and wanting to be a haven for them is what made me remain on the body despite the prevalence of negative personalities.

  Just a few examples that sum up my experience as to why I was happy calling myself one of Jehovah's Witnesses:

  1) Soon after I made it to Bethel, this very nice couple in my hall purchased me a car! Didn't know me that well, but knew of a nice car being sold (a really nice one), and gave me cash for car, tax, titles, insurance, etc. It was so generous that I used my tax return I got that year to pay them back, because I felt it was too much. They didn't even want it. So I dropped it into their car window leaving the KH one day. My entire time at Bethel, I always made sure they had whatever they needed. The husband was showing signs of dementia, and by time I left Bethel, he barely remembered me. That was rough.. Anyway that was the love I was shown. That was only one of many.

  2) After being in Bethel a few years, my overseer told me the brothers really wanted to use me. He said I was to receive training in a few months for a very different assignment (BIF) to beef up an adjacent department in another branch. I told him it would be best if I left Bethel until I was to receive training. He encouraged me to stay, but I thought I should go. I asked him if I could get trained in a trade to support me until my return (talking like Jesus). He told me training was only for use in God's house, not to go out and make money. So I leveled respectfully, but honestly with him. I told him I had opportunities to get trained/degreed in a few areas. But I turned them down to come here and be used by Jehovah. So now that I gave everything up, why doesn't Jehovah have my back? He actually agreed, said he never thought about it like that, and he'll see what he can do. A few days later, I got the invitation in my room to train in BK. He was such a sincere guy! I realized that wasn't the norm, so truly appreciated it. All it took was a little reasoning.

  3) I had a roommate who got disfellowshipped out of Bethel. Everyone was treating me like he died. Which, in JW sense, he did. I got cards, candy, phone messages, invited out more, encouraged. Lol. I did think it was a tad ridiculous, but it demonstrated the love of everyone around me. Unfortunately, it showed the inhumane side that witnesses are "scripturally" taught to treat such ones.

  4) One thing Bethelites do is travel a lot. We had no money, but friends all over the country will pay for food, flights, gifts, etc just to get you out to their area. I felt like Gehazi. Lol. And the friends would stay elsewhere while they gave us their house, car, etc. They barely knew our names! And to be honest, their trust was well placed because in no group I traveled with would any have even thought of stealing or being dishonest in any way. The level of mutual trust and love was completely foreign to me.

  5) There is actually an even bigger event that showed me the love of the friends, but it would most certainly sell my identity. But if ever I get exposed, please call me on this so I can relate it! Lol.

  I left Bethel and went to a hall that needed help, until I got my call to go back.
  Friends were great, I actually enjoyed service in the territory, job was working out, life was good.

  Running out. 2BContinued.....
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  82

  Nursing School

  by sooner7nc in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i start the journey towards getting a degree as a registered nurse on jan. 14th, 2013. wish me luck.. .

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  MC RubberMallet

  No way! I was sure you'd do great! lol
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  36

  How does one go about dating after leaving the WT?

  by Left in the Cold in

  1. social
  2. relationships
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  MC RubberMallet

  Never Knew - We know what makes sense logically, but the courage to carry it out is another issue. Maybe it's just me. lol.
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  15

  think you've guessed someone's identity?

  by J-ex-W in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i'm just curious.

  i wonder how many readers out there think the stuff they've read sound so much like someone they know that they're going, ohmigawd!!

  or if circumstances described seem like big fat give-aways.

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  MC RubberMallet

  I though so, but dead ends....
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  36

  How does one go about dating after leaving the WT?

  by Left in the Cold in

  1. social
  2. relationships
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  MC RubberMallet

  I don't believe JW drivel, but the thinking still permeates me in important decisions. I see woman I like, and the attraction is reciprocated.

  But then, I would start thinking "How do I know she has morals? Will she cheat on me? At least (worst case scenario) a witness women won't play me because she doesn't want to hurt Jehovah. They think Jehovah's looking at them and would repay them if they acted out of line, but what about this woman? What's to stop her? Am I ready for a non-JW relationship in my own mind?" Sadly, I certainly realize the fallacies of my thinking. But I can't seem to go further with interest. It's the fear... I hate it and want to rid myself of it. But I can't seem to shake it. Maybe in time.

  I guess I'm in a similar mindset, not knowing how to move forward...
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  70

  Please Help! Wife want PROOF of Watchtower Deception

  by Indian Larry in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  please post any examples of clear cut watchtower deception.

  my wife does not believe that the watchtower would purposely decieve her.

  i need clearcut examples of deception of by the wtbts.

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  MC RubberMallet

  July 15, 2011 Watchtower Pages 11-12 Paragraph 7:

  7 Jehovah has given us a precious gift to help us make decisions—our “perceptive powers.” However, these powers need to be trained “through use.” (Heb. 5:14) Following the crowd would not train our perceptive powers ; nor, on the other hand, would a host of rigid rules in matters of conscience. That is why, for example, Jehovah’s people are not given a list of films, books, and Internet sites to avoid. Because this world changes so fast, such a list would be outdated soon after it was made. (1 Cor. 7:31) Worse, it would deprive us of the vital work of weighing Bible principles carefully and prayerfully and then making decisions on the basis of those principles.—Eph. 5:10.

  You can have a field day with this paragraph.

  One question I chose when I was in was, "There's no list huh? What would happened if I watched a rated R movie, or a movie with demonic activity, etc. Would the elders allow me the freedom of weighing Bible principles carefully and prayerfully and then make decisions on the basis of those principles? What if my conscience allowed me to watch a movie the elders thought was inappropriate? Would I be talked to, then have my privileges threatened if I did not listen? So is that paragraph a lie?" and "Did they not just mention the Twilight series and Harry Potter from the stage? Are those included in a list of other movies that would get us in trouble if we saw?"

  You can also go with internet too, even printing out some article they've printed, or books they've condemned, etc.

  Old 1914 stuff never worked for me, so I try recent articles....
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  70

  Please Help! Wife want PROOF of Watchtower Deception

  by Indian Larry in

  1. watchtower
  2. bible

  please post any examples of clear cut watchtower deception.

  my wife does not believe that the watchtower would purposely decieve her.

  i need clearcut examples of deception of by the wtbts.

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  MC RubberMallet

  You -

  How come Pastor Russell died in 1916 not knowing Jesus has started ruling in 1914? - Fernando

  Her - (canned answer or confusion)

  You - They did not start teaching "invisible presence" until 1922.

  Her - No, they taught it before that!

  You - Ok, please show me. I must have missed it.

  Her - I don't have any WT from back then...

  You - Hmm, I wonder why.....
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  31

  Lurkers - PLEASE watch this excellent video on 1914 that uses only Watchtower quotes!

  by cedars in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  this is a truly awesome video, with a lovely overall presentation, that uses watchtower literature to explain how the expectations of russell and his followers regarding 1914 differ significantly from what is portrayed in modern publications.. if you're visiting this forum for the first time, please watch it!.

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zap6keflhpe.

  cedars.

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  MC RubberMallet

  Hey Cedars! Excellent Vid again!

  I only mentioned it because Ray Franz dedicated an entire chapter to proving there was no GB until recent history in the org, and why that's important to know. I was just concerned there is no confusion between apostate sources...
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  55

  As a JW - Did you See Meetings Continue in Spite of Medical Emergencies?

  by flipper in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i was talking the other day with a fellow board member about medical emergencies occuring at meetings and how we both agreed that we ( while jw's ) had never seen a meeting stop or be cancelled due to medical emergencies experienced by a fellow jw.

  the wt society trains jw' s to lose their authentic human feelings or any empathy towards others physical or emotional sufferings many times.

  so many times at meetings , in spite of someone suffering a serious medical emergency it was " the show must go on " type of attitude displayed by congregation elders.. my first experience at seeing a medical emergency at the kingdom hall was an older sister who had an epileptic attack.

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  MC RubberMallet

  One sister fell out of her seat and started yelling " I can't breathe! I don't want to die! I don't want to die!" A few people in medical field surrounded her while I called 911. The PO conducting the WT told the audience to move forward, because sister was near the back. She was a big woman so no one could move her, so the meeting remained silent until EMT arrived and carried her out. She was ok. She was included in the prayer. He handled the best he could.

  A sister died at JCAH. Assembly continued, she was mentioned in prayer.

  A brother was giving his first public talk, and started slurring his speech. An attendant from the back and ran onto the stage and caught the bro as he was passing out. They sat him in the chair on stage and when he regained conciousness, he wanted to keep giving the talk. They had numerous brothers sitting in first row in case it happened again. It did. So they left him in the chair and gave him the table used for sister's talks. He finished his talk. Then went to hospital. He had suffered from food poisoning.

  At bethel, a brother caught a stroke on camera while doing Bible reading. Leon Weaver ended the program immediately with prayer.