Posts by RipVanWinkle

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

JT.

After seeing the movie, "Honey, I shrunk the kids", I heard a brother say something that got me thinking. He said, "honey, I shrunk the elders".

I think we have unwittingly contributed to the Brooklyn problem in that we (following suggestions from the WT) give double honor to those working hard. Actually I think we had put them up on pedestals> So the CO comes and we give him the best of food, extra cash, shopping trips etc. With many people doing this they begin to think that they're special. Like the pampered servant of Proverbs 29:21 who "in his later life will even become a thankless one".

This has happened over the past 5 decades until we have the "thankless ones" everywhere. Not only CO's, but DO's, elders, you name it, you name it. Prior to the late 1950's we had "Servant to the Brethern (CO's) who came through with old junk cars and ate just about anything and were grateful for a place to stay even though many of us didn't even have inside plumbing and bathing facilities. They were truly "through the dust". We had Bro. A.A. Worsley who visited our congo before going into the missionary assignment and he stayed with our "Company Servant" and had to clean up in a wash basin in the living room. These were the best accomodations available at the time. People like him were always appreciative for any kindness offered.

Later we got those who couldn't eat this or that or they wanted special foods prepared until nobody wanted to keep them or feed them especially when they came with fur coats and other finery.

So instead of inflating the importance of such ones, I believe shrinking them down to size - my size - helped me. I refuse to contribute to the mentality that they are "special". They are no better nor worse than I. They have their share of skeletons in the closet with locks on it just as I do. However, I have just recently learned to put locks on the closets. Prior to I was an open book and felt that if I had a problem the elders would help me....Forget that!!! They are not there to help, they are there to collect data that will be used to keep me under the thumb and give food for gossip for all the sisters within a hundred mile radius.

So I've shrunk their importance in my eyes. However it's like the Germans say: "Old too soon - schmart too late!".

No, I'm not sleeping as suggested, I'm very wide awake and I will not let people rob me of the peace that I feel that comes from Jehovah through his Son. My dedication was to Jehovah and I try to live my life according to "what is written" in the Bible.

RVW

12

? for ANY Lurker/JW

by JT in

jw
friends

while you may not agree with our view of the society, will you at least address this one issue>.

as we all know words have meaning and when used in the right way can be very powerful- yet if used in the wrong way they lose all of thier meaning.. here is my question -- for over 130yrs the guys in the writing and service dept starting with russell right down to today with gene smalley, sam buck, john wischuk and all the rest of the boys up at patterson have used the following words over and over and over.

1. very shortly.

RipVanWinkle

FlowerPetal,

We laughed a brother out of the Kingdom Hall in 1972 for trying to sell term life insurance.

RVW

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

DevilsAdvocate,

Thanks for the welcome! guess there are a lot of old timers who are getting out their typing fingers to get some new perspective on what's going on in the real world. We have found out that we're not alone with our feelings.

We've just got to "hang in together or we will hang separately". Somebody important once said that, I don't remember who but that is the facts. This seems like a good support group........Thanks again.

Hey FlowerPetal!

I don't mean to sound depressing, but I can't wait for change. I held my breath waiting and almost turned black and blue so I have tried hard to change my attitude. I no longer concern myself with what I have no control over. If positive change should come, I would welcome it, however I am the captain of my fate and must maintain my peace with my God. If I can help someone along the way I will, If someone helps me I will appreciate it but I cannot expect anything since it leads to disappointment..........Thanks for your kindly thoughts.

RVW

14

What I Observed Last Night At The Kingdom Hall

by stevieb1 in

jw
friends

i am still one of jehovah's witnesses and i still attend meetings at the kingdom hall though i am quite disgruntled over many of the society's teachings and the practices that go on in the congregation.

i have read everything about jw's both pro and con, (i have one of the largest collections of material related to jw's in europe) and i have contributed scholarly articles to the society on many occasions.

i could talk about many things but i'll just talk about what i observed last night.

RipVanWinkle

Cornerstone!

What an upbeat observation you offer in your post!!! I just wish I were in your congo...I am in full agreement with your thoughts. I am a party of 1 and I try to make a difference and if I can't make a difference, I try to not allow the differences to change me.

Does this make sense?

RVW

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

Waiting,

Sorry about your painful and probably costly experience. I think it partly stems from the fact that when we learn about such good things in the literature we believe that life in the WT is just like they write about. And the more trust we can get the wind knocked out of us. I've had one too and my trust took a real hit. But I refuse to roll over and play dead for the full count.

However, I feel that my tough experience has benefitted me. It reinforces what Ps. 146:3 says, "Do not put your trust in nobles nor in the son of earthling man to whom no salvation belongs". I have learned that I put too much trust and was so obedient that I didn't actually make my conscience as sensitive to Jehovah's leadings. So I've dusted off my behind and read everything with different eyes. I see things with different eyes and hear with different ears.

Final analysis, I am still a believer, but I can prepare Bible students tactfully to not "look too closely" at what other (including the High Tower) folks do. Their relationship must be between them and Jehovah alone. He will make the final judgment.

"Trembling at men is what lays a snare, but he that is trusting in Jehovah will be protected." Prov. 29:25 These men may be in/out of the org. It just says MEN.

So I've been freed from fear of men and feel a weight lifted off my shoulder. I am not as dogmatic as I once was and try to "cut some slack" for others. I attend meetings and do what I can in service while I try to balance what I feel will help me have a relationship with Jehovah and He has given me peace.

Share my greetings with your husband.

RVW

12

? for ANY Lurker/JW

by JT in

jw
friends

while you may not agree with our view of the society, will you at least address this one issue>.

as we all know words have meaning and when used in the right way can be very powerful- yet if used in the wrong way they lose all of thier meaning.. here is my question -- for over 130yrs the guys in the writing and service dept starting with russell right down to today with gene smalley, sam buck, john wischuk and all the rest of the boys up at patterson have used the following words over and over and over.

1. very shortly.

RipVanWinkle

JT,

I think you make an interesting point. I've thought about that and I do say that false expectations were raised regarding "the few remaining months" before armageddon in 1975 (per KM). I can remember my Dad sitting by the radio with keen anticipation during the early days of WWII thinking that this was a prelude to the Big T, so the hype was not new by any means.

I am also reminded of Bible writers, who I believe wrote under inspiration, say such things as "The revelation by Jesus Christ.....to show his slaves the things that must SHORTLY take place. . . and who observe the things written in it for the appointed time is NEAR." Revelation 1: 1-3 also 22:20 "He that bears witness of thse things says: 'yes I am coming quickly'".

"Young children it is the LAST HOUR" (1 John 2:18)

The scriptures point to the kind of people we need to be. Which includes how we treat others in/out of the org. How we work on the fruits of the spirit etc. etc. I believe that should be foremost. Service will follow if we become more Christlike and our personalities will attract people to join us.

I feel that we need balance. We need to live our lives in anticipation of preparedness for Jehovah's timetable yet I believe he intends for us to look out for ourselves/loved ones/others in the best possible way. For every day that passes the good I can do passes with it. Jehovah gets to know what kind of people we are from the heart by what we do daily.

I do not believe the some should superimpose THEIR consciences or beliefs upon others. The Bible rule, "do not go beyond what is written" if applied, would mean that no one should say, "don't go to University, don't do extracurricular activities, no office gatherings, no ballgames. life insurance? thats a joke - don't you know you'll never get old in this system, Marriage? Children? Plenty of time for that in the new order" etc. etc.

Personally, I too was caught up in the excitement of the moment and made decisions that if I had to do over again would be different. Hindsight is 20/20. However, as I look back, I feel I could have
done much worse - however others may not be able to say as much.

So to sum up, the "soon" doesn't bother me, but the idea of translating that "soon" to make "cookie cutter" controlled christians out of us and when someone says "jump" don't ask why, when, what for - just say "How High?" now this is another subject.

What I miss is the feeling of brotherhood. I've had so many people bring this up so I know I'm not alone.

I hope I haven't rambled on too much.

Just my 2 + 2

RVW

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

Hey Coco!

Read your message and I can feel your anguish. I guess I keep thinking about what happened during the days of Israel. When there was a good king in power the people prospered. But when those came to power who did not rely upon Jehovah the whole nation suffered. Yet Jehovah had a purpose (His Son Jesus would come from this nation) so he put up with them until is purpose was fulfilled then he divorced himself from them.

I too sometimes become very depressed at what I see and then I remind myself that "it's between me and Jehovah - not those people". Each one cannot keep himself alive- I cannot look to men for life. So if I can receive some "nourishment" from whatever the direction to help me grow or at least maintain my current status I use it and share with others. Perhaps better days will come. Maybe not during my lifetime, but I cannot help but believe that there is an Almighty power that has brought all that is around me into existence and must surely have a purpose.

Coco, I take it that English is your 2nd language? You do well. Are you from an European country?

RVW

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

Hey!

I appreciated your post! I share your sentiments somewhat. I too am somewhat familiar with one of the new GB as well as with a couple of the old. Have had one as a guest and he and his wife were delightful. I also am personal friends with a couple who have been appointed to new positions in the legal corporations.

I too believe that the Bible's message has the power to change peoples' lives and I've lived long enough to see it happen over and over again. However, I've also seen how the focus seems to have gotten fuzzy. If there were no pubs there would be no need for elders, ms, DO's, CO's etc. Somehow enough have lost sight of the word "servant" and now want to be served. I have had too many close friends who have becomed disillusioned because of the rough, uncaring treatment received. They have been badly bruised and those who are in a majority position to help are blind and deaf. So some of us try to take up the slack to encourage such ones to raise their eyes to the "Ones" who can read our hearts and minds. But how long before relief comes?

I cannot understand how those in positions to make decisions (Brooklyn) cannot feel, hear, and act on behalf of such suffering ones like Jesus who quoted Isa. 61: There are those who are brokenhearted and broken in spirit and no one seems to notice. Those whose spiritual life is oozing from them and they are passed by on the other side of the road.

Where is the "Good Samaritan"? Where? How can we boast when so many suffer??

BTW how did you come across that name?? Is it a humble name?

RVW

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

Think:

Thanks for the welcome. Yes I am an active witness. My family represents 5 generations of witnesses.

RV

31

Hi! I'm new.

by RipVanWinkle in

jw
friends

i chose the screen name of ripvanwinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world.

different setting and must have suffered emotional shock.

coping skills needed to be learned.. i sometimes feel a little like him.

RipVanWinkle

Hi,

I chose the screen name of RipVanWinkle because this fictious characher went to sleep and awoke in a different world. Different setting and must have suffered emotional shock. Coping skills needed to be learned.

I sometimes feel a little like him. I didn't go to sleep, but I am living in a different world since late 1970's and early 80's.

I'm not new to Jehovah's witnesses. Really quite an antique. Since I've been active for more than 50 years. Doesn't that qualify me for being an antique? I thought antiques were valuable but don't feel valued.

I know that there have been many changes in the org. When a parent makes a mistake even intentional, it does the kids good to hear "I'm sorry, I was wrong." We have heard this org. called "our mother". Has "our mother" outgrown this parenting skill?

This is not my real issue though. It's the fact that we have been told in the literature and the talks that shepherds are here to help. Yet when an unsuspecting person goes to them for help, not only do they come back empty handed, their confidential talk is spread abroad and later used against them. They become the object of the "spiritual KGB" The caring shepherds have vanished to be replaced by men who are looking out for themselves (their egos) and those who might offer some "pork" to them under the table. Failure to accomodate their wants can be detrimental to your spiritual health.

Then the pubs are told that THEY are the problem their attitude is at the wrong latitude.

I have learned a lot of good things from this org. for which I am grateful, it's just that the walk doesn't match the talk and I am feeling the need to put my feelings under lock and key not openly expressing my concerns.

What has happened over the past 25 or so years? Does anybody feel that a positive change can come? What do you think?

RVW