bruce baker, who led the press conference a week ago, in seattle, just called to tell me that the reporter who wrote the article for the seattle times, had called him to say there were 36 victims who replied to her after her article came out.
they all have told her the information is correct, but that they are fearful of "coming out" because they are still active jw's, and are in fear of being df'd.
she is planning an in-depth article in the times to correspond with the march on september 27.. stay tuned.
Thanks Mulan,
I was just thinking the other day about the way the WBTS tried to make our concerns over their shameful child-molestation policy seem like we were all alone. Little did we know just how many felt like we did and how many silent lambs would eventually roar. What must take place, is taking place.
on thursday september 5th, we learned that a 20 year old jehovahs witness (jw) named collins stephens had died in an intensive care unit in little rock, arkansas.
for us, this tragedy is heightened by the knowledge that something as simple as a transfusion of red cells might well have saved collins life by allowing physicians to repair his damaged heart and aorta.. we know that collin was in an accident and that he survived for over ten days in a drug induced coma.
we know that physicians worked feverishly to keep him alive and build up his blood count.
I am so sorry. It is so draining to hear of another cult sacrifice. It is all so bizarre and yet so predictable. I guess one ( or many, as in the case of AJWBR ) must do what one thinks is needed in helping others, but how do we know that this boy's family isn't celebrating and honoring his sacrifice. I don't want to sound callous or insensitive, but why all the anonymity? I know this is an often discussed issue, "stay in and try to reach people or get out". Why can't one continue their efforts of education about this insane policy and not care about WBTS recriminations? Maybe the WBTS doesn't want to conform more closely to "biblical policy". Maybe the true God has no interest in them as representatives of His Word. It is a persons right to be involved with a cult. Why does one feel it is necessary to go about some "covert" operative to publicize truth. I was a Witness for thirty years and when I had my final experience at the hands of "loving shepherds", I left, and left formally. I now share openly my truth about the truth. I am not silent, but at this time, I choose not to force the unwilling to be willing. I also know that children are another matter. But here again, information can be distributed, with proper authorities and agencies being notified without being a member of that religion. I'm just feeling really frustrated. Maybe the people in your group still feel the WBTS is " God's only oranization ". It would take the changing of MANY things for me to come back to that perspective.
friday, 09/06/02 | middle tennessee news & information
couple to protest jehovah's witnesses
bill steber / staff .
Sometimes I sit here in my little berg concerned that because I'm so insignificant, battered, and a bit tired that I wonder how the fight will be carried on . . .and then I see a statement by Barbara Anderson like, "We will not stand for it!" and I know that God's in his heaven and all's right with the world.
Thank you Barbara, Joe, The Bowens, all.
SloBoy and Spouse
sharon mcdaniel kennedy
january 27, 1942 - september 6, 2001
(we called her "the rose", affectionately, .
Mulan and Princess,
SloBoy's spouse here. Mulan I talked to you on the phone this summer. I am sorry for your loss. I have had some experiences that allow me to empathize. My thoughts are with you.
Just fresh from some shunning, (the receiving end). Had to check in for some reality. Came across this thread. I have gotten so much here. I am afraid I need more to be O.K. In that regard I ask the following:
Is it appropriate for me to ask someone to post Sharon's story or a link to it?
My thoughts are with you Mulan and Princess, what a lovely picture of your friend.
I feel I can relate, as I currently have lost 100's of friends, due to lack of mtg attendance on my part and a refusal to ignore child molestation. Perhaps even more so because my ex-brother-in-law died while disfellowshipped. My eyes were opened enuf to go support my sister and their children after his death, but not opened soon enuf to tell him how much I loved him, or thank him for all his kindnesses to me as a child even tho I was ready to do this and said I would even tho he was df'd, he lived three hrs from me and before I could make the next trip north, he died unexpectedley at the age of 48.
Always, always tell the people you love: You love them. Thank you. I'm sorry. I was wrong. Whatever needs to be said. No unfinished business. What a hard lesson. My one true regret.
Thanx for letting me ramble.
Love SloBoy's Spouse
well, i guess u can say that i've dodged the proverbial bullet.
now only if i could've dodged that damn rim yesterday!.
yesterday at work a tire and rim application that i had been workin on came apart under about 60 lbs of pressure and smacked me right in the face.
You are so right bigboi,
All the crap JW's are fed about wordly people, just more lies from a sick cult. My goal is to not let their arrogant, self-righteous, hypocritical manner keep me from responding in a Christian way when another one finds their way out and needs help. Thank God for this site. I'm glad your mishap wasn't as bad as it could have been. Must have been "clean livin". Hope someone has insurance.
i read crisis of c, now what?
actually doesn't have to be about the dubs - i think i may over-load on dub-doom if i read anymore witness business.
anyone recommend something else.
SloBoy's Spouse here.
Don't think my first email made it.
Highly recommend: "The Poisonwood Bible," by Barbara Kingsolver.
"Nothing and Everything to do with dubs, (to steal Farkel's Phrase).
A Must Read.
Happy hrs of perusing.
SloBoy's Spouse
i am having a very difficult time and i am here right now because i know in my heart, that when i explain what has just happened to me a few minutes ago, you will understand.
many of you are no doubt going through the same thing.. within several posts here, i have spoken of my mother.
my dear sweet mother, who just turned 78, and who has been a faithful jw since 1959. she abandoned me in 1981, when i decided to leave the borg, and for twelve years she did not speak to me, write to me, call me, or visit me.
Sentinel,
SloBoy's spouse here to give my 2 cents.
SloBoy disassociated self. I didn't do the same. Trying the fade-away. 6 months of inactivity as of Sept. '02 after 34 yrs as pub.5 previous to that attending and being taken along to learn how to publish. Anyway, I digress.
This spring a witness I cherish very much called from another area and asked if I would stand up for her at her wedding, as "no one else will do". I felt special and validated, (shoulda ducked, sucked in one final time!) The wedding was planned for the end of May. There was an emergency, the wedding was postponed. Some waiting to see how things would turn out, no word, I sent a card expressing concern and contributing monetarily to help in the emergency. My check was cashed. No word still. Two weeks ago I found out the Wedding is history, it happened, I was not notified. Worse yet? My cherished friend has moved back to our area (15 minutes from me), is working 2 blocks from my office, was in the lobby of my work place on Thursday. . . and has not called, written, or come to see me.
The sad thing is I was fully prepared to say, "Listen Sweetie, in view of "SloBoy's " being DA'd I am going to beg off as Maid O' Honor, it would just make things uncomfortable for everyone". I wasn't allowed the courtesy.
So gossip must travel fast and it must be pretty scathing in regards to SloBoy and I. Less than 115 days ago we took the young couple to dinner to celebrate their engagement, having traveled hundreds of miles, bearing beautiful engagement gifts.
I am so angry, hurt and sad, need a good cry, keep swearing and ultimately come back to all the facts I know: They are dysfunctional, hateful, judgemental, have a 100% vested interest in compliance with shunning. In addition to that I remind myself. "What did I expect? I have been to one meeting since the Memorial, I am in College, I am outspoken against child molest and attend recovery group meetings." Not exactly publisher of the month material.
Bottom Line for me? I can't change back. It would kill me.
I feel for you. Sending love and concern. You are not alone.
Love SloBoy's Spouse
dont know why but lately i do.
i feel so bad that i have been so mean to her lately.
but ever since i found out the real deal about the organization i havent been able to even hear her voice without being feeling angry at her.
Flower,
Thanks for sharing. Not that it helps much, but your family life isn't that much different than most. Perhaps we should call it NORMAL DYSFUNCTION. Such "powerful learning" though, must eventually be addressed, for it will demand payment at some point in our lives. The WBTS has printed articles about this, but in reality they consider it a waste of time. Afterall, ARMAGEDDON IS COMING! Why take time away from theocratic pursuits for such self-centerd, selfish, endeavors. Riiiigghhtt! Such worthless endeavors that have freed many people from a nightmarish cycle of anger, hate, DEPRESSION. But congrats to you for it seems that you are on the verge of dealing with some visceral issues. May you have peace and success and always know that you are not alone.
how do witnesses view aa meetings and aca meetings?
are they ok with the 12 steps?
the reason i am asking is because i think it might be beneficial for my jw-wife to attend some aca meetings but i'm unsure of how "anti-aa" the witnesses are.. also, if anyone care to make any comments re aca meetings, i'm all ears.
Thanks Scootergirl for your response.
how do witnesses view aa meetings and aca meetings?
are they ok with the 12 steps?
the reason i am asking is because i think it might be beneficial for my jw-wife to attend some aca meetings but i'm unsure of how "anti-aa" the witnesses are.. also, if anyone care to make any comments re aca meetings, i'm all ears.
Ray,
While the WBTS occasionally prints articles seemingly favorable to AA, the posters are right about it being dependant on your local congregation's view. I know of one example in the last few years where the C.O. made it a point to condem outside help during his talk. After the talk, a brother asked if that included AA, he responded, " Yes, why would real Christians need it?". The presiding overseer then informed the brother ( who was attending AA meetings ), that the C.O.'s comment was specifically for him. The brother then asked the P.O. how the C.O. knew that he was in AA, and the P.O. sez, " I told him" (so much for confidentiality). The P.O. then, in ensuing conversation, says " Well, go to those meetings, but just remember, God's spirit isn't down there " ( now that's what I call encouragement ). I know of a number of J.W.'s whose lives have either ended or have been severly impacted by UNTREATED ALCOHOLISM. And yes, there is a difference between heavy drinking and ALCOHOLISM. AA does not believe it is the only way to get sober, but as they say, " if you want what we have, you are welcome ". Regardless of some of the critics here, if you think you've got a problem with alcohol try AA.
