Posts by Smoldering Wick

"we are conscious of our spiritual need" they say in a self-congratulatory way.. "the vast majority are not conscious of their spiritual need" they say in a condemnatory way, to provide some reason why no one listens to them any more.. so what is it?.

Smoldering Wick

Our “spiritual need” may be met when we experience a wholeness within our self, with other humans or with God. Spirituality is one aspect of the total person. For a person to function as an integrated whole, the individual must experience harmony in mind, spirit and body.

Spirituality is often mistakenly equated to, or used synonymously with, institutionalized religion. In a very specific sense, spirituality refers to the eternal relationship between the individual and God. In a very broad definition, spirituality is 'that which inspires in one the desire to transcend the realm of the material.' Aspects of spirituality are qualities of forgiveness, love, hope and trust that can be experienced in relationship between two people as well as God.

We can fulfill our spiritual need through acts that show love, hope, humility, trust and forgiveness towards others. Relationships with other people can also fill our spiritual need…giving us fulfillment in life and providing a purpose for living.

Religion may give attention to spirituality but, by nature can actually hinder us in attaining our ‘spiritual need.’

9

Memories of Hillary - Part I

by Duncan in

jw
friends

upfront disclaimer: .

i know its entitled memories of hillary, but an awful lot of this post is, in fact, all about me and our hero doesnt actually get much of a look-in in this part.

but i need to tell the story right, and it starts with me.

Smoldering Wick

Duncan, Hillary & TMS...I see you three on similar threads. All of you are great storytellers! Seems you’ve had a long history with the WT and enjoy reminiscing about your JW glory days.

Would you mind sharing what made someone so “faithful” to the organization…one who had the ‘truth’ so imbedded inside of you….change?

If you have already detailed your exit…maybe you could direct me to the thread?

As a third generation JW and former Pioneer…I’m just curious. Maybe I can find some comforting commonality.

Respectfully,

Wick

30

Update On Elder Suicide

by Nat in

some of you may not have heard about my sister-in-laws brother.

he was a elder/37/married/no children and my sister-in-law's twin brother.. he took his life a couple of weeks ago.

no one was sure what was going on or what had happened.

Smoldering Wick

I remember the Sunday morning of the CO's visit to our hall. I walked in full of smiles, hugged and greeted everyone. After greeting an elder's wife, she matter-of-factly stated that brother "name withheld" a ministerial servant in our hall had committed suicide. I was stunned and completely overwhelmed with sadness. I sat on an isle seat and balled my eyes out. The meeting was about to begin, but I couldn't compose myself. That was when I felt a brush on my shoulder. It was the CO. He said "It will be ok...at least we have the New Order" and walked away.

I remember standing up for the songs that meeting and wondering how everyone could be so 'normal'? Maybe they didn't know that our dear friend had shot himself in the head in his music store. Perhaps they weren't thinking of his beautiful wife and his three awesome children he left behind to clean it up. I was shaking. But, the meeting went on as planned. Like nothing had happened.

I found out later, that is how they all coped. They pretended it didn't happen. The funeral was brief. All of the brothers had red eyes and were wearing dark glasses...he was a good friend and certainly was going to be missed. But, as I cried and hugged some of the brothers...I noticed the silence. They were holding back their emotion.

Weeks and months passed. The widow was ignored. The children were ignored. Just as quickly as it had happened...it was forgotten.

During one of our few visits (which I regret now to no end) a friend and I asked this new widow if the brothers and sisters had been visiting her. She put her head down and sadly said "No, no one has." No calls. No cards. No visits. After we left, my friend and I talked as to why we thought this sister had been so neglected. Maybe it was because they didn't have any answers. They couldn't use their bible and explain this situation away. Maybe it was because they heard rumors that this brother who committed suicide had an affair and killed himself out of guilt...and fear of disfellowshipping. Maybe it was because they had judged him already of not worthy of life. We didn't know.

Nat said:

Had a 3 hours visitation and a lot of people were upset over that.

They were upset that this man who probably gave his life to the Org...had three hours remembrance? Please, how very selfish.

I will tell you this, personal I feel the org. had their hand in his suicide. They were going to disfellowship him the Sunday he took his life.

Disfellowshipping is in no way a "loving arrangement" from the society. It is a death sentence. Literally for some.

My dad took his life. Could never live up to being a j.w. either. It's tough and alot to take if you think about it.

I'm so very sorry Nat.

"Tenderly...
may time heal your sorrow,

Gently...
may friends ease your pain,

Softly...
may peace replace heartache,

And may warmest memories remain."

Thank-you for all your post and replies. His suicide did stir up some old ghosts, but I'm doing better. I want be talking to my sister-in-law. She's a j.w., but I'll send her a card.

Nat, I'm glad you are doing better. One day at a time. I don't know your situation with the JWs, but, don't let that stop you from being there for your sister-in-law. Even if it's just a card you send....it's probably more than she'll get from her "family" of JWs.

Lots of Love,

wick

1

monkeys

by ballistic in

jw
friends

> > > >this is the way of the world.

> > > >start with a cage containing five monkeys.

nevertheless, no monkey ever.

Smoldering Wick

:::hands ballistic a banana:::

48

Just curious

by outonalimb in

jw
friends

i see that there is a plethera of jws here that have left the fold, maybe after reading some of these posts.

is there anyone here that was not a jw, but is now after visiting here?

mn.

Smoldering Wick

I can only assume what the term "troll" means..as I have not yet found the definition on this board. (I'm sure it's here 100x...just haven't gotten 2 it yet) If a "JW" is lurking and occassionally posting here...trying to push someone's (apostate) button, that person is no longer a JW anyway. He/She has already disobeyed the 'Society' and it's just a matter of time before their true nature is found out...or they come to terms with their own doubts.

As to Out's question: "I see that there is a plethera of JWs here that have left the fold, maybe after reading some of these posts. Is there anyone here that was not a JW, but is now after visiting here? If so, why?"

If someone is inquisitive enough to actually find this board and read it...I doubt very much that they would accept JW teachings blindly. The only reason I could see for someone to become a JW AFTER visiting here is for social reasons. Some people become JWs because they are thrown away by society's mainstream. They are misfits and lack the social skills it takes to 'win friends and influence people' Joining the JWs provides an instant 'family' a group to belong to. If you move to a new town as a JW *poof* you've got a convinent network of locals who know where all the good resturants are, where the best jobs are (even tho they themselves may not have them)...and are all too willing to help by offering advice. I personally have an ex-sister-in-law who was disfellowshipped but, maintained contact (went to the meetings, assemblies etc.)with the JWs for YEARS even though she wasn't reinstated. When she finally was reinstated..she continued to go because it was a social group she was familiar with. When she moved away to another town...she thought about just going off on her own. She couldn't do it. She NEEDED them. She NEEDED friends.

This forum offers the sense of being in a group...but, most if not all who make up 'this' group are individualists. They have an opinion and speak their minds freely. There are just some people who lack the skills to do that. So, it is indeed possible that someone, even AFTER coming to this site may become a JW. How many JWs remain JWs after visiting here...even after losing faith in the GB? I'm sure lots. For whatever reason.

26

gay cartoon characters

by gilwarrior in

has anyone ever spotted a gay cartoon character?

i firmly believe that peppermint patty in the "peanuts" cartoons was gay.

she was pretty much a tomboy and did you ever notice that patty's friend marcy always called her "sir" even though patty was a girl?

Smoldering Wick

Wait, I just thought of some...

Bert and Ernie have been "bachelors" for over 20 years. (I know they're not Cartoons...but, c'mon!)When Bert sang "Doing the uh uh Pigeon" he wasn't dancin.

Was it me...or did Batman & Robin's outfits get more gay(er?) over the years? Holy Bulges Batman!

Edited cuz i was trying 2 figure out if i spelled 'bulges' wrong...i was visualizing n got distracted.

26

gay cartoon characters

by gilwarrior in

has anyone ever spotted a gay cartoon character?

i firmly believe that peppermint patty in the "peanuts" cartoons was gay.

she was pretty much a tomboy and did you ever notice that patty's friend marcy always called her "sir" even though patty was a girl?

Smoldering Wick

Ok...this had some Gay-Toon references..so i think it's applicable.

Top Ten Cartoon Characters Most Likely to Use Drugs

10. Gargamel:
Most likely LSD. Spends his life in pursuit of little blue guys in faggy white outfits and mentally abuses his cat. What does he plan to do with the Smurfs when he catches them anyway?

9. Olive Oil:
Probably Dexatrim abuse, maybe some amphetamines. Who is that skinny (besides Calista Flockhart? - ed. note)?! She might even be anorexic, she IS always giving her burger to Wimpy.

(Side question: what the heck are Popeye and Brutus thinking? They almost made the list for courting her.)

8. Snagglepuss:
Can't explain it. Maybe it's the name, or the look, but he is suspicious.

7. HeMan:
This is an easy one. I mean c'mon. Roid monkey #1. "BY THE POWER OF ANABOL!!!!!!" Makes me want to root for Skeletor. Alone in his castle, hitting the weights. And on top of that he even injects the stuff into his pet tiger. Animal Abuse.

6.& 5.Yogi and Boo Boo:
We all know what is really in those picnic baskets. They go back to the cave and trip. Another side - are they gay? I mean, take a look at Boo Boo.

4. Droopy:
The number one downer abuser in Toon Land. Can't someone slip him an upper every year or two? The only time you ever see him happy is when he sees the picture of the babe.

3. Dopey Dwarf:
He openly admits it - check out the name. The other dwarfs deny involvement but they are under investigation. There are allegations that Doc is writing some extra scripts for Sneezy and all the guys are partaking.

2. Daffy Duck:
If he isn't using crack, Marion Barry is clean. He is so wired, he bounces around on his head without pain. Blows his beak off all the time. Some symptoms might be from "daffiness" but Haldol wouldn't work for him. Though it might work for his buddy Porky, who has Tourettes.

1. Shaggy:
By far the #1 suspect. His clothes, his hair, his bad goatee, the paranoia; the boy converses with dogs. But this is nothing compared to the Munchie Factor. Anybody who averages 9.3 dog treats consumed per episode does pot. And look at the way he and his friends painted that van!

12

JW Buzz Words And Phrases Explained

by ladonna in

jw
friends

surfing around and i came across an interesting site that explains all those little "buzz words" that we love to hate....an example.... in the truth .

the state of being a dedicated, baptized servant of jehovah.

<<how long have you been in the truth?>> <<i have no fleshly relatives who are in the truth.>> (see also {truth}.

Smoldering Wick

"On a Donation Basis" NOT FREE DAMNIT!

Remember it had to be drilled in our poor little heads that the Magazines were going to be free from now on...but, we really couldn't mention to anyone that they were actually FREE!!! There were demonstrations on how to ask for donations for the World Wide Work...where to put the money (seperate from our own contributions)and how we should not forget to put it in the "Contribution to the World Wide Work of JWs" box NOT the REGULAR "Contribution" box.

DAMN! I was so cornfused. I'm glad STOOPS came to the rescue and actually printed it on a coin purse so my dumb little ass wouldn't forget and spend the money at Mr. Donut.

BTW...If any of you would like to order an "Elder's Leather File Case" they come in Black or Burgandy!

http://www.stoopsmfg.com/products/products.html