On Thursday, Darrell Scott, the father of Rachel
Scott, a victim of the Columbine High School shootings in
Littleton, Colorado, was invited to address the House
Judiciary Committee's sub-committee. What he said
to our national leaders during this special session of
Congress was painfully truthful.They were not prepared for what he was to say, nor was it received well.
It needs to be heard by every parent, every
teacher, every politician, every sociologist, every
psychologist, and every so-called expert! These
courageous words spoken by Darrell Scott are powerful,
penetrating, and deeply personal. There is no doubt
that God sent this man as a voice crying in the
wilderness. The following is a portion of the
transcript:
"Since the dawn of creation there has been both
good & evil in the hearts of men and women. We all contain
the seeds of kindness or the seeds of violence. The
death of my wonderful daughter, Rachel Joy Scott,
and the deaths of that heroic teacher, and the other
eleven children who died must not be in vain. Their
blood cries out for answers."
"The first recorded act of violence was when Cain
slew his brother Abel out in the field. The villain
was not the club he used. Neither was it the NCA,
the National Club Association. The true killer was
Cain, and the reason for the murder could only be found
in Cain's heart."
"In the days that followed the Columbine tragedy, I
was amazed at how quickly fingers began to be
pointed at groups such as the NRA. I am not a member of the
NRA. I am not a hunter. I do not even own a gun. I am
not here to represent or defend the NRA - because I
don't believe that they are theonsible for my
daughter's death. Therefore I do not believe that they
need to be defended. If I believed they had anything
to do with Rachel's murder I would be their strongest opponent."
"I am here today to declare that Columbine was not
just a tragedy-it was a spiritual event that should
be forcing us to look at where the real blame lies!
Much of the blame lies here in this room. Much of the
blame lies behind the pointing fingers of the accusers
themselves. "I wrote a poem just four nights ago that
expresses my feelings best. This was written way
before I knew I would be speaking here today":
> Your laws ignore our deepest needs,
> Your words are empty air.
> You've stripped away our heritage,
> You've outlawed simple prayer.
> Now gunshots fill our classrooms,
> And precious children die.
> You seek for answers everywhere,
> And ask the question "Why?"
> You regulate restrictive laws,
> Through legislative creed.
> And yet you fail to understand,
> That God is what we need!
"Men and women are three-part beings. We all
consist of body, soul, and spirit. When we refuse to
acknowledge a third part of our make-up, we create
a void that allows evil, prejudice, and hatred to
rush in and reek havoc. Spiritual presences were present
within our educational systems for most of our nation's history.
Many of our major colleges began as theological seminaries. This is a historical fact.
What has happened to us as a nation? We have
refused to honor God, and in so doing, we open the doors to
hatred and violence. And when something as terrible
as Columbine's tragedy occurs - politicians
immediately look for a scapegoat such as the NRA. They immediately
seek to pass more restrictive laws that contribute to
erode away our personal and private liberties. We do
not need more restrictive laws.
"Eric and Dylan would not have been stopped by metal
detectors. No amount of gun laws can stop someone
who spends months planning this type of massacre. The
real villain lies within our own hearts.
Political posturing and restrictive legislation are not the
answers. The young people of our nation hold the key.
There is a spiritual awakening taking place that will
not be squelched! We do not need more religion. We
do not need more gaudy television evangelists spewing
out verbal religious garbage. We do not need more million
dollar church buildings built while people with basic needs are being ignored. We do need a change of heart
and a humble acknowledgment that this nation was
founded on the principle of simple trust in God!"
"As my son Craig lay under that table in the school
library and saw his two friends murdered before his
very eyes-He did not hesitate to pray in school. I
defy any law or politician to deny him that right!
I challenge every young person in America, and around
the world, to realize that on April 20, 1999, at
Columbine High School prayer was brought back to our
schools. Do not let the many prayers offered by
those students be in vain. Dare to move into the new
millennium with a sacred disregard for legislation
that violates your God-given right to communicate
with Him. To those of you who would point your finger at
the NRA - I give to you a sincere challenge. Dare
to examine your own heart before casting the first stone!
My daughter's death will not be in vain! The young
people of this country will not allow that to happen!"
stephenw20
JoinedPosts by stephenw20
-
-
-
stephenw20
-
11
Fine encouragement from the faithful slave
by comment inas all true christians know, jehovah is a "god of love.
" his boundless compassion for all mankind is reflected in the spiritual food which his faithful slave provides at the proper time.
wise are those who take to heart the loving reminders contained in the february 15, 2001 watchtower!.
-
-
stephenw20
DWL,
Your post is exactly why , I feel the child molestation is the tip of the child abuse iceberg with the TOWER........
There is no way to compare Pedophile actions with this mind abuse. The pedophile is much more serious.there is no way though , one cannot admit that everychild inthe cong.is touched by the mind warping nature of the JWS. To this I will go to my torture stake nailed to.
S
-
33
The Elders' are Coming, Need Questions..!!!!
by Casper inthe elders are coming this saturday to do their yearly.
shepherding .. .
i desperatly need a couple good "questions" to throw at.
-
-
stephenw20
One needs to be true to who they are........
I dont quite understand tho, what is being attempted to be done by hiding the truth. Whether you wish to be confrontational, or not what are you hoping to achieve here, a reprieve from a group you dont agree with. Is there some justice or prize in this.
We dont get these opportunities everyday , to stand up for "our beliefs". If fear is what is preventing your being able to be firm in your own person, then consider postponing till you are ready to be as prepared as possible. THere is nothing to hide from.
Before anyone says , its easy to be critical, if you have no family left here, back up , my wife is very much opposed to my ideas, and my mother thinks I am demonized. So be it. I still love them..... and if they will not allow me or any one else BE themselves , well then they dont agree with the societys recorded view onthe freedom of religion.
THE SWORD CUTS both ways..........but it only works if you use it.I am not attempting to brow beat or preach to anyone.you must be comfortable with your own speed at which you want to change your life........but I have to say, as I would to any supposed witness.....WHERE IS YOUR FAITH..why this lack of trust
dont you believe in god...........or do you still REALLY allow the WTBTS to have power over you............ if you think for one minute that you can just fade off into the sunset...good luck to you..I wish you success.....it will be of a physical nature ONLY........ your friends who dont share you new inner sense of truth and being wont be with you in this case, if you have friends still there. Your just prolonging the torture of your soul.........
I am not saying this is easy.......... but you cant get a little pregnant... you either are or are not.........if this group who preaches this relgious freedom doesn't abide by it or enforce it, that is their mistake..........and those who support this just share in it.......
Ok enough
i wish you the best Casper....hope you can make the proper choice for you.......
-
14
What I Observed Last Night At The Kingdom Hall
by stevieb1 ini 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.
-
-
stephenw20
Cornerstone,
I enjoyed your post and agree with you on this line"I believe that any good change that will take place does not necessarily begin with THEM but with US as individuals. If others are not kind then we need to be kind. "
Integritiy and honor exist regardless of where we are or who we are with...its not an easy road , but as gods grace is ..., we can grow in it... not achieve it once.......or grow to it........"Mercy, friendship, faithfulness to Gods' teachings and the like need to start with us, the individual. In time I believe God will lead us to where we need to be, while not forgetting the lessons of where we came from. "
Where ever we are, is where we are meant to be for that minute, that day that year that life. Meant to be in ...meant to learn....... and then move to the next challenge...........or learning experience
for those who doubt the hand of divine intervention, read the lineage between David and Jesus......all those men, had their lives directed at least in one aspect. ANd when you know who Solomons mother is , it is even more, Mystical..........and if this is prophecy, how many more do we look at to see divine intervention.....
so do we create our own destiny , our own reality..or do we co create it..or not at all?
any thoughts Cornerstone?
-
14
What I Observed Last Night At The Kingdom Hall
by stevieb1 ini 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.
-
-
stephenw20
Prior to 1985
when I was 'religiously" attending the meetings......I noticed about half of what you wrote to be true15 yrs later after my long hiatus...........there is no question all of it is true.........and its not like I wanted it to be.........I was returning to find this promised "unity" and peace.
the welcome back if you can call it that, lasted a few weeks at best. Since this was a congregation i was not formerly associated with , it is not known if I give off the "dont talk to me" vibe........ or not, but it seemd that i was prejudged even before any one even said hi.......
after the Greatest Man book finshed, I sensed the congregation COOL off even more..........the last time I visited the meeting, I was greeted only by the visiting speaker.........
the unity has been acheived....UNITED IN WORSHIP of the TOWER.....which means you can be divided into cliques as long as you attend meetings, go out in service(or at least take the magazines) and dont have anyone give a report that will force us to d/F you...........and above all else "dont make waves"....... it makes everyone wake up and be uncomfortable........
S
-
38
To Loyal Witnesses: Please Listen!
by metatron inif you are a loyal, zealous witness, please listen to me.. i'm going to tell you straight from my heart, right out of.
my hard-won personal experience, how to avoid unhappiness.. here it is:.
don't bet on games you can't win.. let me illustrate.
-
-
stephenw20
metatron,
Your post is a wonderful example of personal experience and its wonderful you shared it with us.I caution you , tho on suggesting how we are to avoid unhappiness and what our only purpose in life is. I say caution , because I realize you had nothing but pure intent with your post.
What makes me happy and makes you happy may not be one and the same. In reference to the JWS, it may be real similar. what bothers me is that another man told us how to avoid unhappiness and what our lifes purpose was , and now ..we are finding he was sadly mistaken.
So while I appreciate the nature of this post, I will , for me, exercise my ~own~ idea of happiness, and keep searching for the complete purpose of life. To say the purpose is to be happy , falls very short of all of what life gives us an opportunity to learn.
One cant forgive, if they have not been hurt. One cant have integrity if they have no pain or test...... one cant write a blues song very well if they have no frame of reference for the blues.......
Hipppikon, mentioned .always being told by the WT he was happy........
we need no one to tell us this... we just *know* we are or are not......and if we have trouble knowing this..... we should examine why..as this may be the source of our purpose .......or may not ,as the case may be......
this is not meant to be a harsh criticism........I have just have heard enough people say ....here is happinees.... do this......
.....my feeling is when you find yourself....you will be half way there.......and it is not done with the aid of others ..this part is all alone......
Please keep posting and sharing your experiences .........
S
-
10
Apostates' Night Out
by Gopher inhey all,.
i just got home from the very first minnesota evil apostates night (mean).
we wonder if similar apostate nights out have been held elsewhere.. we daringly held this mini-convention (8 in attendance) at a smoky bar somewhere in minneapolis.
-
-
stephenw20
gopher
was parking FREE?
-
106
new, nowhere to turn, ashamed & afraid
by azzazel inhullo everybody i'm new here, even though i've been lurking now for several months.. i have to say how afraid i am to post, afraid and ashamed but i feel if i dont tell my story, i honestly dont know what may happen to me or my children if they lose me, right now i feel like i've got nowhere left to turn and have my doubts about this place as well.. i know my story will shock you but i cant keep it in any longer.
i am recently disfellowshipped for immorality, the subject of a kingdom hall witch -hunt and subsequent congregational humiliation, .
during the process of the judicial committee meetings and proceedings no consideration was given to my real human circumstances nor to the spirit of survival nor human nature nor that of a mother seeking to protect her children from lack of basic fundamentals such as food, shelter and clothing.
-
-
stephenw20
azzazel,
Welcome to the board....... (((((AZZAZAEL))))))))
it is wonderful you have taken the step and shared with us ,
many here on this board have been in simialr situations, so please dont feel alone.you can email me anytime.......just to say hay.......
may the love of the divine comfort you this day.....and you trust in yourself and the power that you have within.....
SS
-
1
update please
by Mulan ini haven't had time lately to log on too much, so have been wondering what the situation is with the dateline show on pedophiles.
does anyone know when that will be?
is there any progress on the silentlambs issue?
-
-
stephenw20
I would suggest Emailing Silentlambs.............
-
14
StephenW - Myss' stuff
by Introspection inhi stephen, i noticed that you posted a few things about caroline myss' work, i find it interesting as well.
i'm curious, have you ever investigated buddhist philosophy?
it's not necessarily a religion i think... mark
-
-
stephenw20
Mark,
I can understand not wanting to give away any of your energy to another tribe/org........for me with my immediate family and extended family entrenched in the fray... i will not go quietly or without at least using the laws in place to their fullest accord............
S