Posts by ZazuWitts

28

Things said from the platform

by MoodyBlue in

jw
friends

i recalled something said a while back by an elder during a service meeting a while back.

i beleive it was a local needs part on getting out in service.

basically what he said was this:.

I loved what you related above. I just had a call this morning from an acquaintance who asked if I would help with packing needed medical supplies for the El Salvador tragedy. I had worked with them during the Nicaragua
natural disaster. It was so interesting to me that these people, from all different walks of life and religions took such a compassionate view of the tragedy of a far-away country.

There was one woman, in particular, who informed me that she was "probably, at best an agnostic" but she stated that she found good words in many religions and philosophies - she just cared about
human suffering.

This group seems to really care - and they seem to know how to go about it - sending first, much needed medical supplies - and then continuing on with other needed things. Yes, there is truly more to helping your fellow man than knocking on doors pushing literature on people.

And, re the "furnace" 'sister' - I remember so, so many people whom for a variety of reasons, needed some financial assistance for some emergency -most of time they were offered a referral to someone to do the job - but not any actual dollar help, even as a loan. Yet, as you now know, there are groups that will provide such assistance - "how very wordly" right?

28

Things said from the platform

by MoodyBlue in

jw
friends

i recalled something said a while back by an elder during a service meeting a while back.

i beleive it was a local needs part on getting out in service.

basically what he said was this:.

ZazuWitts

JAVA

LOL - thanks for the rememberance. I
have a similar one:

There was an elderly sister who was asked to 'thump' the piano when regular sister was "sickly." She was always so happy when asked to do so - fussed up front at the piano for ever so long before the meeting - you could see her nodding her head going over the 'most difficult' score.

On these occasions she would always sit in the front row, and inevitably fall into a light sleep, emitting a soft snore (which, I might add, was more rhythmic than her piano thumping.) During one Tower study, the person sitting next to her raised hand to answer question, the little flurry of activity caused her to spring to life, very quickly rush to piano and start playing before any one could stop her.
The 'drama' did lighten up the study I might add, you could occasionally here some individual still chuckling throughout the rest of study. And, when she repeated the song at the end, she good-humoredly said, "Well I've had extra practice - haven't I."

58

Living A Lie

by MoodyBlue in

jw
friends

i am sick of living a lie, yet afraid to change it.

married to a man who refuses to listen, who would rather plug his ears and shout "nooooooo" is taking it's tole.

i am afraid to speak my mind about my doubt, my thoughts, and what i'm learning, as i'm not ready to cross that point of no return.

ZazuWitts

Dear MoodyBlue,

I do not view you as a "baby" you are in my opinion a thinking young woman who needs to make some life choices.

It is not at all unusual that while in university you didn't have a "clue" as to what you would like to do - a great many start and even graduate university an still don't have a "clue" as to what they truly want to do with the rest of their lives. So, maybe not right now, but at some future time you might continue your formal educational path leading to a degree. My youngest daughter changed majors three times before graduating - and, now, she owns a health food store/organic grocery business; something she could have done without a degree. But, she has often said to me that she is glad she stuck it out, for she learned of things that she probably wouldn't have sought out on her own. And, I listen to her with a mommy's pride, discussing subjects with me and others that she was initially exposed to during her education.

Your situation got somewhat more involved when you experienced severe depression, and some "disease" that couldn't have helped your thinking all the way around.

It is easy to see why you viewed meeting MR.MOODYBLUE, and his 'paradise' message as some sort of answer to your then state of mind. But, you are a thinking woman and are now confused and questioning with no 'listening ears' from your mate. I just know that you acknowledge his goodness as a human, you don't want to hurt him - none of us can tell you what to do - it's too much responsibility and the consequences are too great. But, we can be here to 'listen' and offer words of encouragement until your own 'inner-voice' guides you on the path that would best serve you and yours. Not too much gets resolved in a day or two, a month or two, etc. I have been out of the Watchtower organization for years, and am in my late 50's, and am still dealing with issues and feelings. I am very content with my life and belief system, but I'm grateful to have found this site, as I know are others...it 'eases' the ever-twisting road of life.

Remember, we are here to listen at any time - I have faith that you will work through your turmoil and make the right decisions for yourself...slooowly, and one step at a time.

87

Heresy of the Month

by thinker in

heresy of the month (from a website).

don't you hate it when someone you know comes up with some new thing that you have never heard about?

you sit there in apparent ignorance as they pontificate about the proofs and merits of some idea so far beyond common knowledge that it can only be revealed by people of exceptional enlightenment such as they.

ZazuWitts

Mommy,

I'm not going to ever againjoin any group that makes you sweat before they let you go to the good place! I can go jogging and sweat on my own!

I wouldn't be in a rush to change nickname - will probably change on its own in good time. Besides, such names give you and yours something to chuckle over in the future - which comes sooner than we think it will.

Thinker's Wife: It has occurred to me that when we do meet we are going to be akin to Dorothy and Sophia on the "Golden Girls" - you the tall red-head daughter, and me the red-head short (but not so skinny) Ma. Definitely some possibilities for fun if we have a glass of wine and get in a silly mood.

62

Do we need a 'Faithful and Discrete Slave' ?

by ISP in

jw
friends

there is a thread already started on the subject of the fds elsewhere but i thought we may as well deal with aspect.. do we need a fds?.

what would we miss if we didn't have one?.

what additional new light do we need?.

ZazuWitts

rwaterman,

P.S
. When I said you not being an ex-JW, could be an advantage what I meant, was, most of us here can not ever bring up concerns or questions to our active JW relatives - they simply would not listen to us, or would cut us off totally, not even speak to us at all!
We walk on the proverbial egg shells to maintain even a minimal contact with family members that we love - like your friend Caretaker.

62

Do we need a 'Faithful and Discrete Slave' ?

by ISP in

jw
friends

there is a thread already started on the subject of the fds elsewhere but i thought we may as well deal with aspect.. do we need a fds?.

what would we miss if we didn't have one?.

what additional new light do we need?.

ZazuWitts

Dear rwaterman,

Glad you stopped by. Caretaker, your friend, is in a sad situation - as many of us here are/were- I think of him often as all three of my children married in the last few years,(outside of the Watchtower organization) and I am so happy to have been there - I know how deeply troubled and sad I would be if I were in his situation.

And, having three grown children of my own, I can also relate to your concerns regarding your son. Yes, it is good his past youthful rebellion is, indeed, of the past. It is often younger people who have experienced such events that then find the Watchtower's message to be an answer for their futures...only to later find themselves bogged-down in a highly controlling, scripturally legalistic mind-set. No enjoyment of the delights of life, no real planning for the future, job-wise, financially, or in other ways. So, so, sad, isn't it. They are always waiting for "Armageddon just around the corner" to take care of their concerns.

Because you are not a Jehovah's Witness, or even an ex-JW, this can work to your advantage - but it won't be an overnight process. I might suggest that you first learn swomething about the actual organization - it would give you more insight as to how best deal with your son. Have you read the book "Crisis of Conscience" by Raymond Franz. If you haven't, I strongly suggest you do so - it will provide you with a good understanding of the Watchtower Society and their history and beliefs. It's probably available at your local library, is at many bookstores, or can be ordered at:

http://www.WatchtowerNews.Org

You will also find the site interesting and packed with much info and links to other information (which abounds on the internet - sites vary in approach and quality).

You might consider calling
1-800-WHY-1914 - the people operating this group are truly trained in helping other's and could aid you in approaching your son in the best fashion.

As you have received understanding and very good advice from Path, Amicus, and TW above - you will continue to from others sharing this site - stay around and see what we are talking about. It may seem somewhat confusing at first - but will all fall in place with time. Whenever, or however, you decide to approach/discuss this with your son, first be informed, and then take it ever so slooowly, please.
Hoping for the best for you and son,
Zazu

47

Platlets...can WTBTS policy be defended?

by joel in

jw
friends

if this topic has been addressed already...sorry...just ignore it.... if not...i would like to hear from those who would defend this policy....or who see the inconsistencies in the views on blood but the wtbts.. .

the following is something i read on at another site.

there is no question that the watchtower's blood policy needlessly kills jw children.

ZazuWitts

All of the above comments are appreciated and so thought provoking...
which leads me to ask:

Logical, you do realize that IF you were a baptized JW, your views regarding the blood issue, would be considered as "going against the organization" and possible grounds for disfellowshipping. Doesn't make sense, does it, because you are right, IF the WTBTS is going to INTERPRET scripture as banning blood, then it should be a TOTAL ban.

I, however, am glad that they have flip-flopped on this one - because I have personally known a couple of individuals whose lives were saved because they were allowed 'Society approved components' - both were involved in horrible car crashes and had lost much blood.

12

DISFELLOWSHIPED

by GeneBean in

jw
friends

i was raised a jw left when i was 20 years old.

i have been out for 20 years until i met a brother and started studying.

after a year or so i met a sister who had been in the truth for all her life,46 years, she had been married 2 times.i fell in love with her.people had warned me that she was trouble,but i could not see it,i figured that she had to be better than the women that i knew in the world.i was in love,so we married 4 months later.thing were going good for a while i had been going to all the meetings and out to service,i noticed she was allways running down the elders, makeing fun of sisters,to and from the meetings.i started getting tired of it.so i told her i was not going to go to the meetings if she kept it up.we started arguing things got worse her mother and kids allways came 1st and for me last.the elders got involved, she left me went to her mothers.

ZazuWitts

GeneBean,

It's regretful that you have been through so much. So, you are now disfellowshipped - well you might want to use the time that you now have to do some deep soul-searching as to what you actually believe and want you truly want for your future. As Frenchy pointed out you can 'grovel' for a year and possibly be reinstated - but why not wait for a while - you can 'grovel' big-time later if you then decide to go back to the Watchtower organization.

In the meantime, join us, do a 'proving the truth' on your own, pray for guidance, engage in bible reading on your own if you choose. In short, take some time for yourself to sort through things.

Allow your body and your mind to quiet down before you make decisions that will impact the rest of your life.

Glad you shared with us, GeneBean, and
well be here should you need to 'talk'
through whatever.

58

Living A Lie

by MoodyBlue in

jw
friends

i am sick of living a lie, yet afraid to change it.

married to a man who refuses to listen, who would rather plug his ears and shout "nooooooo" is taking it's tole.

i am afraid to speak my mind about my doubt, my thoughts, and what i'm learning, as i'm not ready to cross that point of no return.

ZazuWitts

Dear MoodyBlue

Many of us here, are "living a lie" to some degree - afraid to express ourselves to jw family for fear of total alienation.

Your situation, however, appears more critical - you are married to believing mate who refuses to hear
any of what you are learning and saying. (Perhaps from fear, and long conditioning from the orgnization - and even from refusing to acknowledge their own personal doubts and questions.) Not knowing more about you and husband I can only offer some suggestions and opinions - not meant to be taken as answers.

It is probably best if you don't over-whelm him with your doubts and/or questions. Take it VERY SLOWLY for your own sake if nothing else.

It is obvious that your feelings for him run deep and true. But you also need to pay attention to your own needs - I fear that if you do not they will
literally eat you up! So, once again, take the process at a slow, tolerable pace. You related that you go to meetings for him - maybe you could take an initial first step - such as just not
going to "one" meeting a week. Say to him whatever you think would work best,
but make it truthful, such as, "I am not up to going tonight/today, that's all there is to it." "I'm staying home tonight, I don't want to be around people," "I need some quiet time for myself." Do this occasionally until you get comfortable with it. Meanwhile continue to be the loving wife that I'm sure you are. Even with his busy schedule due to congregational duties, see if you and he can make some private time for yourselves - do something that would appeal to him - a museum, a walk in nature, a get-away weekend to a state lodge - whatever you can think of
that you both would truly enjoy.

As for yourself, MoodyBlue, all of your personal questions have understandably
caused you great anxiety - "Where would I go, who would I turn to, what would I have in my life." You WILL find answers to these questions - but it takes time, sometimes a long, long time. Right now it is sooooo mind-boggling - we know, we know, believe me, we do.

So, again, I can only suggest that you start my taking it a step at a time.
I know others here will have much good advice to give you - absorb what you can to keep you going - you can always pick up more as you struggle with your personal dilemma(s) and become stronger
in your efforts.

As you know, we are here for you no matter how long it takes and for what ever decisions you ultimately make - we care!
With much sincerity and compassion -
Zazu

116

Confessing

by STRUGGLE in

jw
friends

hello, i was reading judical com.

was really suprise to find out how some of jw's feel.

some have, like the single mom, have such a negative experience with them.

ZazuWitts

Struggle:

Have checked in on this thread to see if you had your committee meeting yesterday?? (Perhaps you posted on another thread?) Whatever happened I know you must be bone-weary....please let us know, won't you? If you don't
walk to talk "out in the open," pick
someone, anyone you have felt comfortable with, and let them know -
via e-mail - then they can just let us know that you are O.K. - without any extra details. (((((((Hugs))))))).