A @ G:
Hi! First, let me state that I really enjoy your posts. Welcome! I am in a bit of a different situation, as I grew up in the JW's but was never dunked. Therefore, I am in a spiritual "Dead Zone" as far as JW's are concerned. Since I was not baptized, nor did I DA'd, DF, etc.......I just kind of did the fade around 1998 or so. Pop into a Memorial or meeting once or twice a year, that's about it. I am spoken to and greeted at the occasional rare meeting I do attend, but other than that no one could care less. Not even when my JW parents died one by one. No one cares....that is the underlying JW attitude I have seen throughout my life as a JW.
So....sometimes when I am out and about, and an old JW acquaintance happens upon me, one of two scenarios plays out: 1. They greet me and express how long it's been since they last saw me, then ask me how I am. 2. They see me, then pretend that they really didn't see me, a shunning in other words. Basically, they do this because they feel I am baaaad association since I'm no longer active. You'll probably slide into the #2 scenario, I feel.
Here is how I handle scenario #1: I greet them with a smile, handshake, etc. In a happy and carefree tone I state how happy I am, how wonderful my job is, how I love my home and new cars, and how great it is to have my own family now. Basically, I give them a testament to how happy I am now away from the JW's. I never state that directly, but you gotta know that's what they think. Then, I proceed to ask them how THEY are doing, how life is treating THEM, etc. Usually I get the typical JW lines about how the evil system of things has them down, how they are depressed, how they can't believe they are still working their janitor job after 25 years of waiting for the Great Tribulation, etc. After they are done droning, I proceed to ask them if that is what the "fruitages of the spirit" are that the Bible talks about, or if that is how Jehovah God is blessing his people. Sometimes I'll throw in if the "cooling off" of the friends is the same identifying mark that Jesus said would "identify His followers." A combination of these topics will really get their minds spinning a little later.
Here is how I handle scenario #2: If I spot a JW that is "faking" not seeing me, I'll go right up to them in a happy and carefree tone and pretty much start talking to them like I would anyone else. I have NEVER had anyone say to me yet, "I can't speak to you, as you are bad association." Again, this is due to my position of having not been baptized in the first place, and being raised in the JWs. Basically, they'll chit chat and ask about me, and then scenario #1 starts playing out.
Either way, you give a witness and testimony to the fact that how the WatchTower portrays people "on the outside" is completely wrong, and hopefully it gets people thinking. Also, going right up to people that are trying their best to pretend they haven't seen you is a real laugh in public situations....I mean, they are so embarrased to even be a JW and be put into that situation that they don't really know what to do. It makes THEM look like the ass, and gives them a brief taste of being uncomfortable. Sweet irony.
Regards,
Wing Commander
