when you were an active witness, you were led to believe that you were saved, and the rest of the world was doomed to die at armageddon, did this make you feel superior to non witnesses?
from that point, did you develop a superiority complex over them?
now that you are out, do the witnesses give you the look as if you are only bird feed?
When I was jw:
I felt like I was birdfeed. . .never quite "good enough" to merit everlasting life. . .
Now I'm disfellowshipped:
They still look at me as if I'm bird feed. . . not quite "good enough" to merit everlasting life . . .
As if they are my judges. . .
ESTEE
newsday.com carries an interesting story with that title.
a few excerpts from the article will give you the gist.
"but democratic rep. susan westrom, a former therapist who worked with abused children felt the law should go furher.
Interestingly, there are all kinds of existing laws that protect the victims of rape.
The problem is complicated when other self-governing entities (such as religion) decide to deal with the victims in a way that by-pass these existing laws, thus further aggravating the suffering of the victims. Unfortunately, these self-governing entities have their own unhealthy agendas. Further to that, governments have a policy of not getting involved with these self-governing entities. I believe the problem lies with the resultant inaction of the governments.
Some responsibility lies with the self-governing entities for their part in the inaction because of their own unhealthy agendas.
Some responsibility lies with the governments whose policy is to not get involved with self-governing entities.
Esther
Edited by - ESTEE on 15 January 2003 15:8:55
i have been with the board now for a few months now, mostly lurking and posting occaisionally and i love the support and even the opposition that everyone has shown here.
i know that most newbies do post their "story", and even tho i'm not technically a newbie here anymore, i would like you all that i meet in chat & on the board to know a bit more about me and my jw background.
this could be a long post but thanks for taking the time to read it !
((((((((((Dottie))))))))))
Thanks for sharing your story here on the forum with us. I have not yet told my story, only bits and pieces throughout various threads . . . Guess I could write a book. There are lots of things that you wrote about that I relate to. The people in this forum are my family, now. . .
Love,
Esther
often we had threads that said, "what if we are wrong"?
but lets reverse the question and ask, "what would happen if they realized that they were completely wrong"?
imagine 6 million people not knowing where to look anymore for spiritual guidance.
Maybe my kids would talk with me again!!!!
Love,
Esther
i got up at 6am and took alex to the airport:(, then i went home and jumped online looking for lawyers.
i found 186 in dallas that deal with custody.
i called about 12 and left messages.
((((((((((Jes!))))))))))
This is wonderful news!
Nice talking to you in chat last night, too. You have a wonderful sense of humor and seem in good spirits. . .I'm glad for ya!!!
Love,
ESTEE
i was chatting to an old aquaintance about some of the weid and wonderful conflicts that i had gone through when i left the jw's.
she works as a therapist of some renown locally, so i was interested in her viewpoint.
she said that, in her opinion, anyone who's adolescent development was overly restricted by, for example, their religion, would have to clear away the mental stuff that had been held back during this critical time.
Thunder Rider,
What a beautiful post, Thunder! It is heartwarming to hear your loving and devoted words for your wife and your marriage.
I hope I will feel so happy one day.
Welcome to the forum...this is your official belated welcome from me.
ESTEE
when you were a jw, how did you manage to say your "thank you's" before eating in a public place?.
or didn't you bother?.
englishman.
used say it in my head at top speed.
<-------meeeee tooooo.
ESTEE
dear everyone, my dad died suddenly and unexpectedly at the weekend.he did'nt turn up for a family dinner and my husband and i went to see if he was ok.he was dead.collapsed in his home.i can't stop shaking and i feel really sick.i've lost my mum and now my dad too.i wish i could sleep for months and wake when the pain has finished with me.
it hurts so much .sorry to bring everyone down-but i'm stressed at having to sort out his arrangements due to the autopsy and funeral etc and the house and my feelings.
; i just wanted to tell you all as my husband's gone for a walk and the children are asleep and i'm feeling scared about viewing his body, but i know i'll have to and i feel guilty for feeling like that.stupid thoughts racing through my mind at the moment-need to 'hear' a friendly voice .
((((((((((Termite))))))))))
Hugs to you. So sorry to hear of your loss, honey. I understand, 'cuz I lost both of my parents. My jw kids didn't even bother to send me a card. You have lots of people who love you and care about you here in the forum.
You have my deepest sympathy.
Love,
Esther
sometimes we need to be reminded that out of bad can come some good.
this was brought home to me today when i was greeted by a local dub.
i was in the street and he was driving by and, on seeing me, he stopped his car, got out and greeted me with the words "how are you?
A theatrical specticale?
Oh. . . my . . .yes. . . a theatrical specticale indeed!
ESTEE
the february 8, 2003 awake has an article entitled:"is there an unforgivable sin".notice the good news for apostates or those who once associated.
"some people who were once faithful christians have purposely drawn away from god, perhaps because of bitterness, pride, or greed, and are now apostate fighters against god's spirit.
they willfully oppose what the spirit is clearly accomplishing.
Shhhhhh!!!!!!!!
My sins are not a secret! I tell youz guyz everything!!!!!
ESTEE
