Many years ago when my four children were still young, my husband and I took them to McDonalds or some other restaurant. An Old couple approached us and said "You have such a Beautiful Family" ~ They were like angels with a Message because I needed the encouragement.
Since then I take every opportunity to say the same to other young families.
i work for a telecommunications company and in so doing, i deal with a lot of fraud.
now, what i am about to say could come across as racist and i hope people read the whole thing to get what i am saying and know i am not racist (... to add though, i really am past caring what people think).
in the state of north carolina, you can run up your phone bill to $1000's and $1000's and by law you only have to pay basic local service to keep services on.
I've mentioned this book before and will do so again.
Read "Black Rednecks and White Liberals" by Thomas Sowell.
we all have our own understanding of the christian belief , but i was wondering what others interpret the stories as .. and if it isn't what guides your journey what does?
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At the moment, I'm not certain if I believe in any particular religion because I just don't fit in any of them.
Since I was a child, I'd admired the life and times of Jesus. My first introduction to him was in a book titled "The King Nobody Wanted." As an adult, I've read the Book of John many times because it drives home that message of love. It was this Message that helped me turn my back on an unloving, hateful religious organization run by the Watchtower.
When JWs were treated badly by elders, I recalled Jesus' words about the Pharasees. When we were told to not speak to Disfellowshipped ones, I said I can't Imagine Jesus ignoring anybody! When I saw a sister sobbing in the ladies' room because she was told she couldn't wear Leg-Warmers in the Field Service, that was the last straw. I told her I'd learned to let what the elders say go in one ear and out the other it it wasn't Biblical. I got pulled into a Judicial Meeting for saying this and Disfellowshipped because I wasn't repentent. That's I believed the Bible's words yet I got the Boot and Labeled an Apostate.
when you see someone needing help in a public place?
i usually avoid eye contact, but then feel guilty all day.
for instance when you pull up to a light and people are standing there with a sign or actually walk up to your window...i won't ever roll down a window.. today i pulled into the local grocery store parking lot, and there standing with a walker, was a middle aged latino man with his lower legs in some sort of braces.
Several years ago I learned the hard way to be careful how I approach someone in need. I tried to give money to a homeless, crazy lady and she began swearing at me. I didn't realize I had hurt her Pride. I felt daunted for awhile but I got over it.
I still come across numerous opportunities to help others. I just do it differently. As an Example, one morning while having Breakfast at a Fast Food Restaurant with my Husband, an old unkempt lady walked in. She went up to the counter and ordered a cup of water, then sat down alone in a booth. I couldn't take my eyes off her or ignore urge inside my gut to do something. I didn't say a word to my husband but he suspected I was up to something because I started digging in my purse. I found several loose one dollar bills and walked over to this lady. Lying, I said "Excuse me but I found these dollars here on the floor beside your booth; they must be yours" ~ I didn't give her an opportunity to say no so she said "Oh Thank You and Bless You!"
I never give to those who stand along the road begging saying they'll work for Food or whatever; they're probably making more money than I do (tax free at that) but there's never a shortage of people who really need help. We only need to open our eyes; they're all around us.
when you see someone needing help in a public place?
i usually avoid eye contact, but then feel guilty all day.
for instance when you pull up to a light and people are standing there with a sign or actually walk up to your window...i won't ever roll down a window.. today i pulled into the local grocery store parking lot, and there standing with a walker, was a middle aged latino man with his lower legs in some sort of braces.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yqj0-huvvw
the doorbell rings, and it is jehovah's witlesses.
this is not all that unusual, but in this case you have made it clear that you do not want to be called on.
there is a no trespassing sign prominently displayed on your door, and they know you are absolutely not interested.
I usually try to be extra kind, especially to the young ones. I usually speak with them about school and so forth without identifying how I feel about the Watchtower. They seem happy Not to talk about religion. Hopefully, they will see us so called "Worldly People" as not so bad.
The most recent JW who came to my door really irritated me though. She's one of those who has been in since 1971 ~ I tried to explain I used to be a JW, etc. etc and she didn't hear a word I said. Then I became more vocal and said "I don't think you Understand, I am an Apostate because there is a better life on lthe Outside" ~ at that point she practically tripped over her bag trying to exit quickly.
Then for Good Measure, I added "Don't Worry, I don't rub off and the Demons won't come after you " ~ I was really bad that day!
now that you're mentally out of the religion, do you have an expressed goal regarding the witnesses?
do you want to expose the religion for the fraud that it is (like i do)?.
do you want to set up a ministry devoted toward the destruction of everything watchtower?.
The only goal I have is to be a support for those are ready to leave the WT. They need Listening Ears and Understanding Hearts.
i really need some help here and i might go a lil over the place so bear with me.
my mother in law is religious, christian but i'm not sure what kind.
i am an exjw, left years ago.
i really need some help here and i might go a lil over the place so bear with me.
my mother in law is religious, christian but i'm not sure what kind.
i am an exjw, left years ago.
In the eyes of a JW, you are actually worse than someone who was disfellowshipped for dating a non-JW ~ You turned your back on the faith and are considered Apostate.