Posts by ohnightdivine

61

JW Phrases

by Holden Caufield in

jw
friends

what some jw phrases that you hate?.

How do you feel about your "Bible studies" now?

by ohnightdivine in

jw
friends

i'm not sure how best to ask this question because of my personal experience-- long story short, i was discovered through informal witnessing back in college.

i was lonely, away from family, and was touched by the attention and care that was shown to me.

during the course of many years i became very very close with the sister conducting the study even though we were thousands of miles away.

ohnightdivine

smiddy3

Yes... I get it now. It took me so many years to accept it even though I saw what was actually "it" from time to time.

The thing is, if there comes a time that she'd need my help (which I doubt will happen), I think I will not think twice about helping her.

All I hope right now is for her to see TTATT, in time.

7

How do you feel about your "Bible studies" now?

by ohnightdivine in

jw
friends

i'm not sure how best to ask this question because of my personal experience-- long story short, i was discovered through informal witnessing back in college.

i was lonely, away from family, and was touched by the attention and care that was shown to me.

during the course of many years i became very very close with the sister conducting the study even though we were thousands of miles away.

I'm not sure how best to ask this question because of my personal experience-- long story short, I was discovered through informal witnessing back in college. I was lonely, away from family, and was touched by the attention and care that was shown to me. During the course of many years I became very very close with the sister conducting the study even though we were thousands of miles away. We communicated regularly. Bottom line is, I thought of her as my closest older friend; closer than my real sister. I mean, that was a special connection that one would call real naive, "pure" love, if I may. I cared sooo much for her even though she was way older than I was. (I have a separate posting years back regarding this story). I felt that she cared a lot about me, too. She was involved in many of my major decisions in life. Yes, because I saw her as my mentor.

Fast forward to today, I couldn't help but try to not contact her anymore. She doesn't contact me either. There was a point sometime last year (?) that I think we both sensed that there was nothing more to say anymore to each other. I realized maybe I was too emotionally dependent on her for many years. Every time I had a problem, I would call her and share my burdens. (I'm sorry about that now). She told me that she has given plenty of advice to me for so many years and that it depends on me acting on what I know is the right thing to do. (I agree about that).

During those times, I realize now, I was looking at that sister as a true friend, a confidante, despite the age gap. But that sister looked at me as just another "Bible study." I'd like to think it wasn't the case because there came a point in the past when we stayed at the same house for a few days each week. She looked after me, and I listened and followed her like a little sister. We slept in the same room. She'd tell me many stories about truly living the spiritual life. She "poured" a lot of herself in nurturing me. The other sisters who were close to her told me jokingly that I cause a lot of heartbreak to her during the periods that I was not doing well. And she really helped out other people around her (I saw her do those things). It was during the time I visited her country and stayed for a couple of years while I was on some sort of internship.

I connected to her on a personal, non-JW, non-religious mindset level. But I cannot shake off the feeling that I was, after all, just another one of her potential converts. It hurt me to feel that way. It is only now that I am in my late 30s that I realize I was too naive for my own good.

Sorry if this post is quite confusing... but I wonder, are there present and/or former sisters and brothers here who treated their "Bible students" as only potential converts? Or is there anyone who truly cared for his/her "Bible student" on a personal level? How do you feel about it now - whether you are still in or out of the org?

61

JW Phrases

by Holden Caufield in

jw
friends

what some jw phrases that you hate?.

ohnightdivine

Undeserved kindness

The truth

Governing body

Faithful and discreet slave

Field service

Service time

Return visit

Bible study (referring to the potential convert)

Worldly people

Light shining brighter

Kingdom smile

Privilege

Agape

Brotherly love

Shepherding visit

Elder (even when the person being referred to is as young as your younger brother, and has not even worked a day in his life)

Anointed ones

23

What Are Ways You Can Tell Someone is a Jehovah’s Witness?

by minimus in

jw
friends

is it something they do?

how they say things?

how do you spot a jehovah’s witness?.

ohnightdivine

Their kingdom smile.

58

Do You Ever Wonder Where Certain Posters Are?

by minimus in

jw
friends

do people simply leave because the site has given them what they wanted?

are they now infrequent lurkers?.

did they go back to the watchtower?.

ohnightdivine

Nice to see some familiar posters here even now. : )

I wonder, though, if jgnats is still around?

42

Hello Everyone, Another JW Has Left!

by SuperGirl in

just want to introduce myself and let you know that this site is working and is a big help to lots of jws with doubts.

i've been lurking for about a year, the first couple of times i was frightened and literally shaking visiting an apostate site but it's the only place i can come to for sanity.

the religion has become a nut house.

ohnightdivine

I am sooo happy for you, SuperGirl! Congratulations and I wish you more happiness in your freedom with the people you love and who love you for who you are!

27

My story

by Leeny in

i came across this website when i was looking for some emotional/mental support lately as i was summoned by elders to explain someone’s report on me saying “i’m promoting homosexuality”.

i’m inactive, not attending meetings or associating with jw outside of my biological family for almost 2 years now.. yes i am gay (you can judge away) and yes it is in a direct contrast to the scriptures, no arguement about it.. i was brought up in a jw family.

my dad is a typical zealot, he literally talks or thinks about the bible 24/7.

ohnightdivine

Dear Leeny,

Welcome to this forum. We've been through many quite similar feelings as you've been, although in different situations. Please do not lose hope. Listen to your heart, and head. I think that we were born to make full use of the knowledge, skills, talents, our physical make up for something great and honorable as long as we are not harming anyone.

Feel free to share your thoughts, any challenges you experience -- it doesn't end so easily, especially when you are born into a JW family. I'm the only convert / baptized one in my family but it's not that easy to shake off the "invisible" shackles that seem to be there in front of us.

Anyhow, I hope you can find your own place soon and lead your own life. Our lives are precious. Without freedom, it becomes void of meaning and happiness...

Hugs from Asia.

OND

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