I just know that for myself, Christianity is the last place I'd run for security.
Granny
recently the wt tried to claim orthodox christianity was a sect!
I just know that for myself, Christianity is the last place I'd run for security.
Granny
one of the major reasons people get attracted to the jw's is because of their new found "hope".
if you are disillusioned or are no longer a jw , do you feel that you still have hope?
or are you unsure, now, about alot of things?
Good topic for me this morning.
I do not live in a state of hopelessness. There was a time though when my life seemed void of security. My own self esteem was up for scrunity, and I did not like what I saw. For me, it's never about one thing in particular...it was a hodgepodge of mixed emotions that created the whole. I was forced to find the wonder of it all by looking at the little things in my life that are abundent. Sorta like giving up my quest for the 'burning bush.' Everything we need is right before us.
There are certainly times today that I wonder about the evilness that seems rampet worldwide...so I take a break from my studies and go back to work. Now, I find some of my greatest joy in observing people, and hope I've landed a part time job :) People somehow restore my "faith" in humanity dispite the truth of how mean spirited some are. They too are my teachers.
Granny...who's motto is: "Don't let the bastards get you down."
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as former jw i did witness favouritism towards elders and circuit overseers and also noticed how low status j-dubs actually lined up to speak to the circuit/overseers wife.even outside association seemed to be confined to say elders associating with elders etc.
i remember when even a sister gave a glass of water to a coughing circuit.overseer but i noticed she never did this to others in the hall.. then for instance how many at the hall formed groupies after meetings not making any effort to gell with others,i felt so sorry for those just sitting on there own.. so why do they act like this, it beats me because a lot of literature and talks focused on not being impartial to others,were they really taking it in or was it a question of congregation status or favouritism towards others.. also outside the meetings association didnt seem to exist and only confined to a certain favoured individuals.
My preteen years the majority of the congregation were all poor, so many stuck together just for sake of feeding the kids, and elderly. In my teen years we moved to a "better" area of town so being the poor family left us out of alot of 'socialization."
I remember my mom being very upset because the elders told her they would no longer hold the bookstudy in our home because it was, basically, a poor person's home. Anyone else remember those plastic curtains?...anyhow, I think even in my naive state of mind, that whole thing pissed me off. My mom worked her arse off cleaning house each Tuesday, but poor was unacceptable.
Hey, I'm glad to be the black sheep of the family. At least I don't have to tolerate such bold faced, hypocritical, mean spirited and ignorant arses any longer. After a year on exJW forums I'd really like some of those folks to come ring my door bell.
Granny
dede likes this pic of my boy, i think he looks like a back street boy.
look at the pain in the boys face.
my two sweet little angels, they destroyed the sign before they left.. .
I love seeing pics of family and friends enjoying life without the confines of, you know what! What a beautiful family indeed.
happy Granny
my family will not be attending the march.
i respect bill and what he has accomplished, but i believe that attempts to control the march and the marchers, are misplaced -- even damaging for victims of abuse -- who have been controlled enough!.
the last thing victims of abuse need is to be told to keep up appearances.
I'm uncertain why some people think that Bill is trying to take control rather than remind any in attendance of what their purpose is for. I've not attended many such things myself, but what little I've been exposed to it's important remembering how mob hysteria can take place; thus in my opinion distract from what the original intent is about.
Lets say for sake of discussion that Bill has some deep seated need for "control" over the masses...aren't most folks capable of making decisions based upon what's going on and decide whether or not they would continue supporting any endeavor...
My opinion only, this whole Silentlamb issue is more important then some taking offense at suggestions and making statements based upon something that has not even taken place yet. Personally I'd love to attend. I'm gonna do my part from afar with confidence that those in attendance appreciate the seriousness of the march.
As for the anger aspect; I'd say that anger is the motivating factor. Anger can be turned into a positive, and certainly has been a great motivator for many necessary reforms throughout history. Guess it depends upon how any given individual choices to express such.
My ramblings.
Granny
many of us still have jw family still very much held within the congregation.
personally, i love my family but they do have this uncanny ability at times to absolutely drive me nuts in sheer exasperation.
the things particularly that really gets my goat are the following: .
Hey, Mark.
After looking through that one site you posted, I'd have to say the community center we volunteer at pales in comparison. I rather like the idea of what goes on where you work. This community is certainly in need of more educational opportunities.
The gest of the center here... sometimes I really think it's about keeping people dependent, rather then encouraging them to move forward. It's just weird...really. I get so frustrated at times with the arrogant, holier than tho attitude that some display towards the individual who is truly in need and WANTs to affect a personal change. Thankfully I do believe there are other agencies within this valley that do such, it just isn't where we work. How sad.
Because this community center works under the guidelines of the 501(c) tax status and is also sponsored by a church...maybe that's what makes the difference. Although they do have to qualify for Federal assistance when it comes to purchasing food, things can get pretty crazy at times.
We offer free clothing...and free food. Because of this repressed area many people are regular customers. They simply go from one church to another getting their needs met. Sadly though, there are those (too many) that simply use this as a means for remaining unproductive and helping themselves along more postive lines. Then I've seen some of the elderly and mentality impaired get treated like shit. Oh boy, that can get me riled real fast.
Oh, what really gets my goat is knowing without a doubt that those who have unlimited financial earnings; own various properties; stand each week in the free food line! And not only that, this one gal is a known addicted gambler. OH, yeah! we have a casino in town and being such a small town it's not uncommon learning about who is always spending their money there rather then taking care of their family responsibilies. But on our free food days, where the food is donated by local grocery stores, there are no questions asked. No qualification necessary.
Too, the community center puts up transiets after they have been checked out by the Marshall's office. Many people simply float through this valley on their way elsewhere. Some are given gas voucher's, but then you have to screen the applicant throughly...and they must present proof for everything. It's been an education, that's for sure.
Clothing and food are also sent to various indian missions throughout the state. Here again, once you've seen how things are it's made me somewhat leary. There are some indian missions that get absolutely no federal assistance, unlike what is believed by many, and yet they never receive anything from us. It's up to the church who gets what. Even then, before the former Director died this past June, illegal things were being done...as sending State food out of State. In direct violation with the contract held. The church turned a deaf ear, and a blind eye...believe me, I was one that raised alot of hell about things. Since then I've learned to pretty much keep my mouth shut and watch this current passing parade of wannbe's that lack compassion for the quote, "underdog."
As you might surmise from this rather long winded missive I'm getting burned out at this particular community center. We are seriously thinking of moving to Colorado where the former assistant director is now in charge of 4 food banks, and of course needs help.
Not until recently had I thought that all my years of volunteering might pay off in a real paying job at another type community center. Not all positions are volunteer. My husband and I prefer working on behalf of individuals that desire self reliance over a regular free hand out. Nough said...hope this didn't bore you terribly.
Granny
going to wear .."red"... "white"... and ..."blue" on 9-11.. ?.
golden girl..... .
edited by - golden girl on 20 august 2002 3:21:3.
Probably not.
Hey, how did the visit with your JW sister-in-law go? Is she still there? Hope all went ok for ya.
Love,
Granny
one thing that i enjoy about this board is the variety of topics that you can enjoy.
there is the "fluff" and there is the serious and there's something a little in between.
which subjects do you find most interesting to read?
Probably easier saying what I dislike most; scriptural doctrine. UGH! I do appreciate the time and energies anyone puts into such, but it's just not my cup of tea. I find this board very interesting overall. Think I'm somewhat addicted as my friends can attest to since I've been ignoring my e-mail by spending time here. :)
Granny, who thanks the Silentlambs for helping expose the truth.
many of us still have jw family still very much held within the congregation.
personally, i love my family but they do have this uncanny ability at times to absolutely drive me nuts in sheer exasperation.
the things particularly that really gets my goat are the following: .
Mark,
First off I'd agree with the statement that as for families in general, there is little difference between JW's and many others. But in trying to stay in context with your specific question regarding the JW family it's difficult for me to really pin point any one action because I came to hate the entire mindset of that group.
Not only am I one of those who have great contempt for JW's, but Christianity as a whole. That based upon my own observations and close workings with said people for too many years. I tired long ago of any group that labels me a sinner, in need of their particular brand of salvation. Guess my biggest complaint would be how some are unwilling to accept self-responsibility...always looking for someone/something to be the scapegoat. POO!
Now, on a more positive note; I've come to the conclusion that those decent individuals would be such without any religion. That many prefer association amongst a given religion is their business. They are not the hard core fanatics that run amuck in society. Too, I hardly believe JW's are the only sect of people that do more harm then good. Not saying that's what you are indicating, but I too enjoy studying people and when we look at the SHAME issue...where does it differ even from the non-religious folk?
At the community center my husband and I volunteer at it's quite comical at times. The Methodist do not like the Catholics; the Catholics dislike the other's; and most funny of all is how out of the whole bunch, it's the Seventh Day Adventist that remains calm and detached. They do not throw out their "sinner" stuff..nor do they feel it's necessary too remind my husband and I of "being saved."
I love most people, even some of those hard core Christians. They can make any day fun just by observering. They certainly remind us too be grateful that we no longer have any need for religion. We stand on our own sense of decency and honor minus their oft times babblings about God and Jesus. As ususal I got off track, but what the hey.
Granny
my name is donna.
i was directed to this forum through freeminds.org by randy watters.
i found his site to be very helpful to me and i highly recommend it to other newbies.
Welcome, Donna.
I'm new to this particular board too. This is a busy board so don't always read everyone's post, but glad I read your's.
I've been df for 32 years...but how well I remember when my oldest sibling left home at age 17 to marry a Catholic...ya know, just to get away from the mess of jw's. He could never understand the blood issue, especially having had two children.
Thanks for posting your story. That's another cool thing about these type forums...no one is afraid to refer someone else to another site that might be beneficial. Don't know what someone like myself might offer to the newer one's 'out', but I keep coming back and learning more about the hypocritical ways of the WTBTS. I'm very anti-JW, period.
Granny