Mary I just read my first reply to this, and now this one, I have toughned up a bit. lol In the end, he'll have to make that decision for himself. Life can be very cold and loney without family, even hypocritical family.
From what you have said about the family it does not sound like they expect them to pioneer upon being reinstated. They are just probably embarrassed and want to be able to "legally" socialize with them and may not give a rat's arse if they really love Jehovah. They too are most likely banking on the time affect of it just wearing on you and it becoming your life again, and all that.
So, if it was me YES DO IT. After you are restated, the family will probably be so happy they won't push or anything like that, and for what it worth, it's been done for decades and by some elders familles etc. It's the going thing-you know. I'm not making light, but it's been done for so long, it is not even funny anymore. I have seen it many times, a reinstatement read, and NEVER see the person again. In that case one knows the family is in on the game.
But its a game and that is what's so sad. So play the stupid game and get your family back. Don't discuss anything with anyone who would rat you out (family included) and live your life. You would be so surprised how many jws are doing this right now, as we speak. They just want normal family life. As we all do.
I know all the stuff about being true to yourself, but life is cold and lonely and if you have no friends, and don't see your family, who wants to see you, it can be a sad life. There is no reason to let these pompous A-holes stop you from enjoying your life. Just go through their stupid little kangaroo court thing, and shed a tear or two, and lie out your arse. I assure you God will not strike you down. Afterward, don't make negative statements to anyone, just go on with life, If your family notice you are not attending, tell them you feel depressed. Depression will get you a long way b/c you would not believe how many jws suffer from it. Depression fatigue, allergies, etc., (all which can be caused from stress) Make sure you have NON JWS friends. Stay connected to the outside world and have some fun. Just let the jws world be a small part of your world. I swear it can be done. Women have more problem doing this b/c women have feelings and actually care. It is sort of like sex. Ever heard the expression "have sex like a man" That means sleep with anyone who strikes your fancy and then don't call them back, dump then like a hot potato when you choose. men do this all the time. They don't get all emotional about sex. Women are different. They need a relationship, they care about the other persons. feelings and all that. They would never think about having sex with someone whose name they did not even know. But a man will.
So, If you can have sex like a man, ie, do it, and not remember their name, you can get reinstated and not care one bit. I bet men do this much better than women. In fact, we have an elder, I believe it is jwelder or xjwelder can't recall, he is in Canada I think. I believe he is still an elder in good standing. He posts here.
have sex like a man. get reinstated. have a nice life.
