Thanks ... a lot!!!

by Rosalee 125 Replies latest members politics

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  poppers

  Opposites as in one being one of Jehovah's Witnesses and the others are not.

  Is this why it was surprising to you that there are caring people here even though they aren't witnesses?
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  Lady Liberty

  Dear Rose,

  I felt that in defence of myself, my family, and most here, I needed to respond to your thread. I used to feel too, that anyone who says something contrary to the Society had to be an "apostate" and was in direct opposition to God's "one true organization". It wasn't until I couldn't answer some very hard hitting questions, that I realized that perhaps there was more to this than what I saw on the surface. I was NOT looking for a way out of the organization! I was looking for a way to answer my questions to confirm the only way of life I had ever known.."the truth".

  My husband was a MS, I was a happy little wife, who studied, answered multiple times at the meetings, invitied the friends for social gatherings, including hosting the PO and CO many, many times. Yet regardless of my "safe haven" and perfect little world, when I couldn't get answers from the elders or circuit overseer or Society for these serious questions I had, then I was even more determined to get to the bottom of it. So I could reaffirm my faith. And so I did.

  No one will stand with us on judgement day before Jesus. We have to answer for how we lived our lives and the decisions we made. Knowing how much Jehovah and Jesus expect us to be truthful in all things, I felt it necessary to be in good conscience in my worship and to be positive what I was teaching others from door to door was factual. When finally I came to realize that what I was teaching was infact from the Watchtower and not God's word, I had to make a life altering decision. What would I do??? Would I go on teaching what I know knew was a lie, or would I take a stand, which has proven to be the hardest decision of my life.

  Jehovah still blesses our family, as our prayers never seem to go unanswered. Contrary to popular belief within the organization, we are still moral, we still have a deep love for Jehovah and Jesus, we still study, we are happy, stable and confident in our hope for the future. We are still very much in love and have a happy marriage, and are raising a very smart, loving, godfearing daughter.

  So again..I felt it necessary to respond to your post. I invite you to help me if after reading "my story" if you can find the answers to the questions I posed in my initial thread to this forum. Here it is...I would love to hear what you think after reading it.

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/109978/1.ashx

  Hello everyone,

  It's high time I introduce myself. I feel like I know many of you already, just by daily reading your posts over the last year. You all have been a support to my husband and I, even though you were not even aware we were even here. (I tried to keep my introduction brief, as I know long post are harder to read.) I was raised a JW as was my husband. We had ALWAYS been VERY regular and VERY active in the organization. My husband had been a ministerial servant for many years. About 3 years ago my parents left the Watchtower. We were devastated to put it mildly. My father had been a elder when I was young, and my mother had pioneered many times over the years as I grew up. They also were VERY strong and active in the organization. Because of the blood issue, which directly effected my family, and the child molestation issue, they began to have very serious questions. And as you all know, one question can lead to hundreds of others. Gradually they began to miss meetings. I now know they were trying to fade out. It was hard because I felt them slipping away, but they always made excuses. I loved them non-the less. However, our paths began to get wider apart.

  One day, before the summer assembly, my parents informed me that they had serious doubts. They tried to explain to me why they had not been at the meetings in so long and also why they would for the very first time in all my life not be attending to assembly. I felt like I had been run over by a bus! As they talked to me, I zoned out with disbelief, their voices became only a hum and blur in my mind. They had been the pillars to our whole family, and those pillars had just crumbled. From then on, my world as I have always known it was never the same.

  From time to time I would talk with my parents, begging them to reconsider, trying to reason with them from the literature. But since they had trained me so well with the whole "apostate" thing, I followed what they had trained me to do. I rejected any "Apostate" talk. I told them I never wanted to talk about it again, to never bring it up unless I had questions for them. It was just far too painful; to try so hard to bring them back around and get them to accept "Watchtower reasoning!" They promised they would never ever bring any of this up to our daughter. She being only 10, but VERY knowledgeable in the Watchtower ways. I was very afraid they could convince her this was not the "truth" and with teen years quickly approaching, I felt we might lose our daughter to "the world." But the one thing, out of everything we discussed before I cut off spiritual conversation with them, was the whole 607 issue. I remember my mother other telling me about all the different lines of evidences that do not support 607. She told me to check out the British Museum online. So I did. Sure enough the date given there was different than the 607 that I was always taught, and had taught others. But a quick look at the Appendix’s explanation put my mind at ease. I pushed the subject out of my mind, but it came back another day.

  Most of you are familiar with the movie National Treasure. Well, I loved it. After we saw it the first time I was telling my manicurist how great it was and a little about it. She informed me that there really are Freemasons. I was suprised. It made sense then, as to what all those Masonic Temples were I had seen in various places over the years. Like I do with any movie I love, I generally see it twice. While watching the movie, two things stuck me. First, the cross and the crown symbol that was once on our literature was in the movie. And second, the whole pyramid with the all seeing eye that is on the dollar bill, that too was on something years ago, wasn't it? I wondered. With those two questions, "Panders Box" was opened for my husband and me!

  That night I called my mother. I said, I have a question for you. Was there ever a pyramid on any of the literature? She said, "Yes, in the Divine Plan of the Ages." Realizing that these were symbols of the Freemasons, I asked if Russell was a Freemason. She said, "There is much speculation about it. But if he wasn't, he sure used ALOT of their symbols." I said,"ok. Thank you." And that was the end of that conversation. So.. Using the "devils tool", the Internet, I began searching for Russell and Freemasons.

  I know all of you know what I found. But for those who have not yet researched this, I found MANY disturbing things. Photos of Russell’s gravesite, the Masonic temple in view, as well as the Pyramid itself that Russell had the Bible students erect. What was all of this fascination of the Pyramid anyway? Well, I soon discovered, its called Pyramidology, and is HEAVILY steeped in demonism/spiritism. I still get goose bumps when I think of what I read that night! What was Russell doing involved with Freemason symbols, as well as Pyramidology??? Through our wonderful Google search engine, "the devils tool", I discovered that Russell based 1914 off the measurements of the inside of the Great Pyramid of Gehza. WHAT???!!!?? I asked myself! You have got to be kidding me?? I thought 1914 was based on 607. It had to be a coincidence! There is no way we teach 607 because of Pyramid roots! // Do we? So, getting out both sets of Encyclopedias we had, I found only 586/587 not 607! I looked in the Insight book, the Daniel book.... They all read 607! Then it all came back to me. I remembered my conversation with my mother many months prior, and I had gone to the British Museum. So I visited online once again. 586/587! The ONLY place I found 607 was in the society literature! Once again, the feeling of shock came over me. By now it was 2 or 3 in the morning. I just could not believe it! Could what my parents were trying to tell us all along be true?

  So. Around 4:00am I tried to slip into bed without my husband knowing I had never made it to bed to begin with. But. He knew I had been up all night. He said, "What have you been doing?" I said," Oh.

  just some research". When we finally got up I decided to share with him what I had discovered. He said, "Did you go to the Watchtower Library CD? I said, "No, I forgot about that." So he quickly pulled out the only reference to the discrepancy the society gives ...up, the Appendix to the Kingdom Come book. After reading it to me, and doing the simple math of 539 minus 70 years, equals 607, I thought, ok. I was relieved. For I knew that if 607 weren’t factual, my world as I knew it would come crashing down! As the months went by, it haunted me that the only place I found support for 607 was in the literature, and no where else was there any other support for 607. So without my husband’s knowledge, I continued to try to find support for 607. But the more I searched, the evidence continued to mount for the 586/587 date.

  I started talking to my husband about it again, but slowly. As he was convinced my parents were borderline "Apostate". And truthfully, so did I. We were afraid to question the organization. My husband it seemed was irritated that I wouldn't let it go and forget the whole date thing. But I could not sweep it under the carpet. I knew what it meant if it wasn't true. The whole foundation of this organization, including the authority it demands, crumbles! So. One Saturday he once again agreed to help me. And once again he went for the old "Appendix" routine. He said kind of sarcastically, " I don't see hats so difficult to understand". He wanted to simply go back the 70 years from 539 like the Appendix says to do. So I said, "No, prove it to me WITHOUT using any of the Societies literature." He said, "Ok." After about 5 hours, and after much study of the scriptures themselves, comparing it with the Kings lists, 586/587 was the match, NOT 607! He could not believe it! He finally realized the mental problem of "Cognicent Dissidence". After that realization, every meeting became more and more difficult. We found it harder and harder to sit through the meetings. Never had we realized how much that 607 date is drilled into the Jaws heads. But when you discover you are being lied to, it’s very hard to fake it. I would get extremely mad, and my face and chest would get all flushed because of being so upset as to what was being taught.

  We never meant to quit "cold turkey". But we did. And so here we are, we haven't been to a meeting in a year. It is amazing how easily we were thrown by the wayside. It really hurt, because we were so active and visible. But the only elder to call us, to see if we were ok, was an elderly brother who wasn't even a "acting elder." Where were our loving Shepherds? Certainly too busy to even pick up the phone to see if we were even alive. I know most of you who are out know those feelings all too well. Now we are on the JW "death row." It is another long story, but we are awaiting the reply from our elders regarding the discrepancy of 607. So far it has been over 5 weeks and still nothing! We kept it quiet for almost a year, but it got out, and now suddenly, we are persons of interest. However, Jehovah helped us, and I would like to share our meeting with all of you, possibly in another post. It may possibly help any that are faced with the elders.

  Just a couple of others things before I close. Friends, if you are trying to help get your loved ones out, the whole 607 issue should not be taken lightly! This is the reason MANY begin to question the organization! There have been so...many of you who posted information, as well as scanned old literature that I would have never found without your help! Just knowing we are not alone, and that so many of you have gone through this whole process already, has truly helped. You never know who is reading your posts, who through your encouraging words may one day break their silence and revile they have been there all along, also being helped. So to all of you. THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart! I look forward to posting here, and maybe helping someone else as well!

  Sincerely,

  You’re new friend,

  Lady Liberty
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  RebelWife

  Opposites as in one being one of Jehovah's Witnesses and the others are not.

  I guess you're right. I believe in God and what he says in the bible.

  That's polar ... sweetheart.

  Yep. I guess you're right.
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  journey-on

  Rosalee

  Here's your conundrum. When you "hear" that voice inside your heart telling you that JWs are not

  the only religion in the world with Truth; when you feel that little tug pulling at you; when something

  doesn't "smell" right or "sound" right in the org., you automatically believe that it's Satan trying to get

  you to leave Jehovah. The WTS has given you so many out-of--context scriptures to make you think this.

  They use so many "trigger" scriptures that jerk you back subconsciously to some article in the WT about it. If you have

  prayed correctly and with the right heart and motivation (and that's not as easy as it sounds), perhaps that

  tug is not from Satan but rather from Love. God's essence is love and when you are guided by it, you will know it.

  I truly believe many of us, especially those that came out willingly because we listened to this inner message, were

  lead out...but not by an evil force, but by a loving force. I believe you KNOW and now you have to go through that

  narrow gate. You're scared and uncertain. Many of on this board know that feeling. If you decide to "listen" to your

  heart, no matter what you have said to the posters on this board, they will be here to help you and show you love unconditionally.

  Atheists, agnostics, Christians, and others...seekers all. ................Journey-on
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  jgnat

  Here's an analogy that might help.

  Some like wonder bread, others do not. The people who dislike wonder bread have their various reasons. Perhaps they prefer wheat toast. Others may have an aversion to the preservatives in wonder bread. Some don't eat bread at all; they eat pasta, rice, or potatoes. Others just don't like the taste of wonder bread.

  Now, along comes a wonder bread fan. She finds a site full of people, the majority who have sworn off wonder bread. Though she has some reservations about wonder bread and the preservative problem, she's concluded that it's the best bread available. On her way out the door, she thanks everyone for their time, but explains she is just to different than the rest of us. We must be "polar opposites".

  But, but...we have some great bread fans here! I have a great recipe for a wonderfully fluffy white challah loaf out of my breadmaker. Fresh out of the machine, it's a little taste of heaven. The secret to it's fluffiness, I believe, is the egg. Now, Rosalee, you may write us off as "polar opposites" to justify your return to the familiar, but you are mistaken. You are much, much closer to many of us here than you are ready to admit.

  Please forgive the bread analogy. I'm on a diet and I'm just a little obsessed right now. But I think I've made my point. I'm hungry now, I'm going to go make breakfast.
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  horrible life

  The way I see it, if someones religion is so powerful and necessary, it would sell itself - no tricks needed.

  I read this today, on an Australian baby website. I saved it for use someday. Didn't know I would use it this soon.

  How old are the JW's??

  Tricks??

  The newest and first one to come to mind, is the newest 2 versions of the Watchtower. Don't underestimate the intelligence of those homes you knock on, or the people you hand your magazines to. They have seen through you for decades.

  Now you are playing tricks, hiding your cards. My eyes are opening wider and wider. My mouth is hanging open in disbelief. My brain is figuring all of this out.

  Rose, All of my relatives are still in. At last count, over a hundred. Am I the smartest? No. But I am a logical thinker. I believe in telling the truth.

  I have seen this "Truth". I know this "Truth". And this my dear, is not the TRUTH.

  Please stay, read and research. Don't believe anything we say, Prove it to yourself.
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  BlackPearl

  Rosalee, sorry, but you and your posts are a waste of time. (don't ask why I'm posting a reply, it would be too JW of you)

  Pseudo asked if the org is flawed and other religions are flawed how can we tell the difference? Rosalee to pseudo ... I'm not going to reinvent the wheel with you :)

  Pseudo asks a genuine question and that's your answer?

  BP
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  Rosalee

  poppers ... I know that people can be loving and caring and not be JWs. We are created in God's image and God is LOVE. It's the route we get to him that matters.

  Lady Liberty .. I read your post and can appreciate your concerns. The way I see it .. there are still things wrong in the organization .. will be as long as we are imperfect. No biggy to me.

  journey-on ... I see your sincerity. Just hope you are wrong about me ever joining your beliefs.

  horrible life ... if you are so happy with your choice to leave .. why pick that name? :)

  Black Pearl ... pseudo as much as ageed with me .. he could give the same answer I'd give and he knows it ... too bad you couldn't read between the lines.

  janet ... the analogy doesn't strike a chord with me. There are JWs and then there are ALL other beliefs ... period

  Rebel Wife ... good to see we are in agreement :)
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  journey-on

  Rosalee...let me say one more thing.

  Because you now KNOW after reading and conversing with those on this board that have researched the facts....

  Because you now KNOW after reading and conversing with those on this board that have been mistreated and abandoned....

  Because you now KNOW doctrine is just some religion's spin on the interpretation of some scriptures and what really matters

  according to Christ is Love of God and Neighbor...

  Because you now KNOW the pain and suffering inflicted by the organization on people that have chosen to find God elsewhere...

  etc., etc., etc. Because you now KNOW, you will never be the same. When the Kool-aid version of your precious WT begins

  to browbeat their followers, beg for money, and twist the Bible into an unholy pretzel, you will recognize it for what it is. You

  will KNOW it is not from God. Your eyes have been opened, and YOU WILL KNOW....AND THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE.
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  bikerchic

  There are JWs and then there are ALL other beliefs ... period

  Can't argue with reasoning like that, sigh.