Sorry this is so long, i needed to vent. Even though these elders were very supportive of letting me fade,even after all i said was amazing. I realize that they now are going to report back.. and we'll see how nice the WHOLE body is. ANy ideas how it will go when they report back? I'm really ok with any outcome. i'm glad husband wasn't here because it gave me a chance to stand up for myself completely on my own. I kept going over "what will i say if i see them?" in my head, and i think i was prepared enough.
NFLY,
I hope they do let you fade if that is your desire. My dad and thier body are pretty liberal (regarding how they treat the congregation). He says that thier direction is to not chase anyone who is not actively coming ot the hall. He says they are directed NOT to be policemen of conscience. So, if your body follows this kind of reasoning, you should be able to let it fly. If you decided to return to the hall then that would be another story.
In the case of my dad, he has more of an issue with folks who profess JW tenants of morality and then flaunt them with immoral (in thier bible view) behavior. So, if you want to sleep around, leave the congregation and do as you see fit. I'd say this is SURELY NOT the norm. Most halls look to punish wrongdoing rather than to enforce god's laws. This is all my read on it.
Now how the CONGREGATION treats you is a whole 'nother ballgame! You cannot expect the brainless slaves of the WTS who insist on shunning anyone who doubts the smallest letter of "Truth" to still love you and talk to you. But if you are cool with that, then I think you are in the right place.
I hope it all goes relatively trouble free. Leave that old life in the past and revel in being a NORMAL person. I'm sure something like "The End" will come someday. Be satisfied with yourself and whatever relationship with whatever higher power you espouse.
-- Not Feeling It
One of my favorite passages:
Romans 12:14-18 (Amplified Bible)
Bless those who persecute you [who are cruel in their attitude toward you]; bless and do not curse them.
Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others' joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others' grief].
Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty (snobbish, high-minded, exclusive), but readily adjust yourself to [people, things] and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceits.
Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is honest and proper and noble [aiming to be above reproach] in the sight of everyone.
If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
