On the weekends, I am usually found - in the mornings - at the local coffee shop - where I study - and madly write my new ideas - or expand on old ones.
It is a time when I put to paper all of the thoughts of the past week - and dream up new ones for the next one.
Anyway, on Sunday mornings, there is a retired schoolteacher lady who - with her husband show up after their Church services and have breakfast. She will usually try to find an open pair of seats at the counter next to me - to talk with me. (Why - I don't know - but she does.)
This morning, they sat next to me, and she began talking (which usually interrupts my solo quiet time).
During the chatter, she asked me if I was into sports when I was in school. "No." was my reply. "Band?" she asked. "No." again my reply.
Well, she then told me of when her kids were in band and would play at the football games during half-time. And so on. I politely sat and listened, and then after she was through, I mentioned the simple fact - yes, I said fact - that I grew up as a Jehovah's Witness, and as such I was not allowed to participate in school sports - OR - band... or anything else that was considered an extracurricular activity.
She was aghast! "What?" "Well", I said, "These things were considered as competitive - and we weren't allowed to do that sort of thing."
"I also", I continued "was not allowed to walk across the stage at my graduation, and had to go afterwards and pick up my diploma at the main office."
She was again shocked! "You didn't graduate?"
"No, I graduated", I said, "I just wasn't allowed to get my diploma during the ceremonies with everyone else."
I also told her that as a JW - I wasn't allowed to go to college - or other higher education school.
I told her a few other things - as she and her husband were leaving - that should make her think a bit. She asked me if I was still a Jehovah's Witness - to which I replied - "No - I gave that up long ago."
The way I figure it... I can do more damage as a non-JW now - by spreading info like this - when the occassion arises.
I realize that not ALL JWs had the same experiences that I did growing up... but I also know that this is how my mom interpreted the 'rules' - and applied them to us - so that is how I will tell others.
Regards,
Jim TX
Oh. By the way. My wife and I were at the local mall, and I happened upon a JW magazine on the floor. I believe it was a Watchtower. She saw it - and so did I. I scooped it up off the floor - and proceeded to rip it into three pieces - and then deposit it in the nearest trash bin.