Ok peeps, I just got a phone call from the sister I've been studying with. We're getting together next Tues (I've been working overtime, so I haven't had any contact since I started posting on here.) I'm soooo nervous, I just know she's going to try to talk me out of quitting. Advice anybody?
"If the truth hurts most of us so badly that we don't want it told, it hurts even more grievously those who dare to tell it." (Judge Ben Lindsey, 1869-1943)
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Frenchy, I am convinced, it's just that I'm really shy. I know what I want to say, but then when the time comes to say it, my brain stutters so to speak. I have a letter written, I don't know, it just seems kinda chickensh*t to do it that way.
"If the truth hurts most of us so badly that we don't want it told, it hurts even more grievously those who dare to tell it." (Judge Ben Lindsey, 1869-1943)
Hey, I can understand why you would like to be able to fully explain your position. That would be so cool! But for me, I've had to realize that I'm not perfect and sometimes the only way I can set a firm boundary is to simply say, "I don't want anything to do with you. Leave me alone." Of course she's gonna try and talk you into staying! All JW's are trained to do so.
Just remember that you are under NO OBLIGATION to explain anything to her. It's not like other relationships with, say, a spouse, where the person DESERVES an explanation. I'm sure she told you that "any time you want to stop the study, you can." If she starts trying to bully you or emotionally blackmail you (this one more likely), tell her to leave immediately. And if she implies, "well, I guess you don't love Jehovah or appreciate what he's given you," tell her to f**k off! Oops, sorry. Don't mean to be bossy. The sad truth is that this woman probably doesn't really care anything about YOU. You are just a notch in her belt, plus easy time to count as service hours.
Oh yeah, it's definatly emotional black mail. Like when she called today. "I just called to see how you were." I've missed you, I know you've been working, but when can we get together." God, I hate myself for even getting in this mess in the first place.
"If the truth hurts most of us so badly that we don't want it told, it hurts even more grievously those who dare to tell it." (Judge Ben Lindsey, 1869-1943)
My advice is to be passive agressive. Like ... "You know, I've been reading the Bible and feel that the Holy Spirit it touching my understanding and things are clearer now. All though the Witnesses have things to offer, I feel that God (Jehovah) is so much MORE than what the Witnesses explain him to be. I believe Jesus set the example with His concerned for everyone in every situation in life, and you know, I just can't get beyond the shunning of loved ones issue...that just doesn't seem Christ-like. so Bye-bye"
how about putting her on the defensive with pointed questions like:
Have you ever had doubts about the your faith? Have you ever wanted to just leave? Does the never ending pressure to serve get to you? Do you really think celebrating birthday's is bad? Don't you ever wish that you could have a Very Merry Christmas? - I know I would miss it...YEAH, THAT'S IT.
TELL HER YOU WOULD MISS CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF CHRIST! What can she say?