Don't forget too that "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
Then we're instructed "To love the Lord our God with our whole heart..."
So we are to love someone that we fear? Difficult!
Englishman.
by Englishman 62 Replies latest jw friends
Don't forget too that "The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom".
Then we're instructed "To love the Lord our God with our whole heart..."
So we are to love someone that we fear? Difficult!
Englishman.
For years I tried holding my breath and being as quiet as possible while pinching myself (to make sure I would be quiet/could endure torture in the "Great Tribulation")... or else I revisited this scenario again and again wondering if *I* would be dropped off a bridge.
LDH...you, uhhh...have any unaccounted for siblings? I seem to recall doing the exact same thing when younger.
See how quite you could be in case the nazis would hear you...(because, you know, the US government would turn on religion and become just like the nazis - they'd come door to door hunting JWs)
I was terrified that it was armageddon starting. How was I going to get home to my parents? How was my Dad going to get home from work? What was going to happen to me? To them?
That sounds familiar, too. I was never really worried at school - I knew the area. BUT...what if armageddon started when we were on A FIELD TRIP!?!?
Xander F
(Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Ohio order)A fanatic is one who, upon losing sight of his goals, redoubles his efforts.
--George Santayana
I can see the scene in my head right now of the mother dropping HER BABY off a bridge.
And, you know what the most horrifying thing for a child is?
To know full well that, if it came down to you or her faith in the WT, she most certainly WOULD drop you right off that bridge.
Now, tell me that isn't a cult.
Xander F
(Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Ohio order)A fanatic is one who, upon losing sight of his goals, redoubles his efforts.
--George Santayana
Xander, that's exactly my point.
That shit scared the crap out of me. My parents were Uber-Witnesses, had no parallel. I knew it was never a choice....me or the JWs?
The JWs every time. Too bad they don't parlay odds on that shit in Vegas.
Lisa
I never left the house for school or anywhere, that my Mom didn't say
"Remember who you are. You must be an example. Everyone know's you are a Witness, and they will judge the organization by your behavior"
There were other versions of the same thing, but the message was always the same. Don't ever bring reproach on the organization.
I was always an outsider. The only witness kid at school until I was a senior in high school. I always had the feeling I was being watched, and if I wasn't good enough, the organization would lose Jehovah's favor. Tough burden for a little kid.
cb
Yes, scare the hell out of the little sheep, less they find out the REAL truth!
Anyone else experience this? My mom would have practice sessions for the meetings, to train me to stay quiet. I would have to sit in a wooden chair in my room without any break for up to 2 hours at a time.
Couldn't take a chance that I might not behave at the meetings. That was before I started school, so must have been 3 or 4.
cb
Remember who you are. You must be an example.
GAH!! {overwhelmed with flashbacks} 'You must be an example' - geck - get shivers down my spine just reading it. WHY!? WHY must I be an example!?!? If I'm EIGHT FRIGGIN YEARS OLD?!?! [>:(][>:(]
My mom would have practice sessions for the meetings, to train me to stay quiet.
Not so much. I guess your mom was a much better JW than mine was. Honestly, though, I don't really have any memories from back that far. I only have scattered memories at best of specific moments prior to...mmmm...around high school?
And I'm only 23, too, so...
Xander F
(Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Ohio order)A fanatic is one who, upon losing sight of his goals, redoubles his efforts.
--George Santayana
Afraid to play with certain toys...well till I really wanted to play with them anyway...Dungeons & Dragons toys eventually became my all time fave, especially when I just lied and told them they weren't D&D stuff...
Afraid to talk to any priest
Afraid to go into another church
Afraid of course of the demons.....pesky bastards!
Sincerely,
District Overbeer
{chagrined face}
Uhhh...Valis...just out of curiosity...what DID you tell your parents buckets of D10 and D20 dice were good for?
[8>] @ Valis's parents...
Xander F
(Unseen Apostate Directorate of North America - Ohio order)A fanatic is one who, upon losing sight of his goals, redoubles his efforts.
--George Santayana