Could it be that Jehovah is punishing me for leaving his religion?

by Julia Orwell 43 Replies latest jw friends

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    I know it's a completely absurd thing to say, but something happened to me today that triggered the old cult reaction. My mind instantly lapsed back into that of a JW and for a split second I thought that because I wasn't doing Jehovah things that Jehovah's blessing had been removed from me and this is why my life seems to be running into so many dead-ends. As a JW I attributed anything good happening to me to being the result of my being a good JW and dutifully doing everything the borg teaches. Now, since I left the Borg I haven't been able to keep a stable job. Not since I lost my government job at the end of 2012 and began my fade.

    If I wanted something like a job or whatever, I'd make sure I kept up my witnessing and went to the meeting no matter what, because weren't we told that if we 'put the kingdom first then all these other things would be added'? (Matthew 6:33) So to make sure I had a job and food and housing etc I was a devout JW.

    Well, today I lost that cool job I got back in May and wrote about it. What a complete kick in the teeth that was as I was escorted out of the theme park by the boss, all the while she's trying to make small talk with me to try make me feel better about the fact she just called me into her office and sacked me. So while trying to keep ahead of her to ignore her and walk out with my dignity, I lapsed back into the old cult thinking that Jehovah is punishing me for leaving, and this is why I haven't kept a stable job since I left 'the truth'.

    Isn't it just absurd? I mean, I know it's not Jehovah or anyone else, more to do with me being a big screw-up. I couldn't stick to teaching because it does my head in, and can't work on a theme park ride because I made a mistake. Also our economy is crap and there are very few other jobs around. But the back of my mind throws up this old cult rubbish that if I go back to 'Jehovah' then he will bless me with a good job. Totally irrational.

  • TableForOne
    TableForOne

    Sorry to hear about your troubles, Ms Orwell.

    You explained your thought process very well.

    You know it's irrational, you know it's nothing to do with Jehovah, you acknowledge that when good things happened to you as a JW you would attribute it to Jehovah's blessing.

    YOU KNOW IT'S A CULT!

    Yet, it's so deeply ingrained in your mind that you still slip into the old way of reasoning when things go wrong.

    That's the power of mind control, right there.

    I hope you cope with your recent bad news, and I look forward to hearing about your resurgence in the near future.

    You're in my thoughts (but you'll never be in my prayers!!!)

    Take care,

    TF1

  • fastJehu
    fastJehu

    (Proverbs 22:29) Have you beheld a man skillful in his work? Before kings is where he will station himself; he will not station himself before commonplace men.

    God's will is, that you are skillful in your work. Means, you have to learn, learn, learn (school or study).

    Only men don't want, that you are so skillful (perfect) in your work - that you could "stand in front of kings".

    Who is teaching "don't study to be the best in your job?"

    So - NOT God is punishing you.

    I wish you the best - to get a new job.

  • zeb
    zeb

    strong in the 'truth'

    we had born a handicapped child.

    ripped off by brothers when building a home.

    lectured on being materialistic by the 'self righteous class.'

    facing eviction during this time,

    lost my job

    etc

    I did feel like I was a chess piece while others devoid of any brain had everything fall into their lap.

    Yes it is the old jw way of thinking. I wish for you the very best in the coming new job you will get. take the que from above here and consider doing studies, public speaking whatever will give you a personal boost as you will meet + people in these areas.

    love and peace be yours.

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    I h ave a degree and two trade certificates. It's just not enough anymore so it's probably time I studied something else. Problem is, I have a mortgage to pay!

    But thanks for your kind words, peeps, especially about NEVER being in your prayers! That makes me feel good for some reason. I've got an interview lined up already so things won't be that bad.

  • jemba
    jemba

    Yes I get the old cult self-talk too. You are NOT a screw up Julia. Here in Australia jobs are hard to come by at the moment. Its happening to JWs too (job losses), we laugh and say they must be in Jahs bad books lol. Stay positive girl, you are a smart cookie. xx

  • KateWild
    KateWild

    Julia, I am so sorry to hear about your job loss. You are not a screw up at all. You have helped me loads with my exit. Your are a fabulous writer and your writing style and sentence strucutre is unique and a joy to read. that's why you have been so helpful.

    Getting jobs in this economy is frightful, paying a mortgage is stressful too. My thoughts are with you, I hope you find something quick to help you with the mortgage. Just accept anything for now and be fussy when you can pay the bills, welfare in the UK doesn't pay a mortgage I doubt it will in Oz. Just accept the first paycheck that comes your way to keep a roof over your head.

    Keep us informed all the best Julia

    Kate xx

  • Justnowout
    Justnowout

    No. It is not possible. Even by JW standards, 'god does not try us with evil things' :)

    also sounds like you lost your good job BEFORE you faded and therefore clearly not a 'punishment'.

    Life happens. it will get better, it will get worse.

  • Julia Orwell
    Julia Orwell

    Yep it will. But I have enough work lined up next month to pay the bills plus an interview tomorrow. I haven't been idle. When I left JWs I realised that all the good things I got were because I went out and got them. Or got them because I have a great family. My dad is taking me out to drink and gamble to forget my probs- all paid for by him of course. So I'm feeling a bit less desolate about my situation.

  • outforever
    outforever

    Julia my daughter has really had it tough these last years - she is on jwnet as Loubell and know she will not mind me tell you this.

    She had a really really good paying job in advertising - then the company moved it all to JHB (we stay in Durban) (for all the South Africans on this site) so she could not move and relocate.

    Applied for another job which she got about 4 or so months later - (if you see on her other posts on this site - Loubell really went thru a tough time - she was down and out mentally etc etc) (i had never seen her like that before) this was a dead end job - applied for another advertising spot - got it but it paid really bad - but she decided this job was better than none at all.

    She then got recommended for another advertising job - much better salary - (she was to start up the advertising dept) lots of promises but some have come to nothing - she is still there but it is tough - let me tell you Julia that all on this site rallied together and helped Loubell get thru this bad time in her life - she is forever so grateful for this!!

    Loubell used to say to me "why, why me of all people does this have to happen - I am hard working and LOVE advertising -etc" so yes not easy - but she is strong and applies herself - picks herself up and starts again.

    Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. ...Winston Churchill

    all the best Julia - all the best x

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