I have a family member (brother) who is a missionary, as well as many friends who continually ask why my wife and I no longer attend the meetings. Here is how I stop their loving (annoying, meddlesome,suspicious, "can't wait to tell someone else what I found out") concern........I lie! (The society calls it "Theocratic War Strategy" see 5/1/57 WT pg.285) I simply tell anyone asking, that I am currently writing the Society, and corresponding with a brother in the department that handles "personal, sensitive questions" and he ( The Society) has advised me not to discuss the nature of my concerns with anyone else in the congregation. Then I mention to the inquiring person that I have no choice but to respect the Societys wishes, as should they, and not discuss this matter with them! I mention that I've probably said too much already, and ask them to please remain quiet about the matter . (This of course means they will tell everyone they know, what I said, but I'll never hear about it because it's gossip...about me and they won't want their name attached to it!) If someone, (like my missionary brother did) asks you who it is you are corresponding with at headquarters, simply respond with "I'd rather not say.....I feel like I've broken my promise already to Brooklyn, and said too much" This will usually stop the questions and make the inquiring person feel they need to back off, and not "stumble" you. Try it....it works!
By the way....the reason I even bother going to this trouble is not because of my brother, or friends, or anything other than the fact that I have a son, who lives with his mother, and is very active with the Witnesses. It would devastate him and me if I were DF'd as he would feel obligated to "obey" the organizations guidelines and shun me for the rest of my life if necessary. So in effect I am a hostage to this God forsaken group known as Jehovah's Witnesses. Thanks for listening, and I hope this post helps someone else with their problem.
