Wing Commander:
There is a very interesting similar thread started by Funchback.
But, I love reading all these experiences! And, as you said, my mind is blown by the extent of the sheer pettiness of it all. It is very demoralizing though and to always be open to criticism (by every busybody plus the elders) was like death by a thousand cuts.
You are feeling good about yourself and somebody taps you on the shoulder or you get a stupid phone call.
Is it out of love that they feel it is their God given duty to do this??
While in some cases, such as when I was criticized for profanity, the criticism is justified, in some cases maybe not.
I feel that people sometimes were counseled because somebody was bothered by something about them that was not necessarily scripturally wrong (e.g. giving too intelligent answers at the bookstudy).
I was offended when I was told I was seen wearing a skirt with a slit. It was a longish skirt and the slit was tiny. I felt I was being persecuted because I had a decent figure and was supposed to go out of my way to dress dowdy. I was not trying to be sexy and was conscious of this stupid issue about "modesty" for the rest of my stay in the religion.
This garbage annoyed me to no end and it was really sad that the only time I got attention was when there was some criticism (e.g. about my full-time job) or if some user wanted something.
As you said, some of these elders are douchebags and certainly NOT interested in orphans and widows.....What I loved most about these hypocritical elders is how "nice" they were when they first came - only to see an about-face in their attitude once they were given the low-down about everybody in the hall by the other elders.
Maybe I should be glad because all this nonsense just made it easier for me to walk away from this phony "brotherhood" with all these back-stabbing idiots!