I wanted to pass on a recent experience I had.
My mother passed away a few months ago. The funeral was poised to be a sensitive issue since, when I left the truth 4 years ago, none of my children (all adults and still active in their faith) have spoken to me. My wife--that's another story--determines it is best to communicate through the inexpensive channel of lawyers.
I left because I had enough of the hypocrisy, and as an elder, you see far too much. I decided to dissociate myself, which explains my 'leporcerical' demeanor.
When I found out about my mothers illness, I called and left a message with my daughter. My son called up my father (not me) and said they would come to the hospital. My ex-wife didn't show but instead sent a card along to my mother saying how they..."had been like mother and daughter...and how much my she loved [my] mother...." Yeah, real close but she never called or visited in the last 2 months of my mother’s life. Although, my ex did have time to go to Mexico, arriving the day my mother passed away.
When my son reached the hospital, he hugged and kissed my family. So did my daughters, but they never looked at me, not once. My son finally came over to me (hard to avoid me standing at my mother's bedside) and said, "Under the circumstances I will shake your hand, but you have choices." I said, " So do you son". Of course, I was taken aback. Even if he is a bethelite, for 27 year old man, you would think that he would have more compassion. Nonetheless, family and friends present were a little stunned by the uncalled for comment.
Over the next 45 minutes, I tried to be natural: not getting in their way; nor did I hide from them, but gave them some time alone with my mother. Never did my son, two grown daughters (22 and 25), or my daughter's fiancée, talk to me, look at me, or respond when I would casually make a comment. Rather, they literally turned their back when I was near them.
When my son said they were going, my mother said to him, "Why don't you talk to your father." He responded, " I have made up my choice grandmother to serve Jehovah. If Dad wants to come back, I will accept him.” My mother continued to say, "Didn't Jesus say that, "The person who hasn't had a sin, cast the first stone."" Also, she gave the illustration of the 99 sheep, and the effort and joy in getting the lost sheep. "Was that not about extending compassion?” she finished.
My son asked me to step outside the hospital room, and proceeded to tell me it was nothing personal but if I continued in my 'state' he would have nothing to do with me. "If I came back to the truth [he] would welcome me with open arms.” No emotion, very matter of fact. I said, "Why am I the only one that must make the move." He went on, and on, and on. I just let him continue speaking. I did not interrupt since I knew he didn't get it. Nor, was this the time or place to engage in this discussion. It still amazes me as I think of it now.
I thought you might relate to the treatment we seem to receive from those that believe they have the ‘light’. We are treated worse than a criminal or someone plagued with a life-threatening disease.
Sorry, I was going start out by telling you about what happened at the funeral, and got sidetracked. Maybe I can get to that in another thread.
Sprocket,