Posts by beckyboop

18

my assault on 2 local kingdumb halls

by zev in

jw
friends

last night i printed out an announcement about the nbc dateline show, and a silentlambs tri-fold flyer off the website.. armed with these flyers, my motorcyle .

i went on my "mission" this morning, to hit as many windshields in the local lincoln, rhode island, and pawtucket, rhode island parking lot as possible.. i managed to hit about 20, before i noticed one of the elders driving up, i was on the street at this point, and i recognized him, and he kept taking double takes at me.

(it was norman barone, for those of you locals who might know him.

beckyboop

Great job Zev! You should have told me--I (more than happily) would have assisted you! I think it's great when people take the initiative to INFORM others--how will they know unless they have someone to tell them?

Devon--that too was a great idea! A couple of us are planning to visit the headquarters in a few months, and we have some creative ideas to INFORM those who work there in a non-disruptive way. If anyone is interested, email me!

I hope both of you are proud of what you did--you could potentially help more children by your efforts, just like Bill, Barbara and the Pandelos are doing.

Becky

4

No hearing held on excommunication

by Kenneson in

jw
friends

this headline appeared in the local news of the louisville.

courier-journal at:.

http://www.courier-journal.com/localnews/2002/05/25/ke052502s213061.htm

beckyboop

Thanks for sharing that Kenneson! They have dug their hole, and now they are wallowing in their own crap. I can't wait til Tuesday, and for the after effects of their cowardliness.

"and the walls, came tumbling down"

Becky

11

JW's at McD's

by beckyboop in

i just wanted to share a quick experience that happened to me on our way home to providence ri from iowa.

we had stopped at a mcd's in connecticut for me ("tiny tanks") to go potty.

as i was returning to the car, 2 different older gentlemen approached me with the magazines.

beckyboop

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to share a quick experience that happened to me on our way home to Providence RI from Iowa. We had stopped at a McD's in Connecticut for me ("tiny tanks") to go potty. As I was returning to the car, 2 different older gentlemen approached me with the magazines. I said, "No thanks, I don't accept literature from organizations who kick out members for blowing the whistle on pedophiles." I said it to each of them, and you could see the obvious look of confusion on their faces, and one even said "I just am offering some magazines for you to read." They just don't get it!

However, I wish I had been able to say it better, different, whatever. When those situations happen it's hard to think clearly--at least for me it is. I was shaking, excited, and exuberant all at the same time for finally being able to defend THE TRUTH to them after all the years of defending their BS to others!!!

Just wanted to share my AHA moment with everyone! Any other experiences out there?

Becky

22

Pedophilia -- WT Coverup?

by accuracy in

the following, from the watchtower magazine of january 1, 1997, does not support the idea that the wts is a "pedophile's paradise.

" the wts also pointedly spoke out against pedophilia over 9 years ago in the awake!

magazine of october 8, 1993. for the protection of our children, a man known to have been a child molester does not qualify for a responsible position in the congregation.

beckyboop

Quote,

"Well-trained children learn to obey and honor their parents, the elders, and other adults. (Ephesians 6:1, 2; 1 Timothy 5:1, 2; Hebrews 13:7) It would be a shocking perversion if one of these authority figures were to misuse that child’s innocent trust so as to seduce or force him or her to submit to sexual acts. Those who have been sexually molested in this way often struggle for years to overcome the resulting emotional trauma. Hence, a child molester is subject to severe congregational discipline and restrictions."

ACCURACY,

Bingo!!! It is a "shocking perversion" for those authority figures to misuse an innocent child's trust. So why then is the consequence "severe congregational discipline and restrictions"? Do you mean to tell me that Jehovah and Jesus would simply want them to not be allowed to answer, pioneer, go in service, or serve as a MS or elder? Please!!! Where is the justice in that? These are small children whose total lives are messed up because someone abused them sexually when they were little. That affects them emotionally, mentally, physically, socially, sexually--every aspect of their lives for the rest of their life!

If you are in an organization who is truly out for the good of the child, then there would be no way they would simply slap the hands of the offenders by only disciplining them thru the congregation. The elders are not trained in pedophilia, and therefore are not be qualified to give any sort of counseling--either to the victim or to the offender.

Quote:

"Whereas the present WTS policy may be in need of updating and upgrading, it is simply not true that the WTS has at any time advocated the protection of pedophiles."

ACCURACY,

If they don't protect them, then why haven't they come forward with their long list of names of people who came to them with abuse cases? Why didn't they go to the police? Why are some of them still serving in the congregation, or at the very least, just df'd? Many states even have laws that it is public knowledge when a convicted sex offender is living in the area. That is so the community can be aware--and protect and inform their children. Why haven't the Jw's done that?

FYI, the Oxford Dictionary defines "protect": 1 (often followed by FROM, AGAINST) keep (a person, thing, etc.) safe; defend; guard (goggles protected her eyes from dust; guards protected the military base).

Where is the protection of all these children? It keeps happening!!! They are not "keeping a person safe, defending, or guarding". They are hiding, covering up, and "discipling in the congregation". No thanks, I don't care for their protection, and from my readings of the scriptures, neither would Jehovah or Jesus.

Becky

2

The Dateline Reporter who will probably make histo

by batteredslave in

jw
friends

check out the profile of the journalist who will probably make history next tuesday at the link below:.

http://www.msnbc.com/onair/bios/j_larson.asp

beckyboop

Thanks Battered Slave,

It's nice to know that a talented and well-informed reporter had the assignment on the jw stuff. I just hope they show it all--the cover-ups, the lies, the dfing of those who came forward--EVERYTHING. That way the public will truly see what kind of religion it really is. Thanks for the link!

Becky

2

Holy Smoke - Cult Outing

by Sam Beli in

holy smoke cult outing.

starz!

channel 520 (on direct tv satellite) is broadcasting this movie as i write this.

beckyboop

Sam,

Yup, I saw it a couple of years ago, but I was (thankfully) already out of the borg by then. I found it very interesting, although a little weird. I usually like movies that are off the beaten path--and that one definitely was intriguing because of the subject matter. I'm not sure though that Steve Hassan would like being compared to Harvey Keitel though, if only because of the methods used. They do a similar work, but Steve's is much more effective and positive. Let me know what you think--especially the end.

Becky

4

Women Drivers (again)

by Simon in

driving to the office this morning on the motorway, i looked over to my left and there was a woman in a brand new bmw doing 100 mph with her face right up against the rear view mirror putting on her makeup.. i looked away for a couple seconds and when i looked back she was halfway over in my lane, still putting on her makeup.. it scared me so much i dropped my electric shaver which knocked the donut out of my other hand.. in all the confusion of trying to straighten out the car using my knees against the steering wheel, it knocked my mobile phone away from my ear which fell into the coffee cup between my legs, splashed and burned big jim and the twins, ruined the damn phone and disconnected an important call.. damn women drivers!

beckyboop

Simon,

ROTFLMAO!!! Thanks, I needed that this morning! Woke up in a shitty mood, and was just reading a cat fight on the forum. It's nice to read something funny for a change!

Becky

56

PLEASE WELCOME-MY SISTER TO THE BOARD

by zev in

jw
friends

she tells me she registered as "shunned".

please give her the big warm apostate .

j w d style!!!.

beckyboop

Welcome Shunned! It's great that you're here--it's very healing for all of us. I am going to be meeting your brother and some others for a gathering in Providence. I hope you can come--we'd love to meet you! I look forward to hearing more of your story, and maybe even meeting you soon!

Love,

Becky

26

To Speak or remain ChickenS***

by BobsGirl in

i have been struggling ... i mean really struggling.

i feel a moral obligation to come forward and publicly support the work that bill, barbara and the pandelo's are doing.

i have first hand knowledge that these things that they are saying are true.

beckyboop

(((((Bob's girl)))))

I wish I could be there right now to give you a big hug! You have a lot of thinking to do, and you know we are here to support you no matter your decision. I too can understand not wanting the threat of separation from family and friends, but I also know that there is a huge amount of relief when you are finally able to let it all out and not be afraid anymore. It's not easy, and it may not be the right time yet for you; but if it is, you will have so much support all around you.

One of the best healing methods for me was finally risking their (the wt) "worst"--being df'd, da'd, shunned, judged, etc. I stopped being afraid of what they "could" do to me and did/said what I wanted, even though as of now nothing has happened. It's not that I think they can't or won't--I realize what they are doing to B. Anderson, the pandelo's, and bill bowen. The difference is how I view it--it was a risk (yours is of course a much greater risk), but with the payoff of being truly free from their mental influence. Releasing the fear helped me tremendously.

Remember though--it is their game, and you don't have to play by their rules anymore. You are being you--and if that means that jw members choose to treat you in an unloving and unchristian manner, so be it. You can still choose to treat anyone in your family and friends the same way you always would. One of the best ways I've found to foil somebody shunning you is to go up and say hi and give them a big hug! (yes, I realize it doesn't always work that way!)

Whatever you decide though will be right for you at this time. You are not being a chicken shit--you are doing what's right for you. But no matter what--we will always be here to support you! (and you better come to RI soon and visit me!:)) Email me if you need to vent more--I can take it. Love ya and our thoughts are with you!

Becky

19

When do you say enough is enough?

by Tinkerbell4125 in

like many of you, dear friends, i have several j.w.

siblins.

i almost lost myself many many times in trying to hang on to a relationship with my mother, which was always controlled by where my status was in the org.

beckyboop

{{{{{{Tinkerbell}}}}}

I had to write to you about this because I feel the same way. My parents, 2 brothers, and a sister are still in the borg. Whenever I'm around, it's very stressful on me. I feel totally drained! I went thru a long bout of trying to decide how much association I wanted to have with them--even contemplating if any. I too had mental, emotional, and some physical abuse, and I had to determine if I could deal with that emotionally again. I finally came to these conclusions:

1. When I choose to associate, I limit my time, and try to be there (for now) when other outside non-jw family members are around also. That way I am not overwhelmed by the jw's, and can enjoy the other members of my family. I am still enjoying their company but without the stress of staying overnight or over long periods when the "mood" of the gathering could change.

2. I mentally prepare for being there, by reading things to affirm my current state of being. (ie. Steve Hassan's "Releasing the Bonds", "Entering the Tao" by Hua-Ching Ni, Oprah Winfrey's magazine "O"--it always contains very positive and forward-thinking articles) Most importantly, whatever YOU NEED to feel positive and to gain much needed self-esteem.

3. I unfortunately in the past have gotten into religious debates that go nowhere--so I now try (as hard as possible) to AVOID those discussions, and try to focus the conversation on things the individual members like that has nothing to do with the religion. I am now remembering the things that I had in common with each family member--things that have nothing to do with the religion (like a fondness for old cars or a love of different types of food). This is helping me to build a new, healthy relationship with each one that isn't based on negative destructive behavior. (and although we will never FORGET the harm done in the past, it is possible to get beyond and past those memories and forge a new beginning)

4. I am ME!!! Whether I'm angry or sad or hurt etc. I don't hide myself anymore (which is how I get myself into trouble with some of the discussions). I don't necessarily tell them the minute details of my life that they would not agree on, but they see the real me. And believe me, they don't like it most of the time!

5. I admit mistakes I made and apologize for past wrongs. This has been crucial in my healing process with my family. For example: by the time I hit my teens I had completely withdrawn into myself, and excluded the rest of my family emotionally, mentally and verbally. I have since apologized--even though the behavior was directly related to being raised a witness. By my ability to admit past transgressions, I set the stage for an honest relationship in the future.

6. When I'm around the outside non-jw family members, I let them know little things going on. The judgemental, conditional love that my jw family shows to ANYBODY that doesn't subscribe to their way of thinking--even judgement and shunning of me. My "other" family members now are fully aware of how my family has treated me and my ex-husband for leaving the borg and choosing to live a happy, healthier lifestyle--even if that meant divorcing and my living with my boyfriend w/o marriage.

The way I personally feel is that although I would love to have a much healthier and happier relationship with my family, if I want to be around them and STAY healthy and happy it has to be on my own terms. So by trial and error I figure out how much I can handle, and adapt from there. It will continually change, and I'm preparing for that now.

I want to keep the contact open with them so that maybe someday I will play some kind of part in their decision to leave the borg! I am currently the only one in my family that has left and is in opposition to it--so I recognize my unique position, and want to keep things "friendly". But this is how I deal with MY family. I'm not you, and can only hope that maybe something that works for me will maybe work for you, or something that someone else says.

But above all else, it has to be your decision. If you feel like it's too much for you to be around them, then so be it! Only you can decide what's right for you and any children you may have, and I believe many feel that for now they have to focus on their immediate family and not associate much with the jw relatives. I hope that whatever you decide, you'll have people to support you and back up your decision even if they don't necessarily agree. You can email me at any time!

Remember--we only go forward by trying. Try different things, test yourself to see how you feel, and determine your next move after that. If something doesn't work, recognize it, admit it, change it, and try again. And please don't hesitate to ask for other's experiences--so many here have gone thru similar things and something they have tried may work for you!

I wish you well in whatever you decide! Best wishes,

Becky