Hi everyone.... stick with me on this.....
I get very sad when I read the above posts and try to imagine what you all go through. I'm one of the few non-JW's here, but have a JW friend that I'm trying to figure out. I know the best advice and support is given by those that experience the same thing, so I'm not trying to horn in. It's just that SHUNNING thing that drive me nuts, and is driving a wedge between my friend a me, because I come from a 'world' that thinks it's not very Christ-like. My JW friend and I got in a 'biblical' discussion. (I can hold my own with the scriptures. ) It finally came down to me saying, "You know, xxxxxx, I love the scriptures, but sometimes they seem to conflict, and when It comes down to it, I follow the scriptures taught by the Savior over the Apostles. Anything Christ said carries far more weight.... It boils down to Loving God and loving and forgiving your fellow man...and as Christ said, on that hangs all the laws and the prophets". Well, that set my 'biblical' JW friend off, but nothing could be said to combat it.
NOW, I know I've never been a part of the JW world, I come from a very supportive family, so I admit to limited understanding, but let me ask you - for those of you that still believe in God what if you said to them (take a mother for an example):
"Mom", I believe in God (Jehovah, whatever), I pray to Him, I know He listens and He knows I am seeking after His real Truth of this life. I appreciate all the good things you've done in raising me, but as surely as I'm talking to you now, someday we will both stand before our Creator - then you will know what I have said is true, then you will know that what really mattered in this life was what The Savior taught about love .... and you and everyone in this family that have turned their backs on me, will have to answer for all the sadness and divicivness you have brought about and the precious God-given time that you've squandered. Don't make me out as the one who has turned their back on God, because at that day, I know, regarding this, my hands will be clean".
OK gang...don't be too rough on me....maybe I'm looking through rose-colored glasses....I just find it incredible that a parent or family member can be so cold to their flesh and blood. Something has got to get through to them that what they are doing is contrary to what God wants, and they will be held accountable...in fact they are punishing themselves now by not having you wonderful people in their lives.
For those of you who doubt the existence of God...I guess that argument is moot.
What are your thoughts....believe me, I'm just trying to understand...and I really feel for you all.
One last thing, I noticed from a lot of posts that there is something 'positive' coming out of your experiences....for those with children (or those who'll have children), you're going to raise some great kids/adults....those with open minds....and when they are older and look back on their parents they are going to consider themselves to have been 'blessed'.