Posts by Gopher

11

Does God Help?

by d0rkyd00d in

jw
friends

i don't know how far back i was thinking about this, but it came to mind once again as i spoke to my father, who was addicted to marijuana for 27 years.

it took everything away from him, including his family (myself, my sister, and my mother).

he says a higher power must have helped him through these times and caused him to stop (4 years clean this december; wahoo!

Gopher

Dood,

It's hard to say exactly WHEN God helps and when he doesn't in this mixed-up world.

I would venture that in a situation like your father's, BELIEF in a higher power can help overcome a personal struggle, when such a struggle is not impossible. The thought that "someone is watching over us" is a psychological (perhaps spiritual) lift to many.

The difference with those who are starving, diseased and dying is that their struggle basically IS impossible to overcome. No amount of positive thoughts or psychology can change the system which brought them to their sad condition.

Gopher

34

Moving on

by Introspection in

jw
friends

i saw a recent post of someone leaving the board so they can move on.

it's been years for me and i actually have never come to a board like this until recently.

i'm just curious, how is everybody doing in that regard?

Gopher

Casper,

Uh, I believe Cygnus is, how can I put this "pulling your leg"?

Cygnus, please get that tongue out of your cheek! Give the newby a little hint you're only kidding.

Gopher

12

THE EKKLESIA

by RR in

there are many churches [gr.

ekklesia's], bearing a great variety of names, and holding to many shades of belief with respect to the teachings of jesus and his apostles.

when considering these differences of viewpoint it is not out of order, i think, to inquire as to what the church really is, and what the divine purpose is concerning it.

Gopher

RR, Thanks for the reply. I shall "store it away".

Gopher

12

Pass the red wine for me

by wasasister in

jw
friends

tonight, i would have attended the memorial, if my witness daughter had asked me to go.

during the two previous yearly occasions, i was inactive, but i went with her because it seemed to mean a great deal to her.

she has either given up on me, or the event does not mean what it once did to her.. i was thinking about another memorial, one i would rather celebrate.

Gopher

Wasasister,

Thank you for sharing your mother's memory. How moving! We should all be so fortunate to have such a wonderful example in life.

Please take an extra "sip" for all of us!

Gopher

34

Moving on

by Introspection in

jw
friends

i saw a recent post of someone leaving the board so they can move on.

it's been years for me and i actually have never come to a board like this until recently.

i'm just curious, how is everybody doing in that regard?

Gopher

Casper,

I was touched and concerned by your post. Thanks for putting it out there.

You bring up about a zillion concerns at one time, sounds like you are overwhelmed! Here's hoping you can hang in there and deal with your problems ONE AT A TIME, since that's the only way we can rationally approach them anyhow. Concentrate on one problem, and if you feel able to, post your concern on the board, and others who have dealt with your concern will be glad to share advice/consolation. (Other ways are available, such as e-mailing those here you know and trust or going out to the chat room when you see someone you'd like to talk to out there.)

Anyhow, I'll address the one that seems most important, "Will God do me in?" That question is common as we make a change to a new way of life, and we don't have the organization there as a so-called security blanket. I kind of think of it this way: The scripture in Corinthians where Paul wrote "Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom" can help. You said you felt boxed in when trying to live by the rules of the organization. Probably because a lot of the rules are man-made, therefore anti-freedom. Upon leaving the organization, you can stretch your wings of freedom and YET still love & obey Christ and his father. God won't strike down those who in their heart cannot respond to the commands of men. God knows you don't need such restrictions.

Just my thoughts, Gopher

34

Moving on

by Introspection in

jw
friends

i saw a recent post of someone leaving the board so they can move on.

it's been years for me and i actually have never come to a board like this until recently.

i'm just curious, how is everybody doing in that regard?

Gopher

Stephenw20,

You are right in the sense that we need not wallow in our misery for years on end, defining ourselves for the rest of our earthly existence as ex-JW's and seeking sympathy, etc.

But once we have gone far enough on our newly chosen "spiritual path", we have begun the healing process. HOWEVER,

Notice the increase in the number of registered users at this site in just the past month or two! It's staggering. True, some are coming over from H20, but each day there seem to be multiple examples of newbies coming on board, looking for understanding, insight, whatever.

So, for those of us who choose to stick around and lend a helping hand, we must "acknowledge the negative" experience that a new person on board brings -- perhaps with enough 'bonding' in that regard so that the newbie understands that we understand their concern! And then we help them begin their healing process.

Gopher

34

Moving on

by Introspection in

jw
friends

i saw a recent post of someone leaving the board so they can move on.

it's been years for me and i actually have never come to a board like this until recently.

i'm just curious, how is everybody doing in that regard?

Gopher

Hi Introspection,

I don't know you yet, but I'd like to turn the question back to you---"How are you doing in the (moving on) regard?" It seems like you're OK and in a position to lend a hand to those who have "jumped ship" and are now "treading water" (sorry for the metaphor overload).

In the WTS we were shown that there is a constant spiritual warfare between forces of good & evil. And those in the camp of "good" need constant encouragment to stand firm & wage their personal war to stay strong.

So I'd say that those who have been out a while need not move on, but can stay here if they wish and provide voices that provide encouragement for those 'new ones who need lots of support' in their personal fight for freedom.

Personally, this board has been a tremendous encouragment to me in the weeks I lurked and then finally joined in.

Gopher

78

Panties or Thongs, WHICH????????????

by JT in

jw
friends

i thought the name of this thread was so on time for this thread demostrates one of the sad things about claiming to speak for god, when one actually does not.. when i was a newly appointed elder at the tender age of 27 .

i was introduced to the world of the judical committee.. it was in fact my first case.

i had gotten a call from the po before the meeting stating that their would be an elders meetings to discuss some judical matters.

Gopher

JT,

Thanks for bringing up an important/sensitive topic.

I wanted to come at it from the angle of "If you don't answer the questions, you are ASSUMED guilty." That kind of assumption led to my 'dismissal' from the organization. It's not only sisters that get asked very intimate, embarassing questions. Without going into detail, let's just say when I drew the line in my meeting about distant past things I was asked about, stating without emotion "yes, this did happen but no that didn't", and then they kept asking the same questions 7 different ways, I knew I was toast!

If I stayed silent or didn't answer quickly enough (due to being stunned by the nature of the questioning), their assumption was guilt.
I reckon I didn't display enough "emotion" to be believed repentant, or to be believed at all. Instead I was called "evil" and "coward" by one of the shepherds.

Ouch.

12

THE EKKLESIA

by RR in

there are many churches [gr.

ekklesia's], bearing a great variety of names, and holding to many shades of belief with respect to the teachings of jesus and his apostles.

when considering these differences of viewpoint it is not out of order, i think, to inquire as to what the church really is, and what the divine purpose is concerning it.

Gopher

Well stated, RR. I really enjoyed this thread. Lots of interesting comments are contained therein.

I just had one sincere question. I understand the consecration / dedication requirement. But does the requirement of water baptism signify a certain formality? Do the established church organizations help satsify that need, or would it be, in your view, valid if the baptism were performed by an already-existing member of Christ's body?

BTW, this is just hypothetical. I was baptized as a JW. In my heart I devoted myself to a GOD and a religion on that day in 1977. The dedication to GOD still holds.

Gopher

24

HELP!!!! Tina & Esse found new lump this morn.

by nojw86 in

jw
friends

hi guys, you have so supportive with asking about me, need some air words right now, leaving in ahour for emerg.

prayers laughs anything will do.

regards.....nojw ... forgive any misspelled words just to shaky to type.

Gopher

Nojw,

So sorry to hear about this. I hope the doctors can get to the bottom of the problem and help.

Of course our thoughts and (for those of us who still pray) prayers are with you today!

Let us know how things turn out later, when you can.

Gopher