Posts by SPAZnik

after years of fighting a physical disability that ended in kidney failure and several bouts of respiratory/cardiac arrestmy mom landed in the hospital last week.

the doc's said she needed heart surgery and kidney transplants but before they could operate they need to get her blood count back up.

it had fallen well below what her body could naturally restore on its own she she needed transfusions.

SPAZnik

for what it's worth: a saying i take solace in: "every form is beautiful and temporary"

20

What kind of difference has JWD made in your life?

by JimmyPage in

jw
friends

i feel fortunate that there is already a built-in online community i can go to where people can relate to having been a jw and where it's okay to express your true feelings about that.

i'm thinking it must have been much more difficult a decade ago.

so what kind of impact has this website had on your life?

Well, I was crossing this formidable river anyway, but JWD was like a bridge, built by those that came this way before me, (trolls and all -- haha), that made the crossing over exponentially easier (and infinitely more entertaining!). Thanks to the laughter, learnings, and relative 'safety' here (a safety due in part to the way I chose, in advance, to utilize this place) there were times that it spared me from going under. It informed and inspired (and occasionally vexed) me in a non-invasive and undemanding way, by everyone's sharing of their own journey's perspectives and their tolerance for, or challenging of, my sharing too. It helped me walk where I might have otherwise been treading water and it left me free to go at my own pace, heeding my own rhythm. I feel it also enabled me to be a better support to my family and friends that left after me and it played a small role in keeping my balance regarding loved ones that are still in. It even brought one or two people unexpectedly close to my heart. Ultimately, JWD played a starring role in facilitating a fascinating and successful exodus. It has meant a lot to me and has been a great spot to 'camp out' a while. I'm ready to venture from it's shores now. Thank you.

41

Did you always know you might leave?

by jws in

jw
friends

if you grew up a jw, did you always know you weren't going to be one when you grew up?

did you ever have that spark?

i don't think i always knew i wouldn't be one.

SPAZnik

Jimmy Page ... that's interesting. I've really gotta read that. It seems to fit with my experience. ////// To answer this thread: Even though I was 'born in' and truly thought I believed it, I do recall the occasional contemplation of who I would have been were I not a dub (and actually liking that person -- haha). Add several dashes of cognitive dissonance about their teachings along the way (though I didn't know that's what it was at the time) and presto, I guess my departure was, in a way, inevitable. I can say though that I'd never have predicted it, even after a year of inactivity (fading by default), 'til the moment I made the decision.

82

Blood Issue took my mom last night

by rwagoner in

jw
friends

after years of fighting a physical disability that ended in kidney failure and several bouts of respiratory/cardiac arrestmy mom landed in the hospital last week.

the doc's said she needed heart surgery and kidney transplants but before they could operate they need to get her blood count back up.

it had fallen well below what her body could naturally restore on its own she she needed transfusions.

SPAZnik

"...it's not safe to wear the uniform anywhere without the firearm. We'll see what I wear." Yeah, true. I was just being a little caustic/sarcastic there (not about you, about JW stuff, maybe not the place for it). I feel for you and yours right now. Be true to your heart and things will work out. Remember your mother well.

9

please explain the grading system for talks

by carla in

jw
friends

someone mentioned giving a 'w' to an elder's wife.

please explain the grading system for the talks.

i take it the report cards stay local and do not make it to ny but possibly the po or co?

SPAZnik

I always remember this because, as someone once pointed out to me, the PO was bald and almost always graded as WIG (Work on it, Improved, Good) no matter how well a person did on each of three subsequent talks. (Sometimes I wondered if he even listened, his strategy was really that predictable.) Not sure about the behind the scenes scoop as to where the records end up, but yes, the 'grade' and accompanying 'counsel' was generally given, in 30 seconds or so, at the end of the talk in front of the entire congregation. [Although sometimes they would tell you privately if they were short on time.] Beyond that, though, each 'student' pretty much had to learn for themselves from reading the 'guidebook' if they wanted to actually glean much from the experience. Everyone generally clapped no matter what. It's kind of funny looking back.

82

Blood Issue took my mom last night

by rwagoner in

jw
friends

after years of fighting a physical disability that ended in kidney failure and several bouts of respiratory/cardiac arrestmy mom landed in the hospital last week.

the doc's said she needed heart surgery and kidney transplants but before they could operate they need to get her blood count back up.

it had fallen well below what her body could naturally restore on its own she she needed transfusions.

SPAZnik

My condolences to your family. Why not wear the uniform? Just be prepared for how to respond to those that will try to use this time of grief to preach their agenda to you. And maybe leave any firearms at home.

8

A Funny

by beksbks in

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http://www.smbc-comics.com/index.php?db=comics&id=1356#comic.

SPAZnik

Nonabductees Anonymous: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHjxJFpjvkE and Invisible Men's Support Group: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xlHkeB8CQQ&feature=related :O)

13

how to understand 1 Cor 6:9

by Newborn in

i'm not sure if i believe in the bible as god's word anymore.

while some things are very clear in there much isn't.

curious how you understand pauls words in 1cor that adulterers and men who lies with men shall not inherit gods kingdom?

SPAZnik

As I understand it, most literary works, no matter their source or origin, are limited by the socio-political belief structures of their day. It's a pretty old book. Not only are the semantics of each label debatable, but the historical context of the day and age it was written are key factors. Is there any particular reason you honed in on that script? As that book itself says, "there is wisdom in a multitude of counsellors". Even the JWs will ultimately say of most if not all things, when publicly and especially legally pressed, that it's a conscience matter. Really, appropriate ethical decisions are as variant as the circumstances producing a need for such a decision. Good on ya for looking elsewhere too for a well-rounded view of when and how to formulate opinions in life. Good health to you!