How I Came To Be Here - Hi Everyone - Read & Share Experiences

[kirmmy]

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There's nothing wrong with a little bit of Rutherford mentality. lol...

Holy Smokes Brooklyn Kevin, you're here! Good to see ya.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

My first experience was with the Serra Mesa congregation in San Diego. I would hear about the love and happiness of the brotherhood(sisterhood) and yet all I saw was a depression. Unhappy people who also participated in class distinctions. Social stratification among God's people. At first I just thought JWs were serious minded but then I recalled the "love" and "happiness" which I always heard about but never really saw. I had my own problems but things just never felt quite right. The more I listened to people, I realized that there was a high number of JW with depression problems, whether they realized it or not. As I moved for work, I tried a few other congregations but never really felt welcomed in and I saw that other weren't either. In one congregation, an elder tried to get me to encourage a younger brother to go back to meetings. He saw the same things and I couldn't help but wonder why the elder couldn't see the real problem. The young man didn't feel a part of anything and neither did I. I left for good soon after and it affected me very adversely (like a covid vaccine) because I felt guilty for not wanting to attend meetings any longer. I will say that a few reached out their hand but in general, the congregations were closed off if you weren't one of their regular friends. My feeling was that if that was what paradise was going to be like, why bother. After having listened to others speak about JW issues, I have come to realize that it wasn't and isn't right, and that it wasn't just me.
As a rule, they talk the talk but...

The JWs have a very high percentage of mental health issues and many have a dysphoria makeup, brought on by the constant battle between the reality of life as it should be and the watchtower teachings which are truly bizarre to the mind in many cases. There is a lack of control in their lives and it’s cause are the machinations of the eight in their mansion.

 

[Bklyn Kevin]

Holy Smokes Brooklyn Kevin, you're here! Good to see ya.

Good to see you guys too if I only knew who was who, not to mention navigating this place has been a trial.lol...

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Good to see you guys too if I only knew who was who, not to mention navigating this place has been a trial.lol...

It’s a bit like playing a game of Jamanji. You meet all sorts of wonderful people and dogs, many of them strange and unfathomable, and ‘there is no way out!” so you know it has to be bible prophesy. Not only that, but there is a strange guy with a beard and moustache, carrying a huge shotgun, comes from Michigan and is called “The Moderator”. Best to steer clear there…no nonsense from him, just a blast of lead shot up the jacksie.

 

[Bklyn Kevin]

It’s a bit like playing a game of Jamanji. You meet all sorts of wonderful people and dogs, many of them strange and unfathomable, and ‘there is no way out!” so you know it has to be bible prophesy. Not only that, but there is a strange guy with a beard and moustache, carrying a huge shotgun, comes from Michigan and is called “The Moderator”. Best to steer clear there…no nonsense from him, just a blast of lead shot up the jacksie.

Burt Said"It’s a bit like playing a game of Jamanji. lol.. Perhaps you're right cuz nobody seems to be who they were...

 

[Nomex]

And then on the way out of the hall he said "There you go.....you got CRED

As I read this last part I actually said out loud in incredulity, "oh my God"...then I immediately asked my self why that was my reaction? I was not in the least surprised. Born and raised myself in the truth, (50 + years) 4th gen on my mothers side, I have experienced many similar shocking things. Then I realized, my reaction is what any normal person claiming to be a Christian would react to when hearing this shocking display of arrogance and complete lack of love and true understanding of scripture, and it is the reason I landed here! So many of these "professed Christains" have made me sick over the years and continue to do so.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I had this described to me by an Elder as "Witness Pedigree". It applies even more so if the "Born In" comes from a family that has both Monetary and Congregational Status. He actually said it with pride as his son married a sister who came from a well known JW family that was also wealthy.

The same Elder also moved to an area where he said "The Elders here are earning on average between 250K to 500K per annum. That's why it's so much better here. No brothers in "Public Housing"...you know "House-ohs". " (I kid you not)

A "born in" JW from a divided household where the believing parent is a woman has little status unless they eventually get financial status or congregational status and even then they are still well beneath "big name" families that are JW multigenerational.

I'm not saying this is exclusively a JW problem. This happens everywhere. The big difference is that JWs say they are in Spiritual Paradise......more Paradisaic for some than others it would seem.

PS...the Elder mentioned above offered to visit me and attend my meeting. He said if they see me with him it will give me "Cred". This happened. He came to the meeting with me. Everyone flocked up to say hello as he is well known. And then on the way out of the hall he said "There you go.....you got CRED". (cred=credibility)

Why am I not surprised at such an experience as this? At my hall, it was the same but much lower on the financial scale. I lived in a trailer, and cleaned windows, one of the elders ran a fish and chip shop in a village but he was under the impression that he was manager of the whole congregation. My pinnacle of fame was to hold the microphone for brothers so that they could read out a paragraph in the watchtower study. I showed them all how it was done. They didn’t call me the microphone king for nothing! Those were the days…

 

[kirmmy]

Why am I not surprised at such an experience as this? At my hall, it was the same but much lower on the financial scale. I lived in a trailer, and cleaned windows, one of the elders ran a fish and chip shop in a village but he was under the impression that he was manager of the whole congregation. My pinnacle of fame was to hold the microphone for brothers so that they could read out a paragraph in the watchtower study. I showed them all how it was done. They didn’t call me the microphone king for nothing! Those were the days…

Ah, the sweet, sweet days of microphone handling. How I remember ye! Probably about the only thing I was good for in the elders' eyes.

 

[Ana]

Parece que muchos hicimos caso y tomamos nuestro madero de tormento y seguimos buscando a Jesús!! Que alegría!! Yo por mi parte no pienso soltarlo en este sistema, creo que le estoy cogiendo cariño, tanto años con el a cuestas...es mi madero!!! Le tengo un amor odio en realidad. Podríamos juntarlos todos en el nuevo mundo!!! Yo me encargo, tranquilos!! Ya os veo llegando uno a uno soltando vuestro madero pesado y mugriento después de tanto tiempo encima... me los quedó!!! Y me voy a hacer una casa gigante con tanta madera!!! Que bendición será la mía!! Pienso la escritura que encabezará la puerta de mi casa: Aquí está la casa de los pesados cimientos!! Sed todos bienvenidos!!! Os quiero mucho!!!

 

[Paula]

Ah, the sweet, sweet days of microphone handling. How I remember ye! Probably about the only thing I was good for in the elders' eyes.

My dad use to read the Watchtower paragraphs on the Sunday. I think he said you had to be in the field for 9 hours a month. He was thrown off because he couldn't meet the criteria. He had three children and another on the way and held down a full time job. In the past he made the contribution box and he use to paint the yearly scripture on a board, before the efficient technology came in.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Hi MuleJule, Sorry for response delay. I saw your post before and gave it a 'like'. I lost my little dog recently, my baby, and its been tough because I owned her from her birth 16.5 yrs ago. So, it's sad and I miss her terribly.
But I'm so glad that you're here too, and I really enjoy seeing you on here and reading your posts! Very encouraging, thank you.

Hello BibleS, I have had the company of dogs from the day I was born, (and no, I’m not talking about my siblings…..but come to think of it….) and have come to the opinion in that the best way to overcome the tragic loss of a pooch, is to re-pooch as soon as possible. It is the one case in life where I have found that transference of affection and love, rather than grieving loss, is more beneficial to the soul and recovery. It is a natural tendency to cling to others in time of loss and thus the needs and affection of another dog is so supportive and beneficial to both you and the dog in forming a relationship. It does not in anyway subtract from the love you had for your pooch, just transfers it in a gentle and responsive way to another being who needs your love just as much.

 

[SusanB]

Thank you Barnaby, I've owned other dogs, including this dog's mother. Both this dog and her mother were wonderful dogs. This dog was special, best dog ever, like a perfect gift from Jehovah. There will never be another dog like her. The experience of having to put her down was so traumatic, I never want to ever do that again. I'd thought about getting another, but, Robert says he expects the system to crash later this year, and I think things are heading that way.
I think about Jesus words about the great tribulation, "Woe to the...ones suckling a baby in those days." A dog is like a baby, mine was like my child. I don't want to put a dog through trauma, and I think the greatest tribulation of all human history is going to be traumatic for all of us. What are your thoughts?

Your statement is exactly why my husband and I have not gotten a dog. I miss my babies sooo much! But it would tear me up if I couldn’t care for them or someone tried to eat them as they still do here in Hawaii! We all look forward to many wonderful things in the new system and that will be the time to have the comfort and pleasure of animals again.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Thank you Barnaby, I've owned other dogs, including this dog's mother. Both this dog and her mother were wonderful dogs. This dog was special, best dog ever, like a perfect gift from Jehovah. There will never be another dog like her. The experience of having to put her down was so traumatic, I never want to ever do that again. I'd thought about getting another, but, Robert says he expects the system to crash later this year, and I think things are heading that way.
I think about Jesus words about the great tribulation, "Woe to the...ones suckling a baby in those days." A dog is like a baby, mine was like my child. I don't want to put a dog through trauma, and I think the greatest tribulation of all human history is going to be traumatic for all of us. What are your thoughts?

I can understand Your feelings. For me, if the tribulation is close or far away, I would still have a dog for company and as such, would share my last grain of rice. If the tribulation is upon us, I would probably offer a home to another dog if I saw it starving. The fact is, just because we don’t have a dog, does not mean that a dog is not suffering during that time. If it comes down to it, if we have so little food that we cannot share it with a dog, then even our own future is doubtful. I have eaten scrap food off a cafe floor in my time! The only certain thing is that if we have a dependant animal, at least we will be minimising it’s suffering pro-rata with our own. In any event, is Jehovah not aware of even the sparrow that falls to earth? Just What did the Israelites feed their animals on in the desert, for forty YEARS no less. Lush fodder growing in the desert?! The other lesson I learnt from pooches is their loyalty and faith. Five o’clock, every evening, I have that face (my avatar to the side) looking at me for food. He hopes all things, endures all things and never fails me…except when chasing seagulls. I don’t know, but sometimes I think Jehovah's joy in the existence of others, extends to dogs as well, for us to learn a lesson by their trust. And Trust?! Is this not what’s it’s all about. Barney here will share my last meal, or his ‘descendant’ in due course. Life is so bare and empty without a pooch. If Jehovah says that he will deliver and provide then I believe that. Somewhere along the line, we must learn to believe that to be so, otherwise we are just mocking ourselves with our own self-righteousness.

 

[PJ54]

It is very sad too, that animals suffer as they do in this rotton old world of Satan's. I can't stand to see any animal suffer. Those commercials on TV about the abuse of animals are too difficult to watch! So, yes, I'm all too aware of the poor creatures who suffer due to man's misdoings and look to the time when that will not be.

It's just like in (Romans 8:22) 22 For we know that all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now.

 

[PJ54]

So true, ALL CREATION, suffers unter Satanic rulership, not just humans. "When the righteous become many, the people rejoice; but when anyone wicked bears rule, the people sigh." Prov. 29:2. "As a growling lion and an onrushing bear is is wicked ruler over a lowly people." Prov. 28:15
The eigth king is described as "a king fierce in countenance". To me that means merciless.

Jesus said that his followers would be persecuted, and so this is something Christians can expect in the future, as Robert's commentary today highlights, 'You Will Be Brought Before Governors', I personally believe we can expect persecution in the near future. So, if we're persecuted, say our homes are taken, or we're arrested and imprisoned, we may be cut off from family and friends, so then what about our beloved pets. To deal with the loss of family, homes and freedoms is substantial but then to deal with the loss of our beloved pets too. How much grief and trauma can a person handle? Of course, we will have Jehovah to help us, but I can't imagine the Apostles and other disciples, after their anointing and the persecution came, toting around animals as pets, can you?

I'm not looking forward to it. If we considered how the world treated Jesus, then we know it will be brutal, malicious, & sadistic towards us.

 

[Pattie29]

How do one prepare for what’s coming? This will sound crazy, maybe cause my faith is low. But I don’t want to be here when all the chaos and madness starts. Rather be at sleep at this given time.

 

[Cristo]

Interesting word, "dysphoria", which isn't even in my Merriam Webster paperback dictionary. But, yes, I agree, and I believe one reason is that Jehovah's Witnesses have been led to believe for so long that the new system is "just around the corner", and it's been 107 years now and repeated dissappointments. They have a new song by that name, "It's Just Around The Corner", and when it's played or sung, many Jehovah's Witnesses actually end up crying. I wonder why. You really have to feel sorry for them. Link to Youtube Just Around The Corner JW song.

Feeling sorry for them facilitates an action to help them. What can we do to help them see? I'm being serious. How can we get to our brothers and sisters who WANT to worship Jehovah yet just don't see the truth of the society now, and what it has become?

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Interesting word, "dysphoria", which isn't even in my Merriam Webster paperback dictionary. But, yes, I agree, and I believe one reason is that Jehovah's Witnesses have been led to believe for so long that the new system is "just around the corner", and it's been 107 years now and repeated dissappointments. They have a new song by that name, "It's Just Around The Corner", and when it's played or sung, many Jehovah's Witnesses actually end up crying. I wonder why. You really have to feel sorry for them. Link to Youtube Just Around The Corner JW song.

Good grief! If the brothers in England are getting on down to that song, with the swaying and hand waving, then they truly have lost not only their mind, but even their culture. I can not ever envisage my sister singing along to that sentimental tripe. I am not surprised in the very least that some of the brothers are in tears after having to sing that song. I would be too. A hundred and seven years of ‘just around the corner’ is enough to drive everyone round the bend and I think they have succeeded this time!

 

[Cristo]

Good grief! If the brothers in England are getting on down to that song, with the swaying and hand waving, then they truly have lost not only their mind, but even their culture. I can not ever envisage my sister singing along to that sentimental tripe. I am not surprised in the very least that some of the brothers are in tears after having to sing that song. I would be too. A hundred and seven years of ‘just around the corner’ is enough to drive everyone round the bend and I think they have succeeded this time!

Good Grief Charlie Brown...my sentiments exactly LOL. Too funny.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Feeling sorry for them facilitates an action to help them. What can we do to help them see? I'm being serious. How can we get to our brothers and sisters who WANT to worship Jehovah yet just don't see the truth of the society now, and what it has become?

I don’t think you can help them other than to keep offering the truth to them. This song will undoubtably help many come to their senses, and not for the reason watchtower hoped either. I would rather listen to Robert getting on down with his Rap. The truth is dignified. It neither uses emotion or fear to preach the word, other than the, quite rightly, fear of Jehovah. Keep on doing, that which you are doing, is what the scriptures say and it sound advice. Truth and action are not acquired through soppy emotive sing songs, but fact and faith, courage and fortitude. This song of theirs is more of a Lullaby for adults and is condescending in the extreme . Watchtower gas light at its best.