Thank you. Your words are comforting to me, that you can sympathize. And I agree so much. I'm sorry about the way your family relationships were affected when you were under the spell. I have alienated many too. One, my precious fleshly sister, whom I have recently reunited with, and we are making up for lost time. So much lost time. If I told you her story and what she has endured because of the org you would wonder how she came through it all with her sanity. Some day I will be brave enough to tell some of these disturbing stories.
And to ramble a little further. If you care to hear my venting. I had a text chat with an anointed sister this morning. I had drawn close to her years ago when her husband passed. I was conducting a bible study for the past couple years and I regularly invited her along. The student had progressed to unbaptized publisher. Recently the student suddenly discontinued everything and said she needed to take a break. She stopped meetings, replying to texts, everything.
The anointed sister told me she was going to send her a memorial invitation. In the meantime I had tried texting her again, just to check on her because it had been so long. She replied that she would probably not be returning to the JWs. This woman is 74 years old, and is the absolute sweetest gal you will ever meet, with a very close-knit loving family. She apologized for wasting so much of our time and effort and she understands if we need to cut her off. I told her I love her regardless, and that I will always be open to friendship with her.
Well, I told the anointed sister about this and let me share the conversation.
____
Me: She seemed fine. She said she's grateful for the time and effort we put into her and that she hopes we don't consider it a waste. She values what she learned, but realized being a witness is not for her. She is going to church with her family and it brings her much comfort and peace to be with them. She is happy. She said she was so glad to hear from me and that she would love to talk and catch up sometime.
Anointed sister: Sorry I wasted an invite. HOW CAN SHE GET COMFORT & PEACE from such falsehood. If she truly values what she learned she wouldn't be in church! I don't care to have her new #.
Me: Each person carries their own load and exercises free will. I know Jehovah reads hearts and whomever he thinks is worthy of slaughtering, he sees the whole picture. As for me, I see she has many wonderful qualities and Jehovah hasn't written her off. I will keep in touch with her.
Anointed sister: Her family is obviously the most important to her. Go for it. I guess while there is time....
Me: Maybe, maybe not. I'm not going to attempt to read her heart and judge her.
Anointed sister: True. But not for me. Am afraid my displeasure would show through. Really who am I?
Me: I just try to remember we don't have access to the big picture, her heart, so many things. We will be judged in the manner we judge others. I want to be merciful and see her how Jehovah sees her. Not like a rancid hopeless disgusting loser. He sees her good qualities and is patient.
Anointed sister: Jehovah has been trying to teach me patience for years. You are good for me - a balance.
Me: Really seeing things from ___'s perspective, would you be drawn to serve a God whose servants discard and write off anyone who isn't ready or able to make major life changes? Especially someone in her mid 70s with a very close family. I choose to believe Jehovah is much more merciful than we can comprehend.
___
At least she admitted she was being rash. It just hurts my heart to see how heartless so many people are. This is just one example. I know as I continue to speak my honest feelings I will encounter much more of this attitude.
