It just makes me wonder how people can equate such conduct with 'Christianity' I also wondered many times as well. But now, I see it as only too typical of what JWs are much accused of in the general public..."taking Bible verses out of context"
Actually, there was no pain with the episode for me. It just makes me wonder how people can equate such conduct with 'Christianity'.
I am a bit put off by it, sure. A little annoyed too, as I would honestly like to know how these people are doing. But I am not really hurt anymore by this sort of thing.
Still it a headline for me in ways - as an exjw it amazes me more than bothers me that these people are so cold hearted and think they are reflecting the love of God.
Plus - seemed like a good thing to post to a new discussion board, as everyone can relate.
Hi, Jeff! I had an experience on Friday of last week. I had gone to a local pizza place to pick up a pie before i headed home. As I was heading into the place, my eye was drawn to a woman slowly making her way towards her car in the parking lot. Obviously, she had a handicap, and was leaning on a cane. At first glance, there was nothing about her that was remarkable, but, as I studied her, I realized that I knew her!!! I was absolutely shocked as the recognition coursed through my brain, and literally called her name out loud: "It's Jean S_ _ _ _ _!" With that, she turned towards me, and I said "Hi, Jean!" with a big smile on my face, totally unaffectedly. She studied me for a minute, and as I realized she had no idea who I was, I then said, "Jean, it's me, Terri Perry" (my old married name) At that, she stared for a moment longer, then, as I fully expected, she slowly turned away, uttering not a word, and got into her car. I proceeded on my way into the restaurant with a big smile on my face, an even bigger one in my heart, knowing that I had indeed come a loooong way from that sad, frustrated JW sister I used to be. What a glorious moment that was for me, because I felt no shame, no embarrassment, no need to preface my greeting with "Hi, Jean, I'm DF'd" Nothing like that. I also felt no anger towards her for her shunning, just a deep, copassionate sadness that she was still caught up in the web of WT lies, still believing that the big A was going to come and bring her pain wracked body back to perfection. It has taken ten years for me to reach this point. Give yourself time, Jeff. It takes time for the pain and hurt to lessen.
LOL. I love it even more when I run into the ones who still don't know I "faded" 10 years ago.... They start talking to me and then eventually the conversation drifts toward "So, Brother Dorktacular... what Hall are you attending now?" Then I say, "I'm not attending one"... Man, the look on their faces! In a split second my status changes from long-lost friend to pile-of-turd!
If they don't know that you're not a witness any longer, they treat you fine. I guess the "Holy Spirit" doesn't let them know ahead of time how evil we are and to shun us until we let them know we no longer gather in a Kingdom Hall several times a week to compare clothing with them.
Ah Ak-Jeff, even though we think we're okay things like that can still hurt just a little. It's almost like they think we're possessed with some super human power to devour their brains or something like that. I have to be honest with you, when I was in I never shunned anyone - I couldn't - it felt wrong.
Plus you got to laugh at the fear they have.
I definately think a round of drinks need to be bought because we made it out.
I used to be an elder (may the true god if there is one forgive me!) so I knew a lot about a lot of people... I tried to the best of my abilities not to be like the rest; maybe that is why I got kicked out...
Anyway, shortly after beind dfed, I walked into the neighborhood pharmacy and ran straight into a MS whom I had helped and mentored and save-his-tukus from being removed as an MS (due to the fact that his wife slept with a couple of brothers and when he found out he physically attacked his former wife)... when he saw you couldve thought by his expression he had just seen a zombie or a demon... and he turned his back on me.
I went after him... asked him why was he so scared? I told him all his secrets were safe with me, that I would never tell anyone he had kicked the living **** out of his unfaithful wife...
So AK, dont feel like the lone ranger man, we all get 'da-evil-eye' from our former brothers...
(love the suggestion about the finger.. definetly more sincere!)
On the way back from a round of golf, we stopped by WallyLand for a few items. As we walked in I saw a 'sista' from the local hall. In fact, I knew this little Jw since she was a twinkle in daddy's eye. I greeted her and was rebuffed with a cold hard stare straight ahead. Her teenage daughter and then her goofy husband were right behind and offered the same treatment. These are not people that I would cultivate a relationship with - they are borderline nut-jobs.
Then this morning, my former best friend's [and current kiss ass elder] wife was leaving the cleaners [prob with some nice FS suits for hubby], and when I drove up to park nearby she did her level best to avoid eye contact.
Shunned twice in 12 hours. I must be a helluva apostate!!
I just wish they had the guts to just raise a hand and lift the middle finger high. At least they would make it clear instead of trying to pretend they didn't even see me.
