Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Are They Right?

In the last few weeks I have had numerous encounters with Jehovah's Witnesses. The first one was at a 7-11. As I walked in a lady walked in behind me and I knew exactly who she was. I don't even know her name, but I remembered she went to my Grandma's congregation. As I was checking out I noticed she was standing there talking with the cashier. As I paid I told the cashier that it was all a cult and he really should do his research. The JW then asked why I would say something like that and I told her it was because I was part of this religion for 30 years. She really didn't know what to say. I know I probably appeared to be crazy, but if I could save one person from going through what I did, it would all be worth it.

I have also seen several witnesses on the streets and I usually stop and say something to them. They always have the same answer and you can tell they have rehearsed a lot. And the thing I hate is the fake smiles they have on their face. How do I know they are fake? Because for 30 years I put on a fake smile and pretended to the world that I was happy and my life was perfect because I was a Jehovah's Witness. Gah. My best friend described the witnesses perfectly: well-dressed robots.

Yesterday when I got home there was a JW brochure in my door. I can't believe I have only been here for 2 weeks and they have already found me. I look forward to the day when I am here and they knock on my door. I will be sure to show them, as my neighbor says, my "No JW sign".

I will then invite them in to see my Rainbow flag that hangs on my wall. I wonder if I could win $10K from America's Funniest Home Videos if I got their reaction on camera?

It is amazing the amount of brainwashing the witnesses do. And "deprogramming" is one of the hardest thing I have tried to do. I still struggle on a daily basis and wonder if I will ever be free of all their teachings.

The JW's continue to tell me that what I am doing is wrong and I will never have God's blessing. And the sad thing is; sometimes I wonder if they are right. I look forward to the day when that little bit of doubt is gone.

7 comments:

Bella said...

I've never had a visit from the JW and don't want that track record to be broken.

You know better than to believe the lines. Just remember that.

A social worker in the making. said...

They are not right keep telling yourself that.What gets me is how judgmental these people are to speak for Jesus.That is such an awesome responsibility only one person should have it and it should be Jesus.Not cults who think they speak for him.You are a good person.Therefore deserve Jesus blessings.

Anonymous said...

I've lived in this house for 5 years...right NEXT DOOR to some Jehovah's Witnesses...who work in the SAME PLACE I do! I've never had a visit from any of them until this past Friday night when they left a tract about the memorial and special talk in a few weeks. Don't even get me started about brainwashing and programming and all that...I'm sure I'll battle this for years. It does piss me off though.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Sonya said...

Oh man! Good for you for speaking up to the cashier! I love love LOVE your sign!

I can totally understand your struggle to "deprogram", though I've never been a JW. But today I worship much differently than I worshiped growing up and I feel more at peace and in alignment. It makes me sick to sit through my parents worship service... the very thinking I grew up with.

>>The JW's continue to tell me >>that what I am doing is wrong >>and I will never have God's >>blessing. And the sad thing is; >>sometimes I wonder if they are >>right. I look forward to the day >>when that little bit of doubt is >>gone.

This got me thinking. It sounds like, at times, there is an internal struggle as you try to push their beliefs away. Would you be interested in Church shopping and finding a Church that feels like home? We've recently reconnected and it feels awesome. So many people say that God can't love me/us because we are Lesbians. But we know of a different God - one who is open to all who accept Him.

Sorry... didn't mean to get into a big God speech. :) Just thought maybe some affirmation from supporters would help you push the JW thinking away… and help you cross that bridge.

Peace

Monogram Queen said...

I get JW witness visits once in awhile. My sterling personality always gets rid of them fast.

Minnesota Nice said...

They are not right. I had to de-program too from the fundamentalist extremist teachings I was raised with...it takes time but you already know how ridiculous you find some of the teachings, more and more will seem that way to you in time.

Where did you get that sign!! I want one, and it would be good if it said no Girl Scouts too, I can never say no to those fattening cookies.