Alternate titles could have been: "The Other Shoe Drops", "The Shit Hit the Fan" and "I'm freaking out a little".
So. Y'all know I've been involved in some secret project for months now. Almost a year actually. A couple of days ago though, it happened. Someone posted a comment on this blog about how they read my "heartbreaking" story in Canadian Living magazine. Whaaaat? Somehow it was published and it's out there and I hadn't even seen it. No big deal, just the second biggest magazine in Canada with over 4 million readers a month. Should be on newsstands by tomorrow night/Thursday morning.
And so it begins. This particular well-meaning woman wanted to reassure me that Jesus died on the cross for me and he loves me, even if so many people shun me. The next few posts? Not so nice. Apparently there are people out there who believe there's been enough religion shoved down my throat and they should all just leave me alone. Then of course, some guy who wants to sleep with me.
I'm an Atheist in my head, a Buddhist in my heart and while I couldn't care less to see another Bible for the rest of my life, Jesus seems like a hell of a nice guy.
Let's just all get along. I know that no matter what I say, the comments on here will be what they will be. But it would be nice if we could respect each other's beliefs while we express our own. Some people, they need religion to make sense of the chaos in the world and the uncertainty in their own lives. For those of us who don't need it, who can find peace both in the suffering and the joy that life brings us, we're just on a different path.
I don't know how the JWs will react to this. I honestly think they underestimated me this time. I might get disfellowshipped again. I figure it could go two ways: either they will need to make an example out of me (again!) or they will just not do anything, so I'll shut up about it. I promise, I will never shut up about this. :)
As I've said on here more times than I can count, I don't blame the people, and neither should you. They are sheep following a sheperd who is no doubt counting his coins half the day and spending the other half figuring out how to manipulate his followers. We should have compassion for them.
At least we are free and happy and honest.
Be kind. For everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.
"At least we are free and happy and honest"... I for one am grateful for that.. everything else can blow in the wind.. My wishes and prayers are for those trapped in the cult will somehow see the truth about "the truth"... and get out.. We both know it is not easy... Wishing you a day of sunshine and happiness....xo
ReplyDeleteI just read your article and I feel you captured a small portion of what your life has been like since you were shunned. For those of us who know all of the story, you have come through the worst and have grown as a woman and a spiritual being, shining your light of love and acceptance for all who take the time to see. Thank you Margaux for having the strength to get past this part of your journey, many would not have been able to go on and you have a beautiful life ahead. Love you, Aunt Katie and Uncle Sandy xo
ReplyDeleteTbh, I read the comments that came after the evangelical post and I don't find them to be not nice. They are sticking up for you, and they do have a point. I think this casual acceptance of poorly timed evangelism directed rather insensitively at you is the residual JW left in you. You sympathise with this crackpot religious nut because you were once one of her clan, and are yet to realise just how distasteful and unpleasant it is to have people, grown people, tell you that you are wretched and not good enough unless you believe the same religion they do.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid your opinion of Jesus as a nice guys is telling of your indoctrination into the JW cult and the constant spin on the subject by the WT writers. Jesus was actually not a nice guy, any honest analysis of the gospels reveals this.
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