#9 - Dealing Treacherously With the Sheep, 1 Cor 1;12.

The following should not be taken as judgement of others, I myself have made many mistakes.

My hope is that these real life accounts might be a learning tools of what not to do!

Do not ask me for details or identities, they will not be given.

These are all accurate in detail, to the best of my knowledge.

Do not point the finger or gossip about others regarding these things, we all carry some guilt.

Please treat these as simply accounts to learn from, "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall". 1 Cor 1;12.

Examples to learn from

I was in the ministry and met a man, we were developing a friendship. After a number of visits I met his wife. She was a nice person, not interested in spiritual things.

On one occasion, I found myself talking way too much about things she clearly wasn’t interested in.

I later felt bad. Why?

My own wife, not yet inclined to search for God, has been left in tears by ones, virtually beating her over the head with the Bible and frustrating her to tears.

When I found I had done something similar, I was devastated. I apologised and gave her a card, maybe some flowers, I’m not sure now.

My intention was simply to correct any hurt caused.

Her husband, who, unknown to me, had been cheated on in a previous relationship, was far from impressed, to the point that he wanted to punch me in the face.

I hadn’t been back yet to see him and explain, as I didn’t know he was upset. A brother met him in the preaching work and told me, “don’t go back there. He wants to hit you etc.”

After that I never gave a female anything, I would give it to her husband and say, “If it’s alright with you, and you want her to have this, then can you give it to her, please”.

I did run into the man some time later, words were not exchanged. He just looked at me and left.

Clearly, the damage was done.

Another man, a stern but fair person and slow to trust others. Put up with me long enough to see that I had good intensions and could potentially be a friend. He listened to the good news with caution.

After some months of calling in on my own, a Brother came with me. He was a bit of a character and enjoyed a laugh.

A situation developed before our eyes, my associate, not knowing the family history and tragedies that had befallen them, had a laugh.

To my surprise, I done something totally out of character and thoroughly inappropriate. (I will not go into detail, as this would require revealing the confidential talk of another).

The result; he was horrified. I immediately apologised, I think, or maybe I was too embarrassed, it was a long time ago now, I just can’t recall.

He, after pausing to consider said, “You two can leave, and never come back”.

I had badly betrayed his trust, yet again I was devastated.

It took a bit of thinking about, but I know why I reacted that way. It was the way I used to behave prior to learning the truth and being in a similar and jovial situation, I simply forgot myself.

It was just for a split second and the damage was done. I cried over this also.

At my first opportunity I told an older brother what had happened. Not that he could do anything about it, but I had to be honest with him and the situation, not shying away from my responsibility, accountability or my guilty conscience.

The sad thing is both these men, their families and who knows how many more could have benefited from the truth. And in time been a good friend, to me and God, but I blew it.

Of course the scriptural significance of these, was not lost on me either.

Philippians 1:10 counsels us; “that you make sure of the more important things, so that you may be flawless and not STUMBLING OTHERS up to the day of the Christ”.

It’s a good thing our God is compassionate and understanding and has made provisions for sin. Especially unintentional sin. May these and their families be given extra consideration!

THE SIN OF OTHERS

I once met a young lady at a door, or at least I heard her tears through the screen door.

She was abrupt with me and clearly distressed, I pleaded with her to explain, as I too became distressed due to her reaction.

“I was a Witness” she said, “I was molested and they did nothing about it.”

From what I could gather it was the same old story that has been repeated time and again.

And I’m sure not just in this organisation, it’s way too common, worldwide. People lacking self control at the expense of others.

Nothing is confirmed unless there are 2 or 3 witnesses Deuteronomy 19:15, or lines of evidence, is the common stance among Jehovah's Witnesses.

The Elders in charge of the case, being the ones who decide, what, if, anything is done, as mentioned earlier, they then say “sorry” there’s nothing we can do.

The additional problem which compounds the grief and pain further is; within the Inner Circle, someone almost always finds out, and can’t possibly believe one of their own, would or could do such a thing, it permeates the group with devastating result.

Even if loved, the victim is treated differently, guilty or not. Told, “it will be ok”, “we love you”, “try to love your Brother” etc. “For the sake of the congregation.”

All the damage control, placed on the victim. Inevitably, more often than not, the victim leaves, or if strong enough moves to a different congregation and area. And nothing is done.

All I could do was reassure her by way of a letter, that our loving Father is aware of it and would correct the situation in due time.

May he remember her love for him and keep her "tears in a skin bottle"!

Another, a woman, a single sister in our congregation who had been shoved about and was in a distressed state. I, being the only one who wanted to help, kept calling on her. She was classed as an "Inactive" Christian. The Brothers, according to their guidelines, would do "Shepherding calls" once every 3 months, circumstances permitting. More often than not, unless you were of good standing within the eyes of the Elders or Inner Circle, you were an afterthought. Visited occasionally, just to clear their consciences. Of course some Elders I'm sure really wanted to help.

Sadly; For this woman and myself, not an ideal situation, as I could have been open to accusation. That didn’t happen though. She was simply my sister in need. I called for a few months and helped out a bit around the yard etc. She was a single mum with two daughters and two beautiful granddaughters.

In time I helped her pick herself up enough to muster up courage and attend a midweek meeting.

It should have been simple, not a big crowd attended that meeting and it was less formal and we regularly had some food and drinks afterwards for association. Simple right?

We walked into the hall and immediately a Sister, an Elders wife, part of the inner circle, gave her the filthiest look for about 8-10 seconds.

It took months to get her anxiety and stress under control and this person threw it all away.

Obviously this scattered sheep or “goat” wasn’t fit for everlasting life either. Can you see why the Lord Jesus counselled to "Stop judging"?

I don’t know what was behind the look, but its intension did its job.

Before long she was in a relationship with an unbeliever, and even too scared to come out of her house and talk. I have tried a number of times over the years to find and contact her, with no success.

Jehovah knows the love this one has in her hearty for him, the Christ and the truth, may she be remembered for good.

Wolves in sheeps clothing

Not all labelled as bad associations were innocent. Sinister ones also infiltrated the congregations from time to time, causing damage and distress and a very poor example to the vulnerable.

One Sister was manipulative to the extreme. She would encourage young ones to hide important mistakes from their parents, she would pay young ones to spend time with her child and many more sinister activities. All the while, accusing the Brothers of neglecting her, while keeping as far out of their sights as possible.

She meanwhile was running to any who would listen, but never approaching anyone who was in a position to offer genuine help with love and spiritual council. She caused much pain and damage as many like her have, possibly leading in part, to the suspicion of new ones.

Another, a Brother, formerly an Elder. He was a bit of a rogue.

The Brothers were continually frustrated that he wasn’t “normal”. Not meeting for field service with the others, his marriage is a worry etc.

I, on this one occasion witnessed a conversation between two Elders, “What are we going to do about Brother so and so? Well he hasn’t really done anything wrong, YET!” As though they were hoping he would, so he wouldn’t be an embarrassment to their authority and have cause to remove him from the congregation.

Then after a long pause, one spoke up and reluctantly said “I will go and see him”.

I happened to be at his house helping in the yard when this Brother visited.

They sat and had a drink, while I kept doing what was required. He, the Elder, didn’t help me.

They were joking and making small talk and then after a bit he, the Elder, said to the Brother, “you really need to meet with the others for field service” that is, to go preaching as part of an assigned group, “you can work with me on Saturday”!

Did it have the desired affect? No, of course not. Why?

All these cases lacked one common thing, a friend. None of them had anyone say “I want you to be my friend",

No-one was saying; can we do something on the weekend? Do you like shopping? Do you like fishing etc. And I imagine that it was the same with the 107 others on my list of inactive ones.

Admittedly this elderly brother was a handful at times, possibly dementia? Or something else. And quite stubborn.

Where though was the genuine love or concern? Just judgement.

Another man, a Brother, had gotten himself into a situation that led to disciplinary action. He was in the Inner Circle, though just in the door. The Brothers had no option but to Disfellowship him, a temporary action to isolate him to some extent from the congregation, till he had proved, by time that he was repentant and then he would then return again to the congregation.

While in this predicament, one of our elderly Brothers fell asleep in death.

This disfellowshipped Brother dearly loved him and viewed him as a father and mentor.

He, being Disfellowshipped was not being allowed to talk to the congregation and us him. He was totally unaware that his dear friend had died. The only ones who could tell him were the Elders.

As we, the congregation were not allowed. He didn’t get to go to the funeral.

Much to the disappointment of the dead man’s sons, a number of which were not baptised, but were loved by the absent brother and they loved him. A very sad situation.

Another incident, a woman with a row of little ones, ranging in age from quite young to a vibrant teenager, all loved by the congregation.

Also a man, neither baptised, were encouraged by the Inner Circle to develop a relationship.

In time they moved towards the point of marriage. All were excited for the new family to be.

The Brother, an Elder and friend to both, as they were on the short list to be in the Inner Circle, married them. I believe, not a usual thing, to marry unbaptised ones.

Only one day later, the marriage was annulled. Why? I haven’t been told exactly. From what I can gather, he was a homosexual, and when she wanted to confirm their union, he was not impressed, expressing disgust at the idea. He of course had strong feelings for her but that wasn’t the problem. She was never told of this major sticking point, by the man or those who knew. Neither of them or the family were baptised and they all left the organisation, devastated, and fell away.

Can you imagine, as is normal, the woman expecting her new husband to love her in every way, especially as she was accustomed to love. Only finding out her dreams of their wedding night was only an illusion.

I'm sure he had deep feelings for her, but I expect at no point was the realities of what either could expect from the union were ever discussed.

A thing that the older men in the congregation would usually encourage to be discussed! I think, I was never an Elder.

Who knew, if any about the realities that were awaiting her? Maybe he was as is described of in the scriptures: one "Hiding what they are".

These later two examples were severely let down by those who should have known better, “blind guides”. Though I'm sure they would change the outcome, given the opportunity.

One family who were studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses lived next door to a family in the local congregation, an Elder, his wife and children.

They, the J.W.s moved into their home a few years after those studying, moved into their home.

The children were similar ages, in the same school and classes. But the studying family’s children were usually not allowed to play with them at either home, even though they spent all day together at school. Thus, over time, the non-Witness children had a difficult time in the truth.

For example, an indoor sports team was established, with a number from the congregation’s young being involved. Then they were told, the children of the Witnesses family could not play, due to “worldly association” with ones on the team.

The others clearly were not good enough, so the Witness kids were pulled from the team. Only to start in a new team with different none Jehovah’s witness children.

On another occasion, the non-Witness family had no food, no money. Simply due to circumstances of life. They would have been ok in a couple of days. But thought, "I would ask these Christian neighbours, if they could loan us a couple of dollars for bread" etc.

No! They said, “You come over with your family and we will make you dinner.” “Oh that’s nice” they thought.

They were enjoying a nice meal, all together, a lovely scene. During the meal however, the mother turned to her young daughter, in front of the visiting family, and said “see, this is how we help poor people”. It wasn’t a kind gesture at all.

They were an object lesson for her child regarding “poor people”. Likely also to elevate their personal status.

She, this baptised Sister, a "Christian" and Elders wife, would introduce them as “the neighbours” with a condescending tone to other witnesses if they happened to meet at the shops, even though they were associated with the congregation, never would she call them by name in front of others.

What was even more bewildering, as time went by, anything the “poor people” did, they, the Witness family would copy.

They would do extensions on their house, they did, same style etc. they paint, and they do. They start a career, they would. Almost everything they would copy but then try to outdo, usually failing.

And Then,

The “poor people” in time built up a self-sustaining home business.

They, the Witness family begged them, teach us to do exactly the same business, And on and on the Elder would ask.

After a number of years they finally agreed to teach them how to do it, with two important provisos. They told the Witnesses; 1 “You cannot sell your wares anywhere we are wholesaling or retailing”. 2 “You cannot and must promise to not teach anyone else how to do it”.

He agreed. And before long he was up and running. And, yes you guessed it, he was selling his product out the front of his house on a main road, while the “poor people” had an outlet around the corner. After complaint, the Elder stopped, although he couldn't see the problem.

Then after a while he said “I have a friend who is moving away to another area, he wants to learn the business”. They were flabbergasted.

In the end, knowing he would likely teach his friend, an Elder also, they said “just do it”, just like (Balaam) Numbers chapters 21, 22. They were not the ones going back on our word, he was.

Again, on at least one occasion, his children threw rotten fruit at their house.

Then the Witness family wanted permission to knock down the fence between the yards, put a swimming pool in the “poor peoples” yard and fence it off so they had access!???

The parent of one was living with them for a time, also an Elder, on One occasion, this elderly man suggested to the neighbours mother in law, a secret rendezvous.

It was reported to the neighbour, nothing was done. And on and on. But being part of the Inner Circle, even the hub, "they were Sheep", “the Neighbours were Goats.”

The result, their children of "the poor people", 1 by 1, left the way of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Seeing this was going to happen. Just as with the rows of young that used to sit at our congregation meetings and their parents now sat alone. The father asked an elder, “please come and help me with my children, show me what I can do to help them love God.”

He, being quite experienced, he thought “he may help”. The result.

The Elder sat in on one family Bible study session with them, observed only, got up and left. No advice, no assistance. They began to leave the congregation shortly after.

When the second son said, “I’m not going to the meetings anymore”.

The father arranged to meet with the Brother who came to “help”, the Elders wife present.

He explained another child has just left. During the conversation he mentioned how the son had been attending long movie sessions with a number of other young ones from the local Kingdom hall.

The only interest the Elder showed was when the distressed father mentioned this.

He perked up “what were they watching, who was there”. Why the reaction?

There was a couple of young ones who this Elder loved, eager for them to join the inner circle.

Not the children who needed help.

These other ones, were known to fight, even punching their so called friends at school, drink alcohol, getting very drunk, at a young age and flirt with young girls.

But these who had not been marked by the congregation as bad associations, were loved, despite their very questionable conduct. James 2:4 says “do not have class distinctions” and 2; 1 and 9 warns of favouritism.

The wife of the Elder was even shocked, she had to speak up and say “Did you hear what he said, his child is leaving the truth”. “Oh, yeah” he said collecting himself, though still he offered no help, no empathy.

It should be acknowledged though, not all rebellious children are born that way.

It seems, more often than not that these ones have themselves suffered either, emotional, physical or mental abuse of some kind. Nevertheless, a danger is a danger.

Of course all should be given every opportunity to grow to maturity, though not overlooking the innocent or quiet ones to favour the one demanding attention.

In fact, when these ones who gradually left would sleep over at the Sister's house. She would send her sons to school with an elaborate food stock. Asking the "poor" children, "what do you eat"? Anything but peanut butter or banana's, one replied. She handed him a brown paper bag with a single banana. Apparently, every time he stayed their before going to school he starved all day.

These marked children and others were told at every opportunity that they didn’t measure up.

Even on one occasion, the first to leave, being bailed up by four Elders, “qualified to teach”, and responsible “shepherds”. Saying things like, “you should be doing this by now”, you need a haircut and on and on, finally being called away by another young one who could see what abuse was taking place. Really, they were saying, “You’re not good enough”, and taking turns, one after another.

The result, the Inner Circle got its way, they were gone, while the rebels were safe under their care.

Child 1 and 2 were gone, 2 were still there, 1 for some reason the congregation loved, the other, they hated.

She, the hated one, how did they get rid of her? Over time, she was baptised and would do as I would, that is, care for the scattered or struggling sheep as best she could. Though not always easy having 2 young children and a poor excuse for a husband who finally left the scene.

She, loved to serve and wanted a clear conscience before God.

On one occasion she found herself in hospital, she told the staff who she was, explained that as one of J.Ws she would not accept blood products of any kind. A request by law the hospital should follow.

The result; She became unconscious, they injected her with some of her own blood and told her later.

(not an issue for most, for J.W.s however, it's serious).

As soon as she was able to; she met with the Brothers so they could take action and ask “The Hospital Liaison Committee” to assist. She spoke to one, who said, he would arrange to collect spiritual information and get her help. A meeting was arranged and another Brother took over, no support, no listening, so that they could arrange the Hospital Liaison Committee to talk to the offending hospital. It was turned around onto her lap, it was all her fault.

In time she was being courted by a young baptised man, who was prepared to love her and her children.

The result, the Brothers told him “you can’t marry her, she’s a bad association”. And introduced him to another single young lady. Whereas the scriptures clearly says “God yokes together” and warns not to “prevent ones from being married”. They destroyed her.

Another occasion a single Brother, when she was alone outside a family’s home, took the opportunity and tried to molest her. She prevented him and told the Brothers. What was done? Nothing! This young man was apparently attending certain nigh-time places for company, in the city, also.

In time this man found a young, single lady in a nearby congregation, she was very timid.

The Brothers asked this first Sister, as they were aware she knew him, “is there any reason this young man and women shouldn’t be married?”

She repeated herself, about his conduct and told them of his night time activities, Again!

What was done? Nothing.

I don’t suspect his new wife or her serving father was ever told about his conduct.

After her trying for so long to work with the Brothers and simply serve the true God, the Brothers stopped her friends and the congregation from talking to her, isolating her. After all the damage done, she gave up! But like most, they could not extinguish her confidence and faith in God or Jesus Christ.

Another family: from another congregation had their whole family, absolutely decimated. They too had all their children leave, by terrible means. Even one loving Brother who tried to be a support was practically accused of paedophilia to prevent him assisting the family.

The father and provider had there business and livelihood restricted from the family by Elders setting up their own in competition, (sound familiar?) and many many other things the supposed shepherds, carers of the sheep, did.

Because she knew so much and had so much incriminating information on the Brothers and Inner Circle, they began bullying her.

Everywhere she went, even at meetings of Christian fellowship, they would walk up to her and in a soft voice say, “Are you keeping your mouth shut?” Always concluding the statement in derogatory way by saying her name, Re…bec… ca! Not her real name.

Even after being forced out, and after quite some time attended a new congregation, it followed her. They had hopes of a fresh start, till an Elder would say under his breath, “Are you keeping your mouth shut? Re…bec…ca!

All she especially, ever wanted was the opportunity to express her love for Jesus and serve Jehovah with her little family.

She told me of when she was a young girl, “I loved Jesus sooo much, I would walk around and have long conversations with him, and I would sing and dance for him. Of course I love Jehovah too, but I knew Jesus first, I just adore him”.

Would they let her No! They too, according to the Brothers, were unfit for everlasting life.

Her devoted husband has shown great long suffering and restraint and has had to watch his family and wife be tormented these many decades, awaiting Gods promised real, “peace and security”.

Interestingly regarding this Sister, after many decades, a man, a Brother and Elder, approached saying, "I’m sorry for my part in how you have been treated”. What a beautiful, humble thing to do.

I’m sure it was difficult to admit what he and they had done. At least he developed a conscience. Where were the others? May The Living God remember the family and the Brother with empathy.

May her God and saviour and beloved Jesus, keep in their hearts Sisters in particular, like Sampson’s mum who have had a hard time of it. And husbands who have had to watch and refrain themselves, all these years.

How do I know so much about “the Inner Circle”, it’s easy to see when you’re outside, in the dark and looking into a lit room!

God remembers you

The saddest thing is, Generations of ones from, many, many families around the world, have had access to the true God blocked, and stolen from them.

Often by just one person thinking “they may be goats”. I'm sure something similar has happened in other religions. As I mentioned earlier, I could serve my God amongst hypocrites and liars but I don’t have to serve among apostates.

Another,

There was one brother, the very first conversation I had with him he lied straight to my face, also his last. And he was in a position of authority.

These and the current governing Body are so quick to slap the Pope and others, judging all but themselves, as fit for destruction.

I am grateful to my God for remembering me and all the scattered sheep and even those still hanging on, despite being veiled.

Ezekiel 34:22 assures us he will judge between a sheep and a sheep. The Rams, the Elders will receive a heavier judgement. That’s why I never wanted to be one, I knew what was coming!

The thing is, people aren’t stupid. If someone says; “you should be on the ministry school or your hairs a bit long or your choice of sport is questionable”. What are they saying? You do not measure up and you’re not good enough. Why do they do it?

These self-righteous ones say: “We go pioneering, we do this and that”. They are judging by what they think is their best and projecting it onto those who simply often cannot do that, just so they can feel righteous and imagine they have a clear conscience before God.

If someone, however, is already doing their best, then how can they be expected to do more? Unless; they grow, and are nurtured into, a new best, by loving shepherds and (friends). If they can’t do it, they can’t do it. When they can, they can.

A seedling isn't a sapling and a sapling is not a fruit bearing tree, is it? Just being a friend and actually spending time with people, you will see they do have good qualities and certainly have value. It’s Jehovah who draw’s them, it’s us that push them away.

Satan is described at 1 Peter 5: 8, "Keep your senses, be watchful. your Adversary the "Devil", walks about like a roaring Lion, seeking to devour someone", many suffer due to his methods.

Just because your heart is drawn to certain ones, it doesn’t mean that they are better than the person sitting next to them and that they can get away with more than others.

Each one has value, if you look for it.

In many cultures and schools, the very young have already been trained into the bad course of belittling or extoling others.

But the very young, the uncorrupted, could tell you, everyone needs love, needs to be wanted, to feel at home, in a society built on trust and patience with one another.

All being given time and opportunity to excel, to get to their personal best.

Matthew 18:3 tells us plainly; “Truly I tell you, Unless you turn around and become as young children, you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens”, little children are innocent, blameless. they shy away from bad and love good, but not adults.

Yes! Scripturally, the man is head of his house. That simply means that if things go wrong, He is the one asked, How? and Why? "They", however are one flesh.

For example, women are not second to man. They are equal partners in life, with different talents and abilities, still with the same needs, love, respect, hope.

We should not hide their faces or chain them to a sink. They are the ones who, by their loving example, train your children. By not allowing them to do their job to the full, caring for others, an being an asset to society; you are damaging your own inheritance.

Brutal customs, inherited, must stop.

Jehovah said to Abraham, “Listen to her”. Genesis 23:8.

Of course, yet again, love is not an excuse for ones to manipulate others or be excused from right conduct. Love demands stability.

Similar to the damage done by the "Increasing lawlessness" in the congregations. Lawlessness in the world of mankind has had disastrous effects. Many are bullied, persecuted, discriminated against for a multitude of reasons and taken advantage of. Really by those who are in effect saying, "You do not deserve to be happy", or at the very least they, "The Fellers", (Genesis prior to the flood), do not care about anyone's happiness or benefit but their own. By these individuals trained from their youth on for bad.

Many adopt the clothing stained with blood from their forefathers, either as victims or as the aggressors, or even both. People make their families or countries history, their identity, with disastrous results. Passing on the same blood stained clothing to the next generations.

Whereas, that's not who we are, we are individuals, with a personal identity.

A person is not defined by the sports team they follow, are they? Or the culture they grew up in, are they? No! It's their personal loves, likes and dislikes, and many more things like these that make an individual.

Little children do not love war, do they?

Do they imagine they will grow up and be abusive to the one they marry and love, do they?

But generations continue to perpetuate the lie, others are to dominate or exploit.

For example, businesses, companies, governments etc, take advantage of their monopoly of a situation, like O.P.E.C. the organisation of peoples and companies who prepare the petroleum for market for world use, recently said, "We will 'Gradually' increase productivity to make up for the restriction of Russian fuel", Why?

The world needs Fuel today, does it not. Greed, Money, Power and control. Fleecing poorer countries and trying to get every last drop they can squeeze out. Even taking advantage of the death and suffering of others to line their own pockets. Individuals, Families and entire nations are being told, "you do not deserve to be happy and prosper, 'I Do'"! By bullies, misogynists and selfish peoples etc etc etc. "Increasing lawlessness", is that the law of "Love".

Instead of continuing the cycle of inherited identity, the scriptures encourage, that we should be "made new in the force actuating your mind" and "put on the new personality", Ephesians 4:20-24. A fresh start.

Next time we will look at a vital issue that the true God and all who are his needs your help with. Yes he needs your help! Till then.

man in expectation :)

Added later;

Yesterday, 27/1/24, I heard a song by Christina Perri "A thousand years". Every time I hear it, which is not much at all, I get emotional. It's like a message or letter to me personally. A message from the Holy Spirit or a loved one from the future encouraging me to "hold on"!

The lyrics are both hard to hear, heart wrenching, but a relief at the same time, if that makes sense.

I later had random memories pop into my head of days gone by and concluded it may be a nudge to include these in my Blog.

I will write the events here and add them to the Blog. #9 Dealing treacherously with the Sheep!

I recalled firstly, a young women at a 'District Assembly', prior to my leaving the Organisation of J.W.s. Or before they left me!

She was somewhere between 20 - 30 Yrs of age. It doesn't matter about her age, really.

She was vibrant and full of life, fliting from person to person in conversation. And from group to group in association with others in attendants.

She seemed to be well known and liked by all!

However, and this is the part that some of you might judge me for, She was wearing a dress that barely held her chest in. She had breasts and was determined that all would know it.

Now, I do not know who this person was or anything about her background.

Whether she was a newly interested one or a child of a well known family in the truth, I do not know.

 Similarly, I do not know her motives for dressing in such a way or what psychologically motivated Her. Be it Ego or the desire to impress a particular man or many, Or, simply to outshine all others. Who knows?

The fact is though, Her desire for attention was and IS a real problem. I realise that in modern times women bear skin like it's clothing. Even wearing swimwear that really is unbecoming and makes my stomach turn.

The result of such self seeking attention is that other sisters, especially the young, will automatically do a mental comparison. "Would I look as good in that?" "My breasts are not that big :(" Etc.

And men who are seeking to be chaste in their thinking have them thrust in front of their eyes, as if in an effort to shatter their personal efforts regarding self control and faithfulness to a wife. Jesus warned about, "Continuing to think about a Woman so as to have a passion for her". If a man, or boy, is tempted by her efforts, is that going to help them either in controlling their internal battle with these things?

Really, this woman was being totally self centred, with no regard for anyone around her.

What is even worse than ALL THIS, She did it in front of The Holy Spirit.

Yes; Such occasions are for 'Spiritual instruction' and fellowship. To encourage others and be built up personally. By God's grace and blessing on such occasions. As an expression of His tender affection for each soul present. But No! She was determined it was about Her!

She was not really displaying any qualities of real attraction. Why, a woman needs only be herself, be present and let her Christlike love shine and She will be far more attractive than a trowel of makeup or surgery to enhance Her Assets. Yes, to a husband, Breasts are attractive, but if they are not a surprise then what's the big deal??? All sexual intimacy should be exactly that, Intimate, personal, private.

Not one person did I see pull her aside. Not One Brother. Not even a spiritually strong Sister was motivated by the Spirit to stand up for Jehovah God's Holiness.

Jesus was disgusted at those "Changing Money" in the temple. I'm certain He would likewise view personal displays for attention as very undesirable.

I am not surprised She was not reprimanded or asked to leave and return in something far more appropriate for the occasion. As by this stage, 2012, the end of the world of J.W.s had already arrived and they were no longer blessed by God's Spirit.

Another.

While attending this privately owned convention centre for more than a few years, The Brothers toilet facilities were away from the Assembly Hall so as to free up bathrooms for the Sisters.

One toilet stall was upsetting to me. Being privately owned and operated, it was not kept up to a Holy standard.

On the rear of one stall door it had vile words written and even a blasphemous statement, "What God want's God gets".

This was very upsetting to me, not so much to others apparently. It implied that God, My God, was a bully and really didn't care about us or me, as long as he gets what he wants.

Upon reflection, that is precisely the way the "Man of Lawlessness" has painted God today.

I'm sure the person who wrote on the toilet door was not one of faith. However these later ones were supposed to be.

Being private property I could do little about it. I spoke to a "Presiding Overseer" of a local congregation, who incidentally was a painter by trade. I explained my concern and said; "our young brothers have to go in there and read all that". He had never noticed it and was not inclined to help.

I spoke a number of times to the administration office of the facility, and waited, and waited. Nothing was done.

I have chemical sensitivities and could do little to get rid of it. But after a couple more years I had had enough. I took some chemical cleaning product and made an attempt to clean it off during one of the sessions. It only faded it. And yes, made me sick to do it.

I spoke to this Brother again and said; "Can you pop by one day if you are out this way and throw some paint over it?" He listened to me but refused to give an answer in the affirmative. So I was going to do it myself despite harm to myself again.

Then I found it had been done. I spoke to the Brother, the painter, "Did you paint the door or did the owners?" My intension was simply to thank him.

Again, He refused to answer. He was behaving in His typical power control mode.

If he did and wanted me keep His confidence, I would have. The scriptures clearly say; "Do not reveal the confidencial talk of another", Of course I doubt that would apply to serious wrongdoing.

So, yet again I found frustration upon frustration.

This Brother, a Presiding Overseer, was loved and respected. But to me something was never quite right. It was not as though he was 'Haughty' or too much Ego. But it was a Control thing. He loved to command a room. Not a sin in itself but everything seemed to be done more as a reflection of His brilliance and control of the situation than in Humble service and dispensing something good.

Once he presided over a wedding. A young couple were wed in our little Kingdom Hall. My wife attended as she knew the woman and it was not a scriptural occasion. Afterwards She even said something like; "What, was that the Brother so and so show?"

Both these individuals have a common trait. While loved and serving to their best they displayed a self glorifying attitude. Not doing all things for God's glory and a self sacrificing love for others as a priority, or personality trait.

Again, I'm not perfect, but things like these are not a desirable example for anyone who is an example to others.

Man in expectation :)

The mash-up! "You must love Jehovah your God, with your whole Heart, Mind, Soul and Strength and keep His Commandments. If you do, you will be wise enough to bypass any trial with ease, and have an indefinitely lasting name with The Living One. Those who fail to take these things to heart, will suffer shame and fall short in a large way, all that is his, will be destroyed and cease to exist.

You who love Him, however, will flourish with joy, under the tent cloths of Jehovah, always." Ecc 12:13, Mark 12:30 and Ps 37:18-20.