|
Post by upset and hurt on Sept 4, 2007 9:02:30 GMT -5
First of all, I am in the "truth" and please do not condemn me for that fact. Up to this point I have always loved the truth, the fellowship, respected the workers, bought two new cars for the workers, and gave very generously. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a change in behavior toward myself not only from the friends but also from the workers. I have had no idea what was going on however when one of my children was told by another child at convention that they were not allowed to sit together or play together, I realized that something serious was going on. I thought it was something dealing with the other family, but "NO" it is my family that is being shut out. Sunday was Union Meeting, and we meet in our home. Usually around 40 attend, however only had one family came to our home. My family is in total shock and talked to the other family about this feeling. They said they were told by a worker that they shouldn't get to involved with us. Only thing different in our lives is my change of employment. I have went from being an v-president of a large corp. that sold and moved to Mexico to working as assistant manager for a local retail. Big change in income. That is the only change in our lives. Tried to call several of the workers to discuss this with them. Not a one would answer my call. We are in shock!!! My wife said to call and tell them to bring the cars back. What do you all think? Is this shunning?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 9:05:10 GMT -5
It certainly IS shunning. But I suspect you are not telling the whole story.
Note: this is NOT the place to bring it up.
|
|
|
Post by Have you on Sept 4, 2007 9:11:35 GMT -5
Perhaps something happened that involved a family member which you are not privy to? Perhaps you should have a sit down talk with your family and have a discussion as to what could of happened to cause this behavior.
|
|
|
Post by wingsofaneagle on Sept 4, 2007 9:14:06 GMT -5
First of all, I am in the "truth" and please do not condemn me for that fact. Up to this point I have always loved the truth, the fellowship, respected the workers, bought two new cars for the workers, and gave very generously. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a change in behavior toward myself not only from the friends but also from the workers. I have had no idea what was going on however when one of my children was told by another child at convention that they were not allowed to sit together or play together, I realized that something serious was going on. I thought it was something dealing with the other family, but "NO" it is my family that is being shut out. Sunday was Union Meeting, and we meet in our home. Usually around 40 attend, however only had one family came to our home. My family is in total shock and talked to the other family about this feeling. They said they were told by a worker that they shouldn't get to involved with us. Only thing different in our lives is my change of employment. I have went from being an v-president of a large corp. that sold and moved to Mexico to working as assistant manager for a local retail. Big change in income. That is the only change in our lives. Tried to call several of the workers to discuss this with them. Not a one would answer my call. We are in shock!!! My wife said to call and tell them to bring the cars back. What do you all think? Is this shunning? If you can't get a hold of the workers, are there no other friends who go to your meeting that would tell you what is going on? Something doesn't sound right.
|
|
|
Post by Maybe on Sept 4, 2007 9:23:01 GMT -5
First of all, I am in the "truth" and please do not condemn me for that fact. Up to this point I have always loved the truth, the fellowship, respected the workers, bought two new cars for the workers, and gave very generously. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a change in behavior toward myself not only from the friends but also from the workers. I have had no idea what was going on however when one of my children was told by another child at convention that they were not allowed to sit together or play together, I realized that something serious was going on. I thought it was something dealing with the other family, but "NO" it is my family that is being shut out. Sunday was Union Meeting, and we meet in our home. Usually around 40 attend, however only had one family came to our home. My family is in total shock and talked to the other family about this feeling. They said they were told by a worker that they shouldn't get to involved with us. Only thing different in our lives is my change of employment. I have went from being an v-president of a large corp. that sold and moved to Mexico to working as assistant manager for a local retail. Big change in income. That is the only change in our lives. Tried to call several of the workers to discuss this with them. Not a one would answer my call. We are in shock!!! My wife said to call and tell them to bring the cars back. What do you all think? Is this shunning? Maybe it was something that happened some time back. They were able to forgive you when there was money going into their pockets. But now that the river has run dry, they decided they no long have a use for you and are passing judgment for past offenses. I am sure there is something you have done that has made them upset. Think really hard. I do not see them shunning you for no reason at all except that you have no money. There has got to be something else.
|
|
|
Post by freedom on Sept 4, 2007 9:23:15 GMT -5
Weird! Maybe someone found out you were reading this board! This is meant mostly as a joke, of course. I hope they would not shun you because of that, but I would not put it past them. How painful! The sad thing is, you may never get a straight answer--which is one of the things that makes this religion "cultish". I certainly feel for you. Freedom
|
|
|
Post by upset and hurt on Sept 4, 2007 9:43:13 GMT -5
The family has had this discussion to determine what we could have possibly done. We do have a teenage son who has moved his bedroom to the extra live area above the garage. He does have tv, radio, and his own computer. He never has missed a meeting and has a wonderful prayer and testimony. The workers did mention that we were allowing him to become "worldly" but just laughed as if a joke, but we don't want him to be forced into anything until he is sure of what he believes. Surely this is not grounds for this behavior. Will, continue to rack our brains and continue trying to contact the workers.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 9:49:26 GMT -5
That's no grounds for shunning. I know of a reputable wheat-growing family with a son like that. When I asked does their son profess the father said, "I am not sure!" No-one shuns that family.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Sept 4, 2007 10:28:22 GMT -5
Frankly, I highly doubt that the income difference has anything to do with this.
However, the TV may have a lot to do with it. There are two issues here. In many areas that I know of, including our own, meeting will not be allowed in a home with a known TV.
Now there is a related issue that takes on a life of its own. The workers have talked to you about this, and you could now be viewed as "disobeying the workers", a cardinal sin for having a meeting in your home and enough to earn the shunning of the friends around you. Related is that people with meetings in their homes are expected to have their household under control as per scripture. You may be viewed as not having your kids under control and disobeying the scriptures.
Here is a possible theory as to what is going on in the background, as I have seen this pattern many times. The workers' reaction may have been lighthearted sounding, but some of the other friends may have gotten on the bandwagon since, campaigning with regard to your disobedience and out of control household.
It is typical for all of them to avoid you. You need to arrange a coffee meeting at a neutral place with local elders and/or workers on a fact finding mission. Something is definitely up and you need to find out what it is. Start with one or two of the local elders that you have a working relationship with, get together with them in a non confrontational way, probe gently and keep probing gently until the truth comes out. You deserve the truth. Then you need to make a considered decision as to how to react to their concerns.
|
|
shaking my head here
Guest
|
Post by shaking my head here on Sept 4, 2007 10:29:34 GMT -5
"Tried to call several of the workers to discuss this with them. Not a one would answer my call."
If they truly cared for you, they would have told you what was going on before people started not showing up, ect.
My thoughts are with you. Keep us posted, please.
|
|
|
Post by ANDREW M on Sept 4, 2007 10:49:42 GMT -5
You're income has dropped substantially and you are no longer able to provide the way you did previously. Certainly no grounds for the shunning you "perceive."
However, your change of financial circumstances may have created a void ? Is it obvious that any other(s) have filled that void and therefore the attention has swung away from you ? Excuses would be required to self justify switching allegiance. People are people everywhere. Is it possible some of your minor misdemeanours (we all have them) have been exagerrated in order to court attention from the Workers ?
You appear to have a fairly big fellowship. Some may have been envious of how you were able to "provide" big style for the workers and the resulting attention you received. Now there is an opportunity for some to exploit. Sometimes the little seeds that people sow can grow into things beyond their control with unfortunate consequences.
You appear to have exhausted what you may have done in your search for an explanation. Time to start thinking what "others" may have done ? You're no longer the untouchable, because you no longer have the means. Now you are feeling even less than just a number.
If there's any fact in the above suggestion (posted merely for your consideration) you will find it extremely difficult to get to the bottom of it.
|
|
|
Post by need more info on Sept 4, 2007 11:27:36 GMT -5
None of us have a crystal ball so you won't get an answer here.
Something isn't right here. Are you possibly withholding part of the story?
You will eventually reach the workers. Let us know what they say.
|
|
|
Post by las logged out on Sept 4, 2007 11:42:41 GMT -5
First of all, I am in the "truth" and please do not condemn me for that fact. Up to this point I have always loved the truth, the fellowship, respected the workers, bought two new cars for the workers, and gave very generously. Over the last few weeks I have noticed a change in behavior toward myself not only from the friends but also from the workers. I have had no idea what was going on however when one of my children was told by another child at convention that they were not allowed to sit together or play together, I realized that something serious was going on. I thought it was something dealing with the other family, but "NO" it is my family that is being shut out. Sunday was Union Meeting, and we meet in our home. Usually around 40 attend, however only had one family came to our home. My family is in total shock and talked to the other family about this feeling. They said they were told by a worker that they shouldn't get to involved with us. Only thing different in our lives is my change of employment. I have went from being an v-president of a large corp. that sold and moved to Mexico to working as assistant manager for a local retail. Big change in income. That is the only change in our lives. Tried to call several of the workers to discuss this with them. Not a one would answer my call. We are in shock!!! My wife said to call and tell them to bring the cars back. What do you all think? Is this shunning? Try and get the autos back if you can!I sure wouldn't worry about leaving the group behind it isn't the end of the world hang in there there are many in your position
|
|
|
Post by yes on Sept 4, 2007 11:53:23 GMT -5
Possibly more than we can imagine.
|
|
|
Post by Matt on Sept 4, 2007 15:59:53 GMT -5
Hopefully this episode will help you to see that when you scratch the surface of the one true way, the gilt quickly rubs off and you are left with the proverbial box of dead men's bones. The 2x2 way is made by man for man and is no different to any other except slightly more bizarre perhaps. The ironic thing about the members being referred to as "the friends" is that they are certainly not your friends although most people don't actually realise this until they are indeed in need of a friend. A friend in need is a friend indeed however a 2x2 friend is a often fairweather friend and once the wind changes they become like chaff in the wind. There's nothing quite like the scattering of sheep when the wolf is at the door.
I suggest you go get your cars back mate and then split! Remember the 2x2 faith was built upon the foundation of the proceeds of Edward Cooney's drapery store and they weren't shy about booting him out over his refusal to bend the knee to the great usurpers.
|
|
|
Post by think2much on Sept 4, 2007 16:10:12 GMT -5
This story is so fishy it smells like Long Island Sound at low tide! I can't believe that people on this board are treating this as a true account and responding to it as such. I, along with many on this board, have some issues with the F&W but this sounds like pure poppyc0ck. If your're for real "upset and hurt", register so some of us can IM you.
|
|
|
Post by judgejoebrown on Sept 4, 2007 16:14:56 GMT -5
Don't believe this, either.
|
|
|
Post by really on Sept 4, 2007 16:30:40 GMT -5
If this story is true....and I will give the poster the benefit of the doubt...similar stories have happened...I just want you to know that GOD IS IN CONTROL.
ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE GOD...
I heard this verse as a young person,but now I appreciate it even more. At the time we do not understand MANY things,looking at them from our own limited standpoint, but rest assured ,that when our lives are in God's Hands we need not fear the future,nor do we have to bother about man's approval(it is but VAIN).
David rightly puts it in Psalm 23...I WILL FEAR NO EVIL,FOR THOU ART WITH ME
|
|
|
Post by Brick on Sept 4, 2007 16:35:46 GMT -5
Dear upset and hurt, Why exactly are you upset and hurt? There is a series of coincidences that have led you to believe you are being shunned. If so, what of it? What has really changed in your life? Fewer people for union meeting? Are your friends, your true and personal friends avoiding you? Hmm. If so, they may have not been the friends you thought they were. I understand being disappointed in the behavior of those you trusted, but here is the issue as I see it: you are serving God to the best of your ability and sacrificing as you feel you should. Why should you change anything? If you do, you are reacting to external stimulus, not the guidance of the Holy Spirit. My advice is to "Rejoice evermore. pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
|
|
|
Post by Kathy Lewis on Sept 4, 2007 16:36:15 GMT -5
Shunning is typical behavior in the 2x2 system and it can happen at any time, to anyone. There are many reasons for it. And it happens to workers as well as professing people, so don't feel like the Lone Ranger.
One of the biggest reasons for it may be something that you have said in a testimony. You might have actually affirmed a Christian doctrine without realizing it. This is a huge offense and puts you in the Black Book for sure.
Are there sister workers in your field or brother workers? Jealousy often fuels funny attitudes with the workers.
I doubt that it was the financial situation. It is more than likely the television set or someone has gossiped about your kid or kids. Christian doctrine, jealousy or gossip is usually behind the shunning.
Don't talk to other elders unless you want more gossip. Just take a wait and see attitude and count your blessings. Being shunned by the workers is the best thing that can happen to you. Read the Telling the Truth Website and the 2x2church.com website. This will tell you all you need to know.
|
|
|
Post by recentarriver on Sept 4, 2007 16:51:05 GMT -5
To upset and hurt guest:
What about your new employment - assistant manager working for a local retail? Is the nature of the retail business something that could cause concern? Perhaps something considered "worldly"? Just a thought. Keep us posted. RA
|
|
|
Post by hurt and upset on Sept 4, 2007 17:09:45 GMT -5
The new employer is a Christian Book Store. Nobody has mentioned that this could be a problem. It is not like I am working in the local bar. I will not register, because of my families sake, and still have not been able to make contact with the workers. I am almost regretting even posting here. A few of the comments really cut deep.
|
|
|
Post by recentarriver on Sept 4, 2007 17:33:53 GMT -5
The new employer is a Christian Book Store. Nobody has mentioned that this could be a problem. It is not like I am working in the local bar. I will not register, because of my families sake, and still have not been able to make contact with the workers. I am almost regretting even posting here. A few of the comments really cut deep. If you haven't visited the TMB with any regularity, you may not realize that not all the comments made are done with kindness. I have seen some very bitter and hateful things but choose to ignore them. I can tell you from my experience here that there are some very caring and loving people here. I empathize with you concerning the hurt that comes from some of the thoughtless comments. Concerning your job - I feel this could be part of the "problem". In the area where I live, "Christian literature" is considered not for "professing" people. The premise is that the Bible is all that is needed. I attend mtgs, but choose to be a non-conformist. I have begun reading Christian books fairly recently and have found a wonderful source of help and encouragement. I am aware that these books would not be approved of by most of those in mtg. Maybe others reading this might have further insight regarding Christian books being approved or not by the 2x2 fellowship. RA
|
|
|
Post by sharonhargreaves on Sept 4, 2007 17:41:39 GMT -5
Christian book Store eh!
that would do it!!
with the tv etc -
also I am wondering - have workers 'borrowed the use' of your computers? They might have tracked your interest on certain webistes such as this one that would not give you any 'brownie points?"
It used to be that meetings could not be in homes where there was a tv - so perhaps these couple things together has 'identified' you in the rebellious group?
Are you in Canada? USA or do you not wish to be that specific?
this type of thing has happened before where people have arrived at the meeting place they attended for years and bam - no one home and no more meeting - it was moved without their knowledge. This avoids a face to face visit and identifying verbally your 'sin' --
I would definately get the cars back - pronto! You asked for what (we) think - I personally think your story is quite plausible and believe me the Bible Book Store would do it! You obviously have 'lost your vision'-----in their lingo........
With love ex worker sharon hargreaves british columbia Canada
cabinbythelake@uniserve.com
|
|
|
Post by think2much on Sept 4, 2007 18:02:44 GMT -5
Oh, and the workers just "forgot" to tell you that union meeting was no longer to be held in your home, right? Shame on those buffoons!
Incidentally, you can register without giving up personal information. When people register it at least gives a semblance of legitimacy to their claims. Can you at least tell us if you're in the US or Canada?
I wonder if there is anyone registered on this board who can provide verification for this incredible story? Do you know of a union meeting in your area that has been suddenly disbursed without the apparent knowledge of the host/hostess?
|
|
|
Post by hurt and upset on Sept 4, 2007 18:37:34 GMT -5
for think2much and all the others. we are located in the northeast us. i don't know anyone from my area that post on here. one of the employees told me about this site when i mentioned i was part of the "truth". also, no worker has found anything on any computer in my home. we never even knew any of this stuff existed till very recently. and are having a hard time swallowing a large portion of what we read from some of the web sites. since sunday afternoon we (my wife and I) have been in total shock of what we read. Heavens, we even recieve the workers mail here at the house. Guess that will be coming to an end too. It is just to soon to abandon ship as my wife puts it. Think we will wait and see how bible study goes tomorrow eve.
|
|
|
Post by ScholarGal on Sept 4, 2007 18:47:05 GMT -5
To hurt and upset:
I'm sorry to hear about the situation that has caused you pain. Because my personality is non-confrontational, this would be really hard for me to understand and deal with.
Here is my advice: 1. Talk to the one family that attended your last union meeting. Explain that you don't understand what you have done wrong, and ask for the name of the worker(s) who told them not to get too close to you. 2. Call or write the worker(s) named by the family. Try to meet in a neutral place and ask if there is something in your life or testimony that is causing them concern. (You do not have to mention who sent you to these workers as a source of the problem.)
Please consider the benefits of registering. --Most regular posters on this board will consider you more credible. --Others can't post anonymously "pretending" to be you. This has been a problem in the past. --You can register with an anonymous email address (from yahoo or gmail), and you don't need to reveal your name. --All correspondence from the board, such as Private Messages (PM) can be read on the board. Some registered users will be more than happy to correspond privately with you if they can help.
Please feel free to email me privately if you need help figuring out how to register anonymously. I can also offer you advice in how to "digest" this board as a professing person.
scholargal78@yahoo.com
|
|
|
Post by upset and hurt on Sept 4, 2007 18:51:38 GMT -5
but if I register, I wouldn't be able to post anonymously... that means I couldn't make things up and sound credible.
|
|