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Post by juliette on Jul 17, 2009 23:02:02 GMT -5
Okay boys and girls... I forgot that when you have an idea you get punished with doing something about it! ;D It looks like I'm the new Mod of the bios sub board. We'll use this thread (Who's Who) to post our bios.
I'm a pretty easy going girl. Let's just agree that your bio (should you wish to write one) is only about you, and not anyone else on the board. Please don't write a book (or people with ADD like me won't read it). Please refrain from commenting on another person's bio in the bio section... I will just have to delete it. Start a new thread if you want to comment. Feel free to modify your bio as your situation and beliefs change.
Please note that you DO NOT need to identify yourself in any way in the bio section. You can simply use your TMB name and tell us what you wish about yourself. I, personally, think that your identity is much less interesting than the way you think. Some of us are pretty open about our identities.. but everyone can do as they wish about that.
I'm hoping that the bios section can be a place where we can get to know each other, where new people can come when they want to learn more about us, and where people like me (who can't remember things) can refer back to.
Some suggestions (only suggestions). You can tell us if you're in or out of the friends and workers religion, about your spiritual journey, you current beliefs, your life perspective, your family, etc.
Admins/Mods... can you please clip this to the top? yep! scotty
TMB people who have already posted their bios; please copy your bio here.
Opinions/Recommendations? Please post them on the "Bios" Section thread!
Thanks for participating! Juli
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2009 1:19:35 GMT -5
Since my name and address was plastered all over the Internet in days long before the TMB, I don't fear revealing it here. I am Dennis Jacobsen, age 66, and have experienced the total gauntlet of 2&2ism. I am married to the same woman for soon 39 years, and have two grown children and two grand children.
For the record, a 4th and 5th generation "2&2 ministry" devotee, I did not dislike the form of meetings, conventions, nor the fellowship itself. I did dislike the caste system with levels and place constantly mentioned, that I saw within it. I came to despise the very "PLACE" consciousness and importance that kind of focus puts upon those who follow such teachings and beliefs. I also disliked the gossip which constantly moved about in the group under the guise of "care."
One time I sat at a picnic table at a summer potluck. One prominent frigate under full sail loudly questioned: "did you hear the news, did you hear the news?" When asked "what news?" The reply that "so and so..." (well known members) "...are getting a divorce." All I could reply was "no, and I wish I didn't," and soon found I made an enemy because of saying that.
Since being forbidden to attend 2&2 meetings in 1986, there was another gauntlet necessary in running to religious freedom. Whereas once I viewed people I did not know as "lost" because if they were not "lost" I would know them from meeting attendance; (pretty sad, huh?) now when I meet strangers, I enjoy presuming they are also "believers" until they reveal they are not.
Today, sitting in the VA Hospital Lobby with my injured foot in the air after closure of an open fracture and severe laceration, occasion arose to visit with a lovely 70 year old (woman) sitting somewhat adjacent to me. Since we discovered we both believe in the same "essential," we enjoyed a unity in spirit, and valued the short time in fellowship together. Now, when I think of Columbia City where they come from, I will specifically think of that lady and her kind husband along with others I know residing there.
Some, (like "you know who" in this forum) also demand to know of me what church I attend and where I worship. I am one of the "massive" Church Body of Christ scattered over the world, all of who's members are known only to Him. I chose to worship many times daily, in many places and ways, even with an otherwise total stranger in a hospital lobby, as occurred today.
'S all.
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Post by sharon on Jul 18, 2009 13:19:46 GMT -5
Most of you already know me as Sharon...or siwells...thus could easily deduct I am Sharon I. Wells....some already know I'm a RN....and that I'm presently working for the Good Samaritan Clinic in the Medication Assistance department.
I am a widow of 11 years, I didn't really get to the place of wanting another man around for about 8 and half years, then I have been just glad to have a very dear friend who is supportive of me in many ways....as there are many on TMB! I love music! I am a classically trained pianist but do not play much these days due to a crippling problem, though some days I do play just to keep my hands limber. I am an animal lover and have worked with veternarians in the area doctoring mostly big animals in the past. I am presently spending most my spare time with a musican in scoring his compositions and working as his agent.
I firmly believe in Jesus Christ....and I do belong to the Truth's Fellowship....and I can truthfully say there are aspects of the fellowship that fulfill my needs at this time. I know about the history and have known for over 3 years. I do not necessarily support all radical thoughts and beliefs and so far, have not had to speak my preferences. We are blessed in this area, for so far we've been treated with dignity, and the right to function and believe as we feel we need to, without being forced to make an indecent compromise.
However, I do have moderately long hair and I do wear it up...but as a nurse, I wear it up also for it isn't considered professional to wear hair down where it touches your collar. So my thought is this...to be fairminded about it...IF I can wear my hair up for my professional career, then for the price of peace, it isn't going to hurt me to wear it up for mtgs. I do wear it down esp. in the cooler weather and YES< sometimes I'm tempted to cut it off and the main reason I don't is simply this...I've lost my hair twice in my life, and if that should happen again...hopefully I'll have enough length to it I can have my own hair made into a wig. So there! ha ha
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Post by Gene on Jul 18, 2009 17:20:27 GMT -5
My name is Gene Nelson. My partner, Baer, and I have two chocolate persian cats named Damian and Dimitri, and no other children. I am 4th generation b&r, with many kinfolk professing. I was in the work in Texas USA from 1979 to 1987, and in Iowa USA from 1987 to 1990. I left the church in 1997, the same year Baer and I met. We have lived in Dallas Texas, New York City area (Jersey City), and Zurich Switzerland. After three years in Switzerland we returned to Jersey City in June 2009.
I believe that I have an inner compass that guides me between right and wrong, and I tend to believe that my inner compass is an outcome of parental and societal influence. My ambition is to influence others in such a way as to encourage care and consideration toward others. And now I sound like a Miss Universe contestant but really, I am not. Promise.
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Post by Annan on Jul 18, 2009 20:12:56 GMT -5
I'm a 52 year-old wife, mother and full-time homemaker. I am also a holistic/metaphysical healing facilitator employing Reiki, crystals, sound (my favorite healing method), and essential oils. I practice yoga, belly dance, meditation, and ritualistic witchcraft/spell working. I guess that brands me a new ager. I was raised by 2X2 parents that no longer profess. Growing up, I refused to accept being told not to question God when it wasn't God I was questioning but man. It is impossible for me to believe that any person(s) was chosen to bring God’s message to man in the words of man, as the universe made by the God is itself God's language and much more precise and eloquent than man could ever be. I see all that is/exists as the exploration and expression of an unknowable source/call it God if you will. I believe life is inseparable from matter and that the universe is alive and conscious, as is the very Earth beneath my feet. I celebrate the seasons of the Earth/Wheel of the Year as it teaches me the seasons of my own life. Mine is an Earth-based path and my home is run as eco-friendly as possible. I'm known as the neighborhood Earth-nut, yet they keep coming to me when they have a need. Figure that?
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harpic
Junior Member
Posts: 56
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Post by harpic on Jul 19, 2009 10:53:09 GMT -5
I am more of a reader than a poster, but here is where I stand. My '2x2' history goes back at least four generations, to the very beginning really, and on most sides of the family. I have not been involved for about 20 years. Having been raised in 'the one and only true way', being one of the small number of people in the world who really understood the Bible, and having based practically everything we did on some scripture or another, and definitely not being 'a part of the world', it is amazing to say that I personally came out with: 1) very little actual knowledge of scripture, although I did read (certain parts) regularly and always enjoyed the Bible 2) knew that Jesus had died for our sins, but could never understand WHY that had to be 3) believed that all other churches had little or no knowledge of the Bible 4) I came out of it with a knowledge that I was going to hell (by leaving)
This last bit of knowledge was actually what saved me. As I came to realise that all of life is pointless if it is only going to culminate in hell, I turned back to Scripture to see what it had to say, with the intention of really wanting to see what was being said, not what I believed they said. And today I have:
1) absolutely no fear of death 2) amazement at the vastness and complexity of God, but also of his very personalised knowledge, care and love for me. 3) a great love for the Word of God, who is my creator and redeemer. These words are all that is true in life and dependable. I study theology a bit, but anything that goes beyond what is actually written in scripture is a deviation, in my opinion. Everything that God wishes us to know is in His Word. 4) much of what I believe is professed by the 'Friends' and yet I never found it to be real. That is not to say that it is not real for some. 5) I have a huge care for the people among the 'Friends' who are trying to save themselves by works. I know they carry a huge burden, which can be releived by knowledge that Jesus has done the work for us. God paid a tremendous price for us. He allowed his Son to take our punishment. Because God is just, all sin has to be punished, but he grants us mercy from what we deserve through the substitutionary death of his Son. The value of something is usually determined by what price someone is willing to pay for it. Jesus paid an unbelievably high price for his 'Bride', the church. God values us very highly. He loves and knows each one of us, down to counting the number of hairs on our heads. I could talk about God all day, but won't here.
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Post by StAnne on Jul 19, 2009 11:13:07 GMT -5
I am 3rd generation B & R in the faith, brought to my maternal grandparents (former Lutherans) in Kansas, in December 1913, by Alex Anderson and companion.
I made a profession of faith at the age of 14 and left at about age 19 because I didn't want to add being a hypocrite to the other "wrongs" of cuting my hair, clothing choices, not going to meeting regularly...
I am married for 34+ years, mother to a daughter and a son, grandmother to 2 girls (1 lives nearby, the other out of state) and 1 boy.
I/we did not attend church as a family although our daughter went to Sunday School and sometimes stayed for church at a small Baptist church. When our son was 11 (I think) he answered an altar call--the first time we had been in church on a Sunday morning in years. We were given word that he intended to "be saved". He was baptized the following week. Our daughter was baptized not long after that in the same church. So, for quite a few years we attended there but eventually moved to a Southern Baptist church and attended there for a number of years. I will mention here that my husband was baptized Methodist as a child.
In April 2005, during the illness and passing of Holy Father John Paul II, it was said during television coverage that St. Peter was the first pope. I had certainly never heard that. That prompted an online search for information where I read about the Chair of Peter. I found a Catholic message board, and EWTN television where Mass is broadcast every day, along with other Catholic programming. A week after Christmas, December 2005, I was no longer content to only watch Mass on TV, our granddaughter and I attended Mass. No CC in our small, mostly Baptist town, we drive 15 mi each way to Mass.
I began RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults) in 2006 and was received in to the Catholic faith at Easter Vigil 2007. My husband was received into the Church this year, 2009.
I love following Jesus' commandments, and the teachings of the Catholic faith. It is good to have the doctrine and dogma of the faith so clearly written, so clearly spelled out. I love the beauty of the liturgical seasons of Advent, Christmas, Lent, Easter and Ordinary Time. I especially like the devotional of Stations of the Cross at Lent. And, best of all is the gift of the sacraments, described by Wiki as, "The Sacraments of the Catholic Church are, the Church teaches, "efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us." Thanks be to God.
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Post by Dubious Disciple (xdc) on Jul 20, 2009 23:10:41 GMT -5
Hi y'all,
My bio can only reflect who I am today. Tomorrow, it will change. That is called GROWTH. Dogmatic insistence upon a set of stale beliefs to the exclusion of searching for truth makes a person stagnant and uninteresting. Well, ok, the truth is I just suck at believing stuff, and want to downplay this deficiency.
I am an agnostic Christian, a person who loves God but has no idea if He exists, and thus who's definition of "Christian" (a follower of Christ) is one who pays little attention to Jesus's religion and instead seeks to follow his humanitarian teachings. I believe they are life. I believe not in the historic truth of Christianity but in its inherent goodness; I do not find it difficult at all to disprove much of the Bible. That discovery reduces all this talk about the "lies" of the Truth to utter silliness. So I care little about a person's theology other than how much fun it is to argue; I find that this site adaquately proves that a person's particular Christian beliefs holds no corrolation whatsoever to how good a Christian they are; that is, how closely they follow Christ's humanitarian teachings. The "fruits of the Spirit," if you will.
I grew up a third-generation f&w, was an elder for a while, and the majority of my family still profess, including my wife and kids. I still attend but quit taking part late last year when it became obvious my beliefs were too different. I've been to a half-dozen different churches in the last year. I think the f&w way is unique, definitely not for everyone, but quaint and a wonderful religion. I cannot say I want my children to become workers but I wouldn't mind seeing them remain in the f&w way. It was very good to me, after all.
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Post by jh62 on Jul 22, 2009 10:07:28 GMT -5
My name is Janet, and I'm the mother of 3, a son (28), a son (25), and a daughter (22). I'm also a grandmother of a one-month-old little girl. My husband and I have been married for 28 yrs. I was raised on a ranch with my 10 ten brothers and sisters, one who's no longer with us. 6 profess, and 4 of us do not. My mother professed in her 20's. My father didn't profess until a couple of years before his death. I quit going to meetings around 2002 (can't remember exactly). My husband doesn't profess, and neither do my children. I don't attend any church at this time. I believe there is good and bad in each and every one of us, no matter which religion, race, or gender you belong to. I also believe that the older I get, the dumber I get. I've come to realize there's not very much I'm certain of. I do believe in God, but I don't believe in any "one" way to God, as it may be different for each individual. I believe there is a grand scheme to things, I'm just not sure what it is!
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Post by Annan on Jul 22, 2009 10:22:11 GMT -5
I'm a 52 year-old wife, mother and full-time homemaker. I am also a holistic/metaphysical healing facilitator employing Reiki, crystals, sound (my favorite healing method), and essential oils. I practice yoga, belly dance, meditation, and ritualistic witchcraft/spell working. I guess that brands me a new ager. I was raised by 2X2 parents that no longer profess. Growing up, I refused to accept being told not to question God when it wasn't God I was questioning but man. It is impossible for me to believe that any person(s) was chosen to bring God’s message to man in the words of man, as the universe made by the God is itself God's language and much more precise and eloquent than man could ever be. I see all that is/exists as the exploration and expression of an unknowable source/call it God if you will. I believe life is inseparable from matter and that the universe is alive and conscious, as is the very Earth beneath my feet. I celebrate the seasons of the Earth/Wheel of the Year as it teaches me the seasons of my own life. Mine is an Earth-based path and my home is run as eco-friendly as possible. I'm known as the neighborhood Earth-nut, yet they keep coming to me when they have a need. Figure that? Just an update to my bio. I don't know why I was reluctant to post this earlier. I am a "pastor" with an internet congregation and am currently in the process of applying to the state for a license to perform marriages. I am also working on a website where my services will be offered to the Pagan and secular community in my area. This is something I have wanted to do for quite some time and I am quite excited about it. I am a practicing witch in that I cast spells and do ritual healings. Spell casting is simply working with the spirit that inhabits all life and matter/the Goddess. It is my belief that all life is of one accord/one spirit and is in constant communication with all other life. The trick is learning how to listen and knowing how to respond. I find much joy in my path and after many years of wandering, I have finally come home to the Goddess, the Divine Illuminatrix in All Things, the very Fire of Life Itself. Sat Nam!
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Post by lilwolfmisty on Jul 23, 2009 1:12:08 GMT -5
My name is really Misty I am the mother of one angel baby Kenny, and 5 girls Marilyn, Darlene, Lavina, Talia and Shalelah and grandma to 8 Angelynn, Priscilla, Araceli,Serenity, Emily Ann, Luke, Noeliah and Ramiro Ray. I am b & r 4th generation. My great grandparents on my mom's side, met the truth in OR from the married workers. as an interesting aside both of my sets of maternal great grandparents were divorced and remarried before they met the truth. My grandpa was an elder in OR up until his passing, I miss him so much he was my spiritual example for so long. My uncles are elders in OR and AK, and my mom just re professed after my step dad died. My mom had been remarried over 20 years. My brother harbors animosity toward the truth, and refuses to talk to my mom all tho that is more to do with the fact that she is near me than with the truth I think. On my dad's side my grandpa's sister met the truth, but my grandparent's never professed and my grandma actually called the truth a cult. My dad left the truth about 15 years ago or so after he molested my kids and some of it was due to believing that he could not remarry. None of my kids go to meeting. I still occasionally attend meeting when I take my mom or someone that I know is in town . I also attend Unity Church where I have been past Board President, and I am continually spiritually fed and led without judgment or blame. I started examining my beliefs in depth after the situation with my dad, and then my ex husband (who never professed) also molested my children so I divorced him. My ex used the argument that I would "never divorce him, because my religion wouldn't allow it". I started thinking why would God punish me, buy not allowing me to love someone else when my ex was obviously so wrong? So that is when I found Unity. In December of 2012 I lost my job of six years then in March of 2013 I rolled my mini van after hitting a patch of ice these 2 events caused me to deepen my prayers so I started saying several times a day "God I know you have a job out there please lead me to it, I also need a car, and a place to live and someone that loves me" then God started showing up in huge ways, first I started getting interviews in Billings even tho I was applying in Missoula, Bozeman, Butte and Billings for all different jobs ALL of the interviews were in Billings I was headed to one when I rolled my van. Then a friend had a truck for sale and my mom helped me buy it (that lasted for several hundred miles and then I started praying for a small car because I live 30 miles from work and waaa laa my dad was able to help me get a Geo Metro), then I finally landed a job at a gas station and I was still sleeping in my truck and couch surfing, then I was offered a better job one Sunday at Wal Mart in Billings, then one day I was on Craig's List and found a rental that I could afford in Fromberg so I finally had a place to lay my head but no bed and no furniture. Around the same time I met a man off of Craig's List (LOL) Laugh all you want.. this man prays with and for me as well as he spoils me and he was able to give me some furniture. We took things slow and he moved in 4 months later it is SOO AWESOME TO BE WITH A BELIEVER :)God continues to answer prayers and create miracles in my life everyday and I am generally happy Other than that I enjoy my friends and family. I enjoy praying with and for others, surfing the INTERNET, chatting with my friends by phone, email or IM. I love reading, camping, and anything that involves my family.
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Post by Jason Storebo on Aug 14, 2009 0:05:54 GMT -5
My parents professed when I was one year old. Mom became disilusioned by the worldly ways of the Presbyterian church at the time that she made her choice.
I grew up going to all of the meetings until I declared my independence at age 18. I never did profess. I've learned that's kind of unusual for a kid growing up in a professing home. All of the kids that I grew up with in the truth eventually professed. I know that many of them are now exes.
Since I've come to these boards I have learned, from reading of the experiences of some, that my up-bringing was really quite tolerant and kind, in comparison to some of the dysfunctional experiences of some of my fellow kids in the truth.
I went through my teens during the '60s and was highly influenced by the music, physical appearance, and drugs & alcohol.
I got interested in eastern religions & in paranormal and metaphysical topics at an early age. I have always been prone to thinking outside of the box.
I've been married twice...first wife professing, second wife came from a Mormon/Budhist ist background.
My mom has now passed, and my 89 year old dad is still professing and living in an assisted care home of one of the friends.
I have no problem with people believing whatever, or worshiping and practicing in whatever manner they choose. I've never had a problem with anyone in the group, and as far as my experiences with the F&Ws goes I'm inclined to believe that many of them are fine people.
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Post by senkyoshi on Aug 28, 2009 14:59:55 GMT -5
Senkyoshi's Bio
I was born and raised Mormon in the Southeast U.S. As I think most young people in religious families tend to do, I lived by what my parents taught me. At 19, I served as a Mormon missionary in Japan. I did not have a strong "testimony" of the Mormon Church at that time, but I believed that serving as a missionary would strengthen my testimony. Instead, events of my missionary life in Japan had the opposite effect of convincing me that the Mormon Church was NOT God's true way. The Mormon Church diverges significantly from the Bible, and at that point in time I still took the Bible to be God's word.
Contact and discussions with 2X2 workers convinced me that THEY had God's true way. I left the Mormon Church and was baptized into the Friends and Workers church.
After about 10 years of sincerely trying to live by 2X2 doctrines (and being married to a professing wife), I became convinced that the 2X2s also were NOT God's true way. There was a significant "pick and choose" mentality; the workers talked about the parts of the Bible that fit their doctrines, but too often treated Biblical "big hitter" concepts as "no longer necessary", or "those things had a place and a purpose in Jesus' time, but that purpose was fulfilled".
The trajectory and momentum of first leaving the Mormon Church and then leaving the Friends and Workers church led me to questioning the Bible itself. With my skeptical mindset sharpened by the earlier experiences, I soon came to believe that the Bible was a book of fables with a lot of history woven into its stories. Many years of contemplation have continued to show me that reality is not to be found in the Bible.
I have been a very low-volume but long-time contributor to TMB because my family situation is so sensitive, but I am still a frequent reader.
Where am I now? I firmly believe in intelligent design by a Creator. I am content in not knowing or pretending to know the nature of my Creator. I often wonder at the purpose of the Creation, but I am no longer inclined to fill that void with mythology.
Senkyoshi Ex-Mormon Ex-2X2 Ex-Christian senkyoshi20@hotmail.com
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Post by pianoman on Oct 18, 2009 9:31:20 GMT -5
I have posted my real name before, and have no reason to hide from anyone. This is not a judgement of those that have reasons for not revealing who they are.
I am Dale Peterson, from Washington State, in the USA. I am 3rd, generation 2x2 stock, and also am an ex. I have lived all over the USA, Canada, and have been in Asia, as my father was in the service. He was Luthern, and my mom professed. Upon my mom's profession, the world I knew, at the age of five, became a living hell. She was extremely afraid of death, from the beginning, until her end in 1996. She adhered to the strictest teachings of the "rule oriented" fellowship. As a professional musician, from the 60's, and having worked with some famous people, and did all the drug, sex and rock and roll scene, you can imagine how well I fit in to the 2x2's when I tried to fit in in 1969. Yeah, I had "professed" as a kid, as most had, but I was totally indoctrinated into the "outward" way of professing. I have at least three children, none born of a marriage, and I am only in one childs life. I raised that child by myself, and we are still close. She has given me 4 grandchildren, and one of her husbands kids, so I consider myself to have 5 grandchildren. The other children are a long story, and I am not sure about it myself, so will leave it alone. Like DJ, I did not hate the meetings or the friends. I did not like the favoritism though, and thought it was shameful. I was in and out of the fellowship, and finally in 2001, I decided that I would rather be miserable "professing" than miserable in life. I returned, and after more go rounds with liars and hypocrites, some in power, I decided to leave, as I could no longer justify the "way". Not trying to write a book here, I found this board, and found that things I had been told, by workers were flat out not true. After a while, I felt that I was doing well, following Jesus and the bible on my own. I did okay for a while, and my life's circumstances got worse, and I wondered where this God-Being was. I began to doubt, not that there was a God, but that he was involved in our lives like we thought and were taught. I think it is important to mention that I have suffered from depression all my life, part of it from physical abuse as a child. I am also sure that the many drugs I took, and my years as a heroin addict have taken a toll. Okay. I didn't live a good clean life. Where is God? I am sure he is right where he always was, and I just need to scrape off all the lies I have been led to believe and find Him for myself. I feel I am on the road to that, and reading RoadWarrior's posts, and finding that we know each other, and seeing Dennis Jacobsen's trials, I can hardly deny that something is there. I feel their experiences have renewed my attempt to find faith and get to know God. I do not fear death, and have tried to live in a manner that lends kindness to all I meet and know. I have been hard on some on TMB, and have apologized, and will apologize again. I hate noone. I do feel real pity for my brother and sister, as both are addicts and alcoholics, something which I thought my life would help them avoid. My sister was in the work, and still addicted even while active. I hope they both can find peace, and look at their brother, that has overcome addiction, and see that it is not a good way to live. Both parents are gone now, and few aunts and uncles, in their 80's continue, but I am glad to be free from the judgment, and hypocrasy that I experienced. Those that write me, have my email. Those that would like to, can PM me and get it. There are some on here I would rather not waste time in endless denial about the 2x2's perfection. I share this to encourage others to not give up. Too many have given up on me, and they will stand alone on Judgment Day. I will too. May we all find our way through life's journey........................................Pianoman/Dale
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Post by pianoman on Oct 18, 2009 9:39:46 GMT -5
P.S. the Moustache I wear today and have worn all my life is not a sign of rebellion. It just diminishes my large Irish nose.......
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Post by irvinegrey on Jan 9, 2010 11:56:33 GMT -5
I am Irvine Grey and for a Master of Philosopy at Queens University Belfast I am researching the history, sociology and theology of the 2x2s. Born and brought up in Co Fermanagh my maternal grandparents were 2x2s since 1935. Along with my grandmother I attended conventions and missions and I have a lot of friends and relatives who are 2x2s. However, they are not very forthcomming about volunteering helpful information for my research. I must point out that my research is objective, fair and accurate and I am not on a crusading campaign to do any sort of exposé. Your help and assistance will be appreciated. www.irvinegrey.com
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Post by aleda02 on Sept 12, 2010 17:47:04 GMT -5
I am new to TMB, but, I was intrigued with "Pianoman/dale's comments because, in some areas, I can relate. I won't use my name, at this time, for obvious reasons. I live in Spokane, WA USA. I professed, in my 4th foster home, when I was 11, offered for the work and was accepted in l959, at 19, in my second year, I left because of health issues (REAL NOT AN EXCUSE). Of course, in these years, '60's, stigma of leaving the work made me feel like there was a big red "Q" on my back for "Quitter"! I was even verbally ostracized during a Convention, by a young worker, from the platform for "...deserting my companion." In a crowd of nearly a thousand people, many of whom knew me, I wished I were invisible! The companion I left was not understanding and my first companion was extremely critical. Several years later, the worker I had left, apologized for not being supportive, asking forgiveness, it was very easy to forgive, because he showed the spirit of a true servant of God. My first companion was involved in a scandal, he was asked to leave the work and now in his nineties, I question if he still professes. After several years, I married a professing lady; we raised three children, we divorced after 27 years...she left the faith. I, also, left for several years; but kept in touch with f/w. Today, I go to Gospel meetings and fellowship meetings, taking part and partaking of the emblems. Before this, for 12 years I drank, smoked and hit the bars; my friends were my drinking buddies. (I called myself a weekend alcoholic).! When I retired at 65, I was introduced to Elder Services, a resource for mental health care...I was determined to have suffered from depression all my life as well anxiety/panic disorder and ptsd. For the last five years I've had counselling and medication from my psychiatrist. Today, I live a good life. I still have questions about how the church has affected me, over the years. I am a liberal, perhaps, in my personal attitude about the church...and, while I go to meetings, I still doubt my status, before God, because I frequently think of God as a judge. Yet, I remember I told people He was a God of love and mercy. Appears that my life is a paradox. Would love to hear from others. have been in counselling and under medication
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Post by robertablank on Oct 6, 2010 13:21:55 GMT -5
Good day.
My name is Roberta Blank and I am a professing woman.
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Post by Admin on Oct 8, 2010 18:19:07 GMT -5
Hi Roberta and welcome.
Being new here, how do you feel that TMB can be improved? Be nice to hear something of your story, sometime.
admin
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eh?
Senior Member
Posts: 714
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Post by eh? on Jan 16, 2011 9:03:56 GMT -5
Re: Yesterdays posts. I didn't know this was a 'discussion thread.' I thought it was an FYI thread.
I have never posted who I am on this board because of how it may effect others I know, some in, some out.
My 2nd reason has come to reality on another board where I did use my real name. After posting there for eight years using my real name, someone took issue with with a law I quoted and linked to. At first they just harassed my online for a couple of months but last week they contacted both my employer and one of our customers because it has become their "mission to see (me) unemployed."
That was on a 'professional' board, everyone there is (or should be) licensed by their state. I have since locked down all my personal websites, journal, family pictures, etc.
So on here I will just remain hard of hearing ... eh?
;D
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Post by mod3 on Jan 16, 2011 21:40:54 GMT -5
Re: Yesterdays posts. I didn't know this was a 'discussion thread.' I thought it was an FYI thread. This post is NOT a discussion thread. Several posts from the last couple days have been deleted. This thread is to post your own bio, not something about someone else. Off-topic posts and posts about other people will be deleted.
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Post by Liberty on May 24, 2011 19:21:57 GMT -5
Hi all. I was born and raised in the 2x2s. My father professed at a very young age; my mother also although I have no specific ages for either; they are both deceased, as is everyone else in my family from their generation. Nearly all my aunts and uncles professed. I think I must have started rebelling as soon as I could walk or talk. I cannot recall being any other way. As a kid my only goal was to be old enough to not have to attend meetings anymore. My father started giving up on me when I was 14-16 although it was a gradual process. By the time I was 17 I was pretty much free, although I didn't leave home til I got married at 21 -- to some evil girl that had short hair and wore make-up! LOL. The marriage was short-lived. A few years later I ran into a women in a bar who I knew as a youth who was also B & R. She made my rebellion look mild. We really hit it off, and ended up getting married a couple of years later. That did not last either, and she is now deceased. I harbored a lot of resentment for my parents, and did everything they didn't want me to do. At around age 30 I started to get curious about all this bible stuff, bought a bible and started to read it. From there til around my mid 40s (I am now 60) I dabbled in and out of it all, including attending a couple of JW meetings. At some point I probably 90% bought into the idea that there was "a big invisible man up in the sky that runs everything" (as George Carlin described it). But as each year goes by, it all becomes more and more unbelievable to me. I have an engineering, scientific mind, and until I see even a TINY BIT of proof I will remain an agnostic. I gradually started forgiving my parents for forcing me to do all the insane 2x2 stuff as a kid, and as we all grew older I realized how lucky I was in some ways. I worked with guys whose fathers were drunks, unreliable, con-artists, abusive, etc. I knew none of that as a kid, of course. My home life was as stable as a hunk of granite, but as a kid you don't appreciate that. At any rate, here I am, and why that is so is another story. I've been lurking here for a week, and have read several threads entirely. I hope I do not offend any of you fine people as that is certainly not my intention (and having grown up with "you," I know how sincere and well-meaning you all are). But I start with the premise that there is no god, unless and until it can be proven. "Faith" means little to me. This belief is the result of my life's experiences. I cannot help what I think or believe, and cannot force myself to think differently (nor can anyone else). I have huge problems with exclusivity -- whether practiced by 2x2s or any other church. I also firmly believe that if anyone is "saved," they will be found scattered about all over the world, throughout the numerous churches. And that god (if he exists) cares about what building anyone goes to on Sunday morning, what they wear, or what they do in their spare time as long as they're not harming anyone else just seems silly to me. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
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Post by bananafanna on Jun 15, 2011 12:56:06 GMT -5
I came across this site last week while looking for something else (can't remember what), and I haven't been able to stop following links. I was 3rd generation truther, b&r, professed at convention at the age of 12, was baptised at convention two years later, thought seriously about offering for the work, all with unquestioning belief that this was the only way to live. It was as normal as breathing. My mother was devoted to the workers, believed and adopted everything they said, judged others (especialy her children) without mercy, and used her "professing" children to bolster her own belief that she was living God's tuth and way. There was no discussion in the home about anything substantive, just the length of our skirts, the style of our hair, the activities we couldn't participate in, friends we couldn't have, the meetings to be attended. I recall vividly my sister getting beat with a yardstick because she rolled her skirts up so they were above her knee. She was very rebellious.
My father did not profess and abdicated all responsibility for our upbringing.
So I was given a way to live, but not a heartfelt understanding of why I should live that way. And saw the way this "truth", as propounded to my mother by the workers, corrupted her away from love, kindness and tolerance, and has brought her bitterness and loneliness as she has aged.
And then, for some reason (!), at 19 I married a man outside the truth, I was "ex communicated" and shunned (my own professing sister didn't want my son to play with her kids for fear of contamination), and told not to participate in meetings, but I still went to meetings and conventions and still tried to live the "truth" for a while, unsuccessfully, and things went downhill from there. I got divorced, started wearing makeup and cutting my hair, drank and partied, had affairs, and generally distanced myself as far as I could from the truth, by my manner of life and emotionally. 30 years laters, I cringe at any "christian" or "jesus" talk from anyone.
It was from my unprofessing father that I learned tolerance, the need to help others less fortunate, respect for this earth as god's gift to us, a "christian" work ethic, and how to be the steward of my own life. I have not remarried, and I'm still looking for an honest way to live.
I thank all of you who have posted to this website with courage and honesty.
An unexamined life is not worth living.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2011 16:09:20 GMT -5
I was not born and raised in the truth and came from a "divided" home. Don't know if that's good or bad. I think I learned a variety of things from both parents -different perspectives. I professed as a teen and consequently, so did most of my family and some of my friends. when i first 'found' this way, there were those who told me that there are no official "rules" and just let the Spirit lead you and guide you .. i thought, "okay, that sounds like sound doctrine and how it should be.." I was told, do not 'rush' into making big changes and/or adopting the way others look-let the Spirit do the work-to change too quickly could snuff out the new Life I had just been given-I still highly respect the professing woman that first told me that-God rest her soul- .. the long hair, dresses, no make-up or jewelry ..it was all a mystery to me and, rather fascinating as well .. here was something definitely different and i was looking for something different .. but they told me there were no rules .. and i guess in the minds of some folks that may be true .. like for the men, the 'rules' are not a stringent as for the women .. but i discovered that there are definitely 'rules' .. i don't have a problem with 'rules' per se.. i don't have t follow them, or I can choose to .. but, when a person is told one thing but finds out it really isn't that way it is a rude awakening and difficult to reconcile .. i discovered that there ARE rules, many .. unwritten, but not just rules about dress code; rules about behavior; what's "kosher" and what's not "kosher" what's acceptable, what's not acceptable, who is thought less of because of their 'status' .. who is looked down upon-what is met with "disapproval" and what is readily approved of .. not sure you are ever going to get away from social 'rules' in any group ..and religious rules in any church .. actually, I think that unwritten rules are inevitable .. social norms .. 'acceptable' vs. 'unacceptable' , etc. and who decides that? it's all part of group dynamics .. a person does not have to conform, sure, but they will be faced with the fall-out of not conforming and deal with the consequences...how much is it worth to them .. to not conform ? for some, it's worth it .. and they realize that God really DOES love them; just as they are ;even if people do not .. and so, for me, this is the greatest thing I have learned -that there is a God that loves me, regardless of human love .. the enemy of the soul would like us to forget that however he can .. (forget that God loves us) .. but good to be reminded and when we pay attention , we are reminded that God does love us, very much in fact .. my "story" has been criticized by people who want to know WHY i have done what i have done .. they are curious and critical more than anything .. they really don't want to know my authentic struggles and victories .. they want to rip me apart .. and look down on me for any perceived "failure"(s) ..they want to be critical, maybe in order to make theirself feel better in their lack .. I always have to remind myself of this: "Well, so and so is being critical because she/he is just not happy with herself". yes, i remind myself of this, but it still gets old .. we all have failures, weaknesses, struggles, but most of us can say that we also have strengths and VICTORIES as well .. there are those who would like to remind us of our FAILURES over and over again, but who do not in any way acknowledge our strengths and victories .. so, it takes perseverance to continue on sometimes, and yes, sometimes, the greatest gains spiritually, emotionally and all around are when you feel you are standing alone, but with God .. i've stood alone now, many different times in my life and each time i have felt alone and somewhat forsaken by people, i remind myself that I will get through, and God has not abandoned me, even if I feel that people have abandoned me and left me to make do with folks who are less than charitable, less than supportive and who do not seem to be for my success .. at the end of a 'lonely' time is a time of feeling better .. things will look up .. i've been through that enough times to know it .. well, i've decided that for whatever reason, God just wants me where He wants me and to go against that is to the detriment of my peace,
so in many cases, it is not what I can get or receive from something, but what i can bring to it or how i can help another; such is my lot in life for now .. helping others, even when i feel that I am the one that needs help .. if a person goes to church EXPECTING that they will just be receiving, they will be very disappointed .. it's not realistic, either to think that all your needs will be met by your church, - but it could very well be that God wants you where He wants you for a purpose-NOT what you had in mind .. in fact, often it's not what you had in mind -God's thoughts are not like our human thoughts .. and so , i have resigned myself to just being perpetually SURPRISED at what is next in store and don't get too comfortable with anything .. this life is really very short and before we know it, it will all be over ..
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leon
New Member
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Post by leon on Mar 8, 2012 0:24:20 GMT -5
Hello, I am new to TMB. I am 32 years old and stopped going to meetings about 10 years ago. I am the only one of my family to not profess anymore and have two siblings who are ex workers. I left because I was tired of pretending to be something I wasn't and tired of watching people pretend also. Meaning friends hiding aTV or women changing into a skirt when the workers are coming. While I do have a great deal of respect for certain workers and friends, I can say I have never been happier since I left and never been so sure of a decision in my life. My wife is also an ex who's family owns a convention grounds. We are happy our two daughters (3 yrs and 6 months) do not have to be a part of the church we had to be. For work, I install and repair telecommunications and datacommunications. I also buy foreclosed homes, remodel them, and rent them. I really enjoy my family and my work and do not have a void in my life after leaving meetings at all. While it was a very difficult decision initially, alienating most friends and family that I new, I know it was the right move for me and mine.
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m2
New Member
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Post by m2 on Apr 28, 2012 12:50:06 GMT -5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It fascinates me about myself and about many who post here that our history with this religion/ministry/belief has had such a profound effect on our lives. In my case, I qualify as B&R, on a convention grounds no less. And although I left the way of life behind soon after I went to college, it has certainly never left me.
I had a pretty good understanding of the history (not in detail, but generally) and was not disillusioned about this group so much as unable to continue to believe all the faith-requiring, illogical aspects of Christianity generally. Though I had a few issues with "the truth" that I felt strongly about, mostly having to do with racial attitudes and the roles/treatment of women, I did not leave angry. Mostly sad to disappoint my family.
That was all more than 40 years ago--but still has some feeling of immediacy. I don't feel injured or bruised by this childhood and youthful experience in any way. Indeed, there is something quite wonderful about growing up believing one is among God's special people--among the chosen!
I tend to romanticize the whole thing more than anything else. The modesty and unpretentiousness, the lack of showiness, the obvious sincerity (of many, though of course not all) all seem sort of sweet and innocent to me. I know about some parts of the darker underbelly, and I probably am too forgiving and tolerant of the various human foibles that manifest themselves among this group of humans. But I choose mostly to treasure the good parts and gloss over the rest. I am, for example, very grateful for the working knowledge I acquired of the old and new testaments. I am grateful that I had the experience of making a faith-based surrender at a time in my life when I was capable of that--not unlike falling in love.
I wonder if there are others who process their own history in the way I have. Oh yes, and I can still smell convention stew.
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Post by emy on Apr 28, 2012 16:19:48 GMT -5
M2, I like the honesty of your post. Thanks for sharing with us.
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Post by blovedbyhim on Apr 28, 2012 16:30:55 GMT -5
Hello dear ones. My first post to all of you. I stopped "professing" many years ago. Born into the Truth, one parent part, the other JW. Family break up early years. Back together. Professed in high school. Left a few years later and have not looked back. I wrote down a list of what it all did to me but I don't think you need my whining. We all have a void and have a desire to fill it with something good, happy, peaceful. If our life's experience has been negative we must excise what brings the most pain. My rewards and benefits are a husband and children that love me and think I am special. My prayer each day is to step out of God's way and let Him do his work. So very hard when you see the way our society is going.
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