Posted by AF [AF] on November 08, 1999 at 12:24:42 {Nq8EnQ8RVADjRmAxB/kMdaOt1gg/Zk}:
Howdy do, RW!
This is a bit belated because the posts are flying fast and furious.
: Well, they say "time flies like an arrow, but fruit flies like a banana."
I love that one! Ever try it on kids?
: Has it been five years? I only remember posting for less than two on H2O. My, don't tell me we used to be on the same 'JWs only' forum??? I remember ...
Well, not exactly. : )
: well, nevermind, that would be giving away too much.
I remember you getting rather miffed about a certain request made on my behalf. : )
: Yeah, I guess I've "come a long way" in the last few years--from a Saul of Tarsus stoning 'apostates' to a Paul of Antioch, agonizing alongside them. Funny how that can happen.
Yes, it is. Some of the most effective `opposers’ were once staunch defenders.
: You don't think of yourself as being outstandingly 'honest' (much less 'courageous' which my continued anonymity attests), but eventually conscience kicks in and you're unable to rationalize it away. It's more powerful than either fear or ambition, and leaves you crying, questioning, begging for some clarification. And eventually, you realize that clarification will never come from The Watchtower, but only from your own rational mind pursuing answers that may elude you for a long long time. But you have no other choice: accept a lifetime of blind obedience to those who are not truly honest, or strike out and pursue the elusive truth.
That’s one of the most painful lessons anyone learns in life. And yes, once you let honesty rule, you have no other choice. Things take on a life of their own.
: My deepest thanks to you, dear friend, for having the integrity to speak truthfully and at great personal cost of time and resources to you and your family.
I’m very happy to have contributed a bit. You likewise have offered many wise insights that I’ve benefited from.
: I'm going to take some time off for now from H2O and focus on real, live people I've come to know and care for, who need post-Watchtower-world help. I know your time is well spoken for, but we'll keep in touch.
Before you disconnect completely, you might consider showing up at the St. Augustine conference in December. I just heard that there will be some amazing information released. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, write me at alanf@bestweb.net . It’ll knock your socks off!
: As for the GS thing, it's hard for me to imagine your taking the time to give him further audience, but if you do, Don't forget your waders!
Thanks. I fully intend to pursue this to the bitter end, as time allows.
AF