Posted by CrossRoads [CrossRoads] on November 16, 1999 at 16:17:19 {pRztWiaeukjONPcUpXTE1TxyNSBses}:
In Reply to: Witness Parents beware! posted by metatron on November 16, 1999 at 09:00:45:
Many families have wrestled with this very real problem. It has been sad to see many youths fall into this way of life and also very heartening to see many of them return to the haven of a good family life.
The dilemma as to how to handle this matter "truth-wise" would probably depend on the family concerned. Most of us are governed by a number of "universal priciples of truth" and will no doubt make application of these in dealing with the matter.
Personally I would welcome back my son/daughter with wide open arms and assure them of my love and support. I would clearly explain the options they face "truth-wise" and allow them to make a decision in this regard. I would most certainly not put any undue pressure on them to attend meetings etc. and I would shield them from any perceived harm from the body of elders who may be inclined to poke their noses into my family.
If I perceived that they would not be able to jump through enough hoops to qualify as being repentant, I would point this out to them and allow them to make a decision, but I would NEVER
blow the whistle on them (EVER!!)
This raises other problems. From my experience it has not been an easy thing for youngsters who
have gone off course to come back to being active witnesses again as the bad they did appears to
follow them around. If they were counselled before embarking on their "worldly course" and now wish
to return, the elders will most certainly want to speak with them. They would want to make it clear
to other young people that one cannot "leave" and do wrong and then "come back" hoping all is
forgotten and forgiven. If not dealt with, this would (or could) "encourage" other young ones to follow such an example. So in most cases such a young person will have to answer for their indiscretions.
This is not entirely wrong as the elders have to be vigilant as to the spiritual prosperity of a congregation. This is true, regardless of how we may perceive their actions.
To avoid this whole unpleasant scenario then, it may be best for a youngster to remain at home and "lay low" for a while before getting back to meetings. In such a case, it is likely that he/she will be welcomed back as a lost sheep who has returned. At ALL costs try to avoid a possible inquisition, because often such a young person needs love, compassion and understanding more than repentance.
A little story.....
Yeah - I know the feeling - at one stage I was told that my daughter's clothes were "immodest" and that it caled my qualifications into question. HA!! I love it when that happens. I simply call my wife and daughter, call in the elder/elders who made the comment and ask them to repeat what they told me in front of my family. Then I leave my wife to rip into them! It's great fun!!! She is a volatile little spunk with plenty French blood.
Let me share a brief experience with you.
Once she told one on the elders:
"I have watched you Bro xxxxxx. And if you keep your eyes off my daughter's backside, then you won't worry so much about the clothes she wears" I nearly collapsed! because it was true and the poor guy (serves him right) had nowhere to go.
Thankfully I am free of that now.
Kind Regards
CR