The Widows Mite:Two Copper Coins;Griffyn's Mite :Pizza

Its been a few weeks since my last blog. I have so many notebooks of thoughts, memories, feelings but I have to let the Lord lead me in what I write about , as my husband Mark would tell me , “ don’t go all willy nilly, follow your spiritual gift that the Lord gave you , to honor him” as a bag of fun my husband is , he does have some profound statements from time to time.

This past week, something hit me when I saw a thread on Facebook. It was a picture of my nephew( well actually he is my cousin but he calls us Aunt Karen and Uncle Mark)  his name is Griffyn and he is probably one of the most generous and thoughtful young men you would meet.

Griffyn, is attending MTSU college in TN, he is about 3 hours from home and does not have any family while being in college. This past week, Griffyn seen a gentleman standing on the street holding a sign that said “Hungry” Now, anyone who knows Griffyn, the boy loves to eat and especially this time of year while in wrestling season and you are having to “cut” weight , that is all a wrestler thinks of is FOOD. Griffyn, is not a young man that is made of material wealth, his parents work but just like the rest of mainstream Americans there is not a lot left over to be able to provide the luxury of cars  etc.. So Griffyn lives on a tight budget being in college, of course his main meal being of Ramen Noodles so when he can occasionally have that Pizza , it’s a welcoming party to his taste buds. This week, he had just bought a pizza and rather than have his tongue fly back and hit his tonsils and have the pizza party for him , he seen this gentleman holding this sign and he gave his pizza to this man .

                                                                                

There was some negativity , with this thread , because Griffyn and the gentleman had a picture taken together with the pizza. One individual thought Griffyn wanted to bring Glory to himself , when in fact if anyone knows my nephew this wasn’t the case at all, he wanted to bring light to the situation that during this snow storm there are people out there that are hungry. Another , negativity that was said , this gentleman had a on a North Face jacket. My response was : The point of grace isn’t that the recipient is worthy – it’s all about the giver of the grace and how much they love. We deserve nothing from God yet He gives us everything. If we are wanting to follow Him then we have to have the same attitude as He does towards the poor. Love them without restraint. Don’t judge them or think you know them or treat them as a “mob” that you think you have all the answers on.

And who the heck is “more worthy” of eating??? It’s a basic human right – I don’t care if you’ve spent your money on crack – if you are hungry I’m going to give you food. Period. Starving never taught anyone anything except that people don’t care about them and they are worthless. And that’s a lie because the “worst” or “least” of us is who Christ died for.

Now comes the point of my blog , with the act of giving . We have all heard “It is better to give than to receive?” Is that true for you , for me. Anyone knows me , will say I give way to much and I would be honest to say that is true. Our giving is part of our UNIQUE “Talent , workmanship “ that God dug and built into each of us.

When the person responded to my nephews picture stating that Griffyn just wanted admiration for his giving ( so not true ) but I couldn’t help but think about Biblical Solomon: He was the extravagant giver , Everything he gave was huge in size , 3000 Proverbs, 1005 Songs a beautiful temple and palace, when Solomon gave he didn’t hide or shy away from recognition. Griffyn gave a pizza, it made him feel good he gave altruistically  not to gain recognition for himself although giving felt good.

 

Do we remember the story of the Poor Widows Offering of the two copper coins and what did Jesus say to his disciples : "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; 44for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on."

I think about Griffyn, he gave all he had , this pizza was probably his biggest splurge for the week, but he gave it all.

Growing up as Jehovah Witness , we did not give to charities. We could not and they are still not allowed to shop at Salvation Armies any Christian Book Store or any type of charity such as Girl Scout Cookies ( although many JW”S sneak and buy them anyway. Although I was raised in believing to give , it was only actually giving to the JW organization, Jehovahs Witnesses do not tither per se, they do not pass around a collection plate , now that sounds nice , because if you don't have 5$ to spare to give to the plate you aren't embarrassed however when you attend a Kingdom Hall you will see "CONTRIBUTION boxes" on the wall or in a corner, you are highly encouraged to give in the boxes. ( picture below of Jehovahs Witnesses with the Contribution boxes)

                   

In order to receive any assistance from The Jehovah Witness you must at least be studying with them  and making changes in your life , the assistance is minimal, Jehovahs witnesses do not have soup kitchens,  no homeless shelters for battered women  hey don't even believe in  having clothing bins. If a homeless person walked in the Kingdom Hall as I have witnessed, seeking help, the elder will surround him like chicken pecking a snake, they will wok on that persons vulnerability , invite them to stay for the meeting , offer a bible study and perhaps they might give them a ride .

·        The Watchtower Society ( JW’s) has often criticized other churches for passing collection plates during meetings. Churches that organize bingo, party games and other fund-raising efforts have also been repeatedly condemned. At the same time the JW’s has emphasized that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not solicit donations!

I can remember one time being with a friend of mine and there was some individuals came to her door collecting for a Cancer Fund, I can remember she and I discussing  giving to them . We really didn’t see a problem with it but our JW thoughts came back in  that no we need not give because “Jehovah will be removing cancer shortly when we get to Paradise.”then as I got older it didn’t make any sense as to why we as JW’s didn’t give to charities such as cancer , organ and tissue transplants etc.. but we would gladly accept any help if we had cancer or needed a transplant. Its the same with blood , a JW will accept blood “fractions” but they wont donate blood. They will reap the reward of good will toward others  but don not reciprocate.

I love my father whom has shunned me . He served in the Army and received an honorable discharge . Later he became a JW’. Jehovah ‘s Witnesses do not believe in serving in the military , do not and will not salute the flag , will not sing the national anthem BUT  my dad gladly accepts the benefits of being in the military . He had cancer that almost killed him but was given the best care at the Veterans hospital. His medical cost him no money , he was able to afford his home through a VA loan, so this has always troubles me as Jehovahs witnesses, we cant serve or show respect to the flag or our service men but he can take the benefits of the government.

Jehovah witnesses will say they give to charities they  will tell you that they do charitable work, aiding people in hurricane-struck areas or disaster areas , they do some charitable work. Just enough to get away with their tax-exempt Charity status. You’ll mostly benefit from it if you are a Jehovah’s Witness.

I have been at restaurants as a  former Jehovah Witness and rather than the witnesses at times leaving the waitress a monetary tip they have left the waitress with a watchtower magazine or a biblical tract . This was to be viewed as tip to save her life . Now , I don’t know about you  but when Im hungry  or working , I don’t want a piece of literature  as my pay , Id like to be able to buy a can of food.

Since leaving my world as a JW , I have to admit my views of humanity have changed  well, perhaps not so much changed , because I believe the Lord held me tight growing up as a JW  until I was old enough and strong enough to leave the organization. So rather than my views on humanity changing I would say , my view on humanity and giving has only deepened.  Seeing people give from their heart, my profession in working with transplants seeing how people find solace out of a tragic death by giving and organ to someone else is altruistic as it gets. Seeing that there is good  in people. Practicing giving without having to wonder if it is ok .. I give because it feels good, it makes me smile, it makes me smile to see another person happy. Whether , it’s a piece of pizza, the shoes off my feet ( which I have done ) my husband and buying a random family breakfast at IHOP, giving my children a gift , giving to my grandbabies and as a called APOSTATE that is shunned by her Jehovah Witness family and friends giving the gift of a simple smile and hello doesn’t cost me anything .. but peace and knowing that the Lord is happy with my gift -----because it honored him.So yes, there is more happiness in giving than receiving , so the next time someone gives you something , please remember the gift is be given to you out of love they feel for you , they are not giving you something for you to say “oh you didn’t have to” no , they didn’t have too, but something moved that person to think of you .. its called love , so don’t hurt that persons feeling by declining the gift , give them a hug and just say THANK YOU .

A Tale of Two Baptisms :One by sight -one by FAITH

                                                             

                                   

2 Corinthians 5:7-For we walk by faith, not by sight: ( The picture above is of my son Dakotah Being baptized)

The past few weeks I have been pondering over baptism and what does it mean for me . Personally, I have had two water baptisms.

As a born and raised JW, that is the ultimate goal of Jehovahs Witnesses  and as growing up in the religion , you always know that you are STRONGLY encouraged to do so. Especially, if you are a child of an elder, there is no question, you will be baptized sooner or later and actually sooner is the best . I was baptized in the Spring of 1984 , I was 14 years old.

To give you some insight on how that Jehovahs Witnesses are programmed to be baptize , I will explain. In the latter months of my 13^th year of life, my parents started inquiring “Karen I think you are and should be giving thought to baptism” I dreaded hearing that brought up . I knew better than to say “No , I don’t think so “ So , I did what every good example of a teen JW does , agree . My father who was an elder ( elders are like pastors )  went to the other elders and told them that I was ready to be baptized.

Now, to be baptized as a JW, its just not asking to be baptized as a symbol of your faith , there is an algorithm that they follow from the Headquarters in New York. Once you make it known you are ready to be baptized over the course of a few months , two to three elders will meet with you personally to go over a little over 100 questions that is in a JW book . These questions are broken up into different categories . The questions are geared toward you knowing and being able to answer the foundations of what JW’s believe. Some of those questions are really hard to answer and being 14 , I remember being so nervous , I had no clue what the answer meant but I just memorized them and gave the answer. After being given the thumbs up that I passed the questions, the next thing would be the actual baptism.

Jehovah Witnesses, do not USUALLY  baptize in lakes , ponds , creeks or have a baptismal in their Kingdom Halls. Baptism is usually done 1-3 times per year and these are at what they call assemblies, special day assembly or conventions. These are in the present of thousands of other JW’s.


                                 
                                                 
                                              

( picture above is what an average assembly , convention is for a Jehovah Witness, thousands of people)

When I was 14 , my baptism on that Saturday was to be held in Johnson City Tn at the Freedom Hall Convention Center in front of approximately 3 thousand fellow Jehovah Witnesses from the surrounding area. I remember getting ready that morning at 5 am , with my new dress that I had gotten , I was not excited about the baptism, I can remember thinking I know this means a lot to my parents and it would make them happy. When we arrived at the Convention Center , usually the first three to five rows in front of the stage are blocked off for the baptismal candidates. Around 10:45 that morning , the Elder gave the talk ( sermon) about baptism it lasted about an hour. I cant remember anything about what he said , I was more nervous about having to be in a bathing suit in front of all these people, I kept thinking , I hope I don’t look fat ( although I was tooth pick) and I was thinking “Its going to take forever for my hair to dry Im not going to have much time to go and talk to my friends when Im done . So the moment arrived :at the end of the talk all baptismal candidates are asked to stand . When we stood , we are asked two questions and to this day , these are the questions you are asked and you must answer in the affirmative YES to the questions: These are the questions and a picture below showing you . The Elder asked :

“Therefore now with your mouth make a public declaration of your faith by answering these two questions that I shall ask you, and let your answers be hearable, that all those about you may be witnesses to the declaration that you solemnly make:

The first question is: On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?

The second is: Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization? Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.”

Then, all 150 of us walked in a single file line to the swimming pool in the convention center and changed into our swimming attire . While thousands of our fellow JW’s friends gathered around the pool area to watch our immersion.

                                                                                      

 Iwas so nervous and was about to throw up , but I did not slip and fall, I wore a Tshirt over my bathing suit not to expose my body and when it was over I was never more happier . It did take me over half an hour to dry my hair and so I only had a few minutes to talk to my friends prior to the evening service starting . I had no idea that my baptism as a JW would end up costing me everything I ever knew. Look at that 2^nd question again,  I was making a pledge to an organization . I wasn’t old enough to drive and legally wasn’t responsible to drive, I wasn’t legally old enough to buy alcohol or sign permission slips to go on a field trip at school, but I was suppose to be old enough and mature enough to understand that making this pledge would mean that if I ever left , I would be shunned .

Here is a video of a JW baptism at a convention in 2012, these are the same questions I had to answer: Its a short video and I encourage you to watch

                                                      

Now.. did you also hear? According to the Jehovah's Witnesses , I was now an ordained Minister.. who knew.

Moving forward to 1998 , when I underwent my conviction . I remember so vividly being and working in labor and delivery where God used my friend and colleague Janice Messer to help water the seeds that the Lord had planted in my heart so many years ago . The first thing he used , was Janice’s lifestyle. She and her husband Randy had been married for years and had two teens at the time. Randy would come and see and visit Janice at the hospital and everytime he would come they were so so happy. I just couldn’t understand that . How is it that I was born and raised a JW who’s motto is “They are the happiest people on earth “ why is it that Im not happy, why is it that I have had not one but two failed marriages to Jehovahs Witness men and they failed. But here stood before me , what the Jehovah Witnesses would call Janice and Randy ( worldy people ) and they are so happy? I remember asking Janice that and she simply told me that they went to church and serve Christ together. That was the beginning of my several month conviction .

After being saved, I wanted to be baptized . This time my baptism was so different. I remember going to church that morning being so excited not embarrassed. The service that morning was so powerful , the joy in our hearts as we sang and prayed. After church we went down to Cherokee Lake where I was dunked under and this time , I felt something , I felt NEW. I felt proud .

Three Years ago I was able to witness one of my sons , make known his salvation and be baptized , once again , seeing and believing what the truth and the feel of being baptized really means.

I have learned that walking with Christ and believing isn’t based on Sight it is based on Faith. Faith was given to me as a Free gift from Jesus when he saved me As believers, we grow faith! We start out with the seed of the Word. We plant it, cultivate it, guard it against the pests and elements that try to destroy it. If we’ll do those things our faith will grow greater all the time. In other words, if you have just a little bit of faith, use it like a seed. Plant it in a situation with the words of your mouth. Then keep believing and that faith will grow and work in that ground until it becomes great enough to get the job .

done - 

THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE ON EARTH...WHAT YOU DONT KNOW

Remember the  Slogan for Ringling Brothers Circus “The Greatest Show on Earth”….. as Jehovah’s Witnesses, I was raised with hearing the slogan that we are “The Happiest People on Earth” . I can remember trying to tell people that , trying to make myself believe that but deep inside from early as I can remember I was not happy. Oh, there were some good memories along the way , looking back very fake friendships because you truly arent taught how to be a friend because you are always looking  over your shoulder to see who to snitch on to the elders , so you take on a role of ..get them before they get you .. but that’s a whole other blog.

Today , I wanted to give you what a life in the week is life growing up as JW, and for those of you who know or have friends who you go to school or work with what their life is like now. Some things have changed since the years I have been out of the organization and that is what they call it “Jehovahs organization” although they may only attend their Kingdom Hall twice a week now , the studies and what you are taught are still the same .

How as Jehovahs Witnesses, when I came to your door knocking , how is it that I could speak so well, accurately, turn to any scripture in the bible, how could I argue with you ? Every week Jehovahs Witnesses particpate in what they call the Theocratic Ministry School. Every week, different JW’s will have an assignment , they are “skits”for the ladies, one lady will pretend to be the JW and the other lady will pretend to be the non JW ( you) we would pretend knocking on your door and starting a biblical conversation with you . After the skit is over, then an elder will grade you on what I will call in easy laymans terms your performance. If you did well you got a “G” for good, if you did ok , the elder may feel you need to do a repeat and you will get an “I” for improvement and well, if you didn’t do so well you would get a ‘W” which means you need to work on it. What are we being graded on during these skits? We were and the ones who are still active JW’s are graded on gestures, monotone, how you dressed, emphasizing words, timing .. all these are to prepare the JW to come to your home and knock on your door.

In my next blog, I will address how as Jehovahs Witnesses we know how to overcome objections that we may receive in the door to door ministry.. but for now these are a few things I want to share as to when a JW comes to your door , you may think and have respect for them and the work they do BUT… everything is recorded . How do Jehovahs Witnesses pick your house to come to and knock on your door? My dad served as the “Service Overseer” for many years, it was his job in our town and county

 ( and this is the same whether here in TN , Alaska, Australian Jehovahs Witnesses)  my dad would divide up a map of our town and county  and Jehovahs Witnesses would come to “check” out a territory to work. Just like checking out a book at the library. It is the goal that your neighborhood gets knocked on at least once a year and that is how that different JW’s will knock on your door, a different JW will check out the territory . They will meet on any given day , mostly Saturdays at 9 am at the Kingdom Hall and divide up into car groups , then it is determined which territory will be worked that day . Here is an example of a territory:

 

 

Now…. This sounds simple enough and you may be thinking , well that’s ok, they are able to make sure they do their ministry well. These next few items are what you as non Jehovahs Witnesses don’t see .If you have had a JW knock on your door , then believe me they have kept an accounting of it.If  they knocked on your door and you didn’t answer. If you did answer and you were nice and receptive been and actually  did speak with them, they’ve kept notes on any details that they feel will help them with their next visit to your home . Your name, sex, religious affiliation, approximate age, whether or not you were busy or receptive they will make a note if they noticed if you have children, your landscaping etc.. The person visiting you will note the date and time and how long they spoke with you… all next to your address. The reason why we were taught to do this is to help with the  next visit to your home. It gives the JW time enough to find something to get on a relatable topic. For instance, perhaps they noticed what a lovely yard you have , you must love nature , so they will practice getting ready to come back to your home for a 2^nd visit and they may open up and say something like “ I noticed your lovely yard and all your beautiful flowers, wouldn’t it be nice to live in a place like this forever ?... Here is a copy of the House to House Record we would keep and active JW’s still keep  , when they leave your house they go back to their car and write down everything.. I know .. I use to do it .

 

 

And the third thing I want to address : At the end of every month , JW’s are to keep a recording of how many hours they spent knocking on your doors or spent talking with you at school or work about Jehovah. This is one thing that never felt right to me at all and frankly my parents never knew this BUT I WOULD LIE ON MY TIME SHEET.. these time sheets are sent to New York with the elders of the Governing Body . You are to record how many hours you spent, how many Watchtowers and Awake Magazines you left with people.To be a “good” JW , it is strongly encouraged you must obtain at least 10 hours a month .

 

Here is a copy of a Time Sheet :

 

…You have to remember JW’s don’t believe in being born again, being saved, they believe their salvation is earned through their works.After I was saved the one thing Jesus said to me was very simple “ Karen, there is not enough doors you could ever knock on , not enough hours you could ever record to have salvation there is only one way and it simple “ He reminded me of what he said Matthew 7:21-23King James Version (KJV)

²¹ Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

²² Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?

²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.