By way of explanation:
I went to bed last night, very perplexed, on what had happened here. I let the effect of a good nights sleep work a solution to my concerns. Waking up, I realized that it is very easy for some to criticize people and beliefs that they know little or nothing about. So, in the effort to achieve understanding with some here in the H2 community, here is a very condensed background of where I have been:
I was raised a Jehovah’s Witness (yes, I was the person knocking at your door offering magazines, or a free home Bible study). From 10 years of age, to 40 (I am now 45), I was a JW. The JWs are a very controlling religion. Do not celebrate holidays, you cannot vote, higher education is looked down up-on, you must agree with the group or you are disfellowshipped, any non approved teachings were rejected (Tower would fit right in with the Jws) and you were chastised if you did not fall in line.
At any rate, I knew I did not fit in. I could not subscribe to the thinking that everyone but the Jws are saved, nor the controlling of almost every aspect of your life. When I was 18, I bucked the system and went on to college and obtained a degree, I was marked and shunned. I worked my way back in, in fact to the point of becoming and Elder, setting on committee, judging and keeping the sheep in line.
It came to the point were I (and my wife) had a "crisis of conscience," and voluntarily left the Jws. An announcement was read at no less than five congregations in are area, and just like that, all our so called friends refused to talk to us.
The very first act in my freedom was to register to vote, for the very first time in my life (my very first vote was for Bush four years ago, what a thrill).
However, I was lost in life. Tower was correct, two years ago, I was a lot like most or, “the rest of us”; Strained relationships with my wife and kids, worried about employee loyalty, treating people harshly with insults for ego-gratification when provoked, IRS problems, and constant discontent with how life was treating me.
Can anyone here relate? Most can, if even on one situation.
Like James, my first reaction to situations like his was being “pissed” and the like. After Tower & Paragon’s “observations” concerning me as a person, two years ago, I would have responded in like manner, anger, red typing, insults, and could have got just as “in your face” as anyone here. Two years ago, I would have fit right in.
Two years ago I became a seeker. I had to, I felt my only next option was the final exit. That’s right, taking my life. I began a diligent search for the truth. To make a very long story short, I was pointed to the Works of true “esoteric” teachers that have changed my thinking, which has changed my life.
To understand what transformed my way of thinking, I point to the works of Kant, Dr. Scott Peck, Vernon Howard, and the Honorable Master Kit Kwon, just to name a few. What Tower mistakenly labels as Narcissism , these profound esoteric Teachers call Self-Trust. What Tower credits as group approval, the Higher Truth shows that you are on the right “esoteric” path when you can stand alone.
By reflecting and applying the “wisdom of the ages” in my life, I have corrected all the situations to a very large degree. I love life now. The funny thing is, none of the above had to change, I had to. I know, some will shake their head in disbelief, I sure did, but little by little, This power has proved itself in my life. I found that It is entirely possible for one to live unburdened by one crisis after another. I have found that outside forces or what happens in life changes for the better as I change. Friends, money, kids, all react with this new effort for a new life.
Remember, I am making along story short here. There is much more, but the limitations here prevent it.
At any rate, what do you do with good news? You share it! With confidence and self-trust. I have found this out in my life, Yes, there is a way out of the human jungle, yes, there is another way!
I hope this clears any misconception about my intent.
I believe if one examines my post history here, I am a productive poster (I am a newbie H2 owner).
I hope I am welcome here.
Hart
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