Why are some x-UPCers so set on bashing the UPC??? - Page 7

Felicity · #61 03-17-2007, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coonskinner

I left once, and came back.

My friends remained friends both times.

Right, and there's a reason for that.

Felicity · #62 03-17-2007, 02:22 PM

I don't buy this "Well they weren't really your friends then" because of the fact that when circumstances change, you change, and you leave the "group" .... fellowship might be broken. I know that fellowship can be broken over some things ..... a lot depends on the particulars of the circumstances or situations.

Please don't tell me that those people were never my friends just because fellowship was broken. I know better.

*talking to nobody specifically here*

Revelationist · #63 03-17-2007, 04:00 PM

Recon that's what those inside the JW's say too?

StillStanding · #64 03-17-2007, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

I don't buy this "Well they weren't really your friends then" because of the fact that when circumstances change, you change, and you leave the "group" .... fellowship might be broken. I know that fellowship can be broken over some things ..... a lot depends on the particulars of the circumstances or situations.

Please don't tell me that those people were never my friends just because fellowship was broken. I know better.

*talking to nobody specifically here*

I think you should define "friend". I think what some folks call "friends" are really "aquaintences".

I would think a true friend would stick through thick and thin.

Felicity · #65 03-17-2007, 04:36 PM

They were real friends in every sense of the word.

StillStanding · #66 03-17-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

They were real friends in every sense of the word.

I can believe that!

Sometimes to protect one's position or reputation, they are forced to back away from fellowship. I think both sides must understand this principal and except it.

Felicity · #67 03-17-2007, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoman

I can believe that!

Sometimes to protect one's position or reputation, they are forced to back away from fellowship. I think both sides must understand this principal and except it.

It wasn't all them. Probably I didn't take advantage enough of the relationship that was there.

Still though.........when you back away from the group you fellowshipped with for many years and start doing things that are considered "backward-ness" spiritually speaking to them, it's only to be expected there's going to be a break to a certain extent at least in regard to fellowship.

Like I said, I KNOW that the people who were once close acquaintances and personal friends still love me. There's no doubt in my mind about that at all.

StillStanding · #68 03-17-2007, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Felicity

It wasn't all them. Probably I didn't take advantage enough of the relationship that was there.

Still though.........when you back away from the group you fellowshipped with for many years and start doing things that are considered "backward-ness" spiritually speaking to them, it's only to be expected there's going to be a break to a certain extent at least in regard to fellowship.

Like I said, I KNOW that the people who were once close acquaintances and personal friends still love me. There's no doubt in my mind about that at all.

You would probably be welcomed in their homes, but not their pulpit!

I'm like you, in that I didn't burn any bridges with any of my UPC friends. I still keep in touch with many of them even until this day. Last week, one of my best friends ever (who is still an ultra-con PAJC'er) came through Nashville and called me up to meet for lunch!

Sherri · #69 03-17-2007, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pianoman

You would probably be welcomed in their homes, but not their pulpit!

I'm like you, in that I didn't burn any bridges with any of my UPC friends. I still keep in touch with many of them even until this day. Last week, one of my best friends ever (who is still an ultra-con PAJC'er) came through Nashville and called me up to meet for lunch!

We didn't burn any bridges either, but I think it's a little different for pastors/preachers. Many of the people that we considered friends abandoned us back in 1991 when we left the org. I can't blame them; there was a lot of political pressure and I understand that they had to, at that time, draw a line. But a few of the brave ones continued to call us and have continued to this day. Some of the ones who turned their backs sixteen years ago now are friendly again; it just takes time. We have been out so long now that I don't think we're seen as a threat anymore. Throughout all these years though, when we would see someone, we would just hug them and act like nothing had changed, because in our eyes, it really hadn't!

Felicity · #70 03-17-2007, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sherri

We didn't burn any bridges either, but I think it's a little different for pastors/preachers. Many of the people that we considered friends abandoned us back in 1991 when we left the org. I can't blame them; there was a lot of political pressure and I understand that they had to, at that time, draw a line. But a few of the brave ones continued to call us and have continued to this day. Some of the ones who turned their backs sixteen years ago now are friendly again; it just takes time. We have been out so long now that I don't think we're seen as a threat anymore. Throughout all these years though, when we would see someone, we would just hug them and act like nothing had changed, because in our eyes, it really hadn't!

I agree with you Sherri that it's different for pastors/preachers.

It's pretty tough when one of your best friends come to visit you on a Sunday afternoon - stay for a cup of tea - and then on the way out the door tell you that they have to be careful how much time they spend with you on account of being brushed with the 'compromiser' brush. That was quite devastating.

Later they asked us to come by their place for supper and asked we park our car in a less observant spot. It was a very small community after all and if we were seen there word could get out.

That's what it was like in our district for awhile.

I don't blame them really but it still hurts regardless. However, like has been said, time has a way of minimizing all this and as I said earlier elsewhere this PW and I are renewing friendship after several years of little communication at all. Which makes me very happy!!

I've also heard from a couple other PW friends (UPCI) I hadn't had contact with for years.