Wow... I lived on both sides of this. I remember feeling very meh about worker visits growing up. As a worker I was often trying really hard to not be meh because of those memories. This really captures how the constraints of the system were usually too much to overcome. Even the ones trying to be different could leave people feeling less than in their wake.
Yes this is very relatable. From my earliest memories I recall noticing the change in my parent's tone and demeanor when workers were visiting, and not knowing what to do with those feelings. This observation as a child sometimes felt like the workers were more loved/valued than I was as a son, and that helped feed my unhealthy tendency to only trust in myself. We have a few long-stay workers for various reasons (usually health) that seems burdensome in various ways, but on a positive note there was one who stayed long each year that felt more like a real aunt and I always looked forward to her visit. As an adult, I noticed worker visits gradually lightening up over the years in terms of judgmental attitudes and comments, particularly with younger workers, which I appreciated in the moment.
I could’ve written this. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I grew up in the sixties but the story would not change. It was exactly like this for us, too. The workers were mysterious beings and worshipped. It seems odd now to think how this atmosphere and experience in the 2x2s is rather global. I just met up with an Ex2x2 my age from New Zealand and we had the same story and experience of “the truth.” She calls it “the meetings” as “the truth” gets stuck in her throat.
But what an opportunity they missed by not getting involved in the family laughter and silliness. What an opportunity missed by not being a part of the family they were living with and being 'of service' instead of being served.
I have been out for over 25 years and still feel the need to have a spotless home when anyone comes visiting. I look over my home with a critical eye to see if there is anything that might make me 'not acceptable'. So many years later the 'training' still affects me.
There are so many children that grew up like this who missed the joy of having someone get down to their level and share something godly in a way a child could understand. Sitting and reading the bible in such a dry way does nothing for a child to create a desire to learn more. Only creates a desire to get the heck out of there as quickly as possible.
Wow... I lived on both sides of this. I remember feeling very meh about worker visits growing up. As a worker I was often trying really hard to not be meh because of those memories. This really captures how the constraints of the system were usually too much to overcome. Even the ones trying to be different could leave people feeling less than in their wake.
Wow, so relatable!😌
Yes this is very relatable. From my earliest memories I recall noticing the change in my parent's tone and demeanor when workers were visiting, and not knowing what to do with those feelings. This observation as a child sometimes felt like the workers were more loved/valued than I was as a son, and that helped feed my unhealthy tendency to only trust in myself. We have a few long-stay workers for various reasons (usually health) that seems burdensome in various ways, but on a positive note there was one who stayed long each year that felt more like a real aunt and I always looked forward to her visit. As an adult, I noticed worker visits gradually lightening up over the years in terms of judgmental attitudes and comments, particularly with younger workers, which I appreciated in the moment.
I could’ve written this. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I grew up in the sixties but the story would not change. It was exactly like this for us, too. The workers were mysterious beings and worshipped. It seems odd now to think how this atmosphere and experience in the 2x2s is rather global. I just met up with an Ex2x2 my age from New Zealand and we had the same story and experience of “the truth.” She calls it “the meetings” as “the truth” gets stuck in her throat.
Well written. A snapshot down memory lane.
But what an opportunity they missed by not getting involved in the family laughter and silliness. What an opportunity missed by not being a part of the family they were living with and being 'of service' instead of being served.
I have been out for over 25 years and still feel the need to have a spotless home when anyone comes visiting. I look over my home with a critical eye to see if there is anything that might make me 'not acceptable'. So many years later the 'training' still affects me.
There are so many children that grew up like this who missed the joy of having someone get down to their level and share something godly in a way a child could understand. Sitting and reading the bible in such a dry way does nothing for a child to create a desire to learn more. Only creates a desire to get the heck out of there as quickly as possible.
I enjoy your writing. Keep it up.