Listener

Congratulations to all who have marriages that have lasted through the years. You have my utmost respect and admiration. Mine first one was trashed by TWI's false doctrines and lies. 12 years later, I found this sweet country lady. (who I knew as a very good friend for 6 years before we both realized we were nuts for each other). A friend made the casual suggestion that we go on a date "for the he!! of it", we did, and found out how we truly felt about each other. Dated for 3 months longer, and got married on Valentines Day. She's my dearest friend, confidant, lover and partner in all things. I couldn't have asked for a better spouse. Yeah, true friendship really makes a good foundation for a marriage.

Well.......without leaders, who would we blame for the coffee not being hot enough?? Huh??? Actually, "leaders", in today's society, seems to imply one who is in charge and makes decisions for others' and runs the show, keeps everyone straight, sets the direction all should follow, keeps the profits flowing, etc. Biblically, it seems to me to take on more of the servant perspective, not one of "spiritual authority/maturity" over others, but rather one who serves to meet the needs of others' and watches out for their well-being (but not controlling it). Like Jesus, the perfect example of a leader/servant. To me, a true spiritual leader gets off his fat a$$ and does whatever work needs to be done, thus teaching by example, and encouraging everyone around him to join in on the fun. TWI leaders would sit on their fat a$$s and bark orders, then cruely condemn someone for some insignificant mistake so that others' could learn from it. How pathetic was that? Like vp & lcm ( ) , perfect examples of how NOT to lead God's people.

To me, the simplicity of whether a leader, ANY leader, is working for the One True God, is to hold him up against Jesus Christ's life. Is he emulating Jesus? Does he handle people like Jesus did? Does he fight for our spiritual freedom at any cost...even to the point of risking his own life? Does he live a life that reminds us of Jesus Christ? Etc., etc. I see Jesus Christ as a lighthouse in a storm. I may be floundering around in a sea of conflicting doctrinal opinions, mis-understood translations, do-gooder opinions, (and the list could go on ad nauseam) but the one simple fact is that, as long as I keep my "standard of measure" firmly based on the simplicity of Jesus Christ's life, I WILL find my way back to Him through the dung heap that TWI, and it's offspring, tried to bury me in. Jesus has proven to be my Saviour time and time again since I left that he!! hole. He has been my one and only TRUE friend. I thank God for his life every day. Without my brother, Jesus, by my side, I would have been sucker punched into yet another "organization". My walk is extremely personal. It's between Jesus and me. No two will be the same. We are each individuals with unique abilities and characteristics. Why would God design a "one size fits all" kind of relationship. He didn't. Everything that make me me comes into play as I develop my personal walk with His Son. I am a unique son of God, and I'm righteously proud of that...you bet your arse I am!!!!! So, leaders, be aware of your own walk, not mine. Let your walk be an inspiration to me, not a hinderance. Set an example that shows me Jesus Christ in action. Don't teach me how to walk, show me!! Don't teach me how to love, show me. Your example will do more to teach and heal the believers than all the words, in all the books ever written. Then, because of your example, I will be inspired to seek to improve my walk. But, YOU CAN'T improve my walk for me. Only I can do that. Sorry for the rant, but this is close to my heart. I think leaders fall into this trap far to easily because they don't see these boundaries. Jesus LIVED what he preached, and NEVER force fed ANY desciple. He let them learn at their own pace and in their own way of understanding....and it worked!!!

Now you're catching on, rascal. :)

Don't be sorry, Ex. It was my own fault. I'll be back later.

Ex, that reference was in light of the "cig", and that more "fun" was available. As twisted as vp became, I can't claim to know what went on in his mind. I don't, and won't. Maybe he really did convince himself that he could heal you by doing what he did to you and others. Who of us really knows? But, I can know them by their fruits. That's where the rubber meets the road. I won't preach to you, Ex. I'll not even offer a suggestion as to a path to follow, except to say..... turn your eyes to our Father, and His Son, and let THEIR "touch" heal your heart. Only then will you be in "good hands".

Yup. "Fun" And yes, it is sickening. My heart breaks for you, Ex. I thank God you are out and FREE. So is our Father!!...(glad to see you out of that crap) :) (editted for clarity)

Well, Ex, in the broad sense of the terms, yes. Those are the bait. But vp's influence was more foundational. His "methods" appealed to the basest human motives. He was able to bring into the inner sanctum, those whom he tested and found to have gaping cracks in their character and lusted after the same things in life that he lusted after. If he found a character flaw, he worked it...like a drug pusher...a little at a time...until, before one realized it, one was "sharing fully" in his spiritual debauchery and rape of God's people. I was tested, too. Didn't realize it at the time, but had I accepted the "bait" when it was offered, I was told there was more "fun" available than I could imagine. vp's methods had become planned, intentional, evil and self-serving. I saw it first hand, but he couldn't get rid of me cause I wasn't corps, and no one else could do my job. We had an unspoken arrangement, of sorts. He got soooo bad by the mid 80s, just his presence made me physically ill to be around him, and I left. I still get sick to my stomach when I smell drambue!!

:biglaugh: Funny stuff!! Tell ya one thing.....those last thoughts must have been torture from hell. ...that is if he even had enough presence of mind to know the kinds of seeds he had really sown in so many lives.

Thief?? In the end, his heart's corruption went far deeper than that. Thief is almost a compliment. Current leadership learned from the master (vp), who spent half of his life slowly becomming infected. Of course, LCM, the master student, carried the torch as far as he could. He picked up the torch from vp that eventually would burn TWI to the ground. TWI was the outward manefestation of the internal reality and presence of vp's heart. In other words, as vp went, so went TWI. And, yes, I believe. I believe in my Father and His Son, my brother Jesus Christ, and that their love for me will never fail. Beyond that, I read the bible and glean as much good as my feeble mind can handle. I've lost all trust in scholars and "right-dividers". My bible says "even a fool need not err therein". That's me, and I'm taking Him at his word!! Thus speaketh the newbie!!