penworks

Very well put, Rascal! Yes, it was drilled into us that "feelings come and go, but the Word of God liveth and abideth forever" which IMO means that I had to turn off genuine, human responses which for the most part were appropriate, and turn on the switch that recited a Bible verse to "control" my mind with, thereby negating the emotion. This bred confusion, frustration, coldness, and arrogance. I regret very much having succumbed to that. Thankfully, a person can change that way of being. Thankfully, simple kindness and patience with oneself and others mends the soul...it did mine.

Enjoy your day, Belle. And remember: A joy that's shared is a joy made double. Thanks for sharing your joy so often at GSC.

Depends on how you define "spiritual stuff," but viewed through my idealistic rose colored glasses, I thought I was learning how to listen to God (which would be in the spiritual catagory) so I got very sidetracked with thinking God was telling me to do certain things, like who to marry, etc. Saying he got revelation was VPW's method of explaining away his behavior, which to our "five senses" might seem bizarre or mean at times. VP would use that to justify everything from firing leaders on the field who didn't agree with him, to making us clear the fields of rocks so more lawns could grow, etc. He'd always say, "The Father told me to...." How do you argue with that? Like someone once said, "It's like trying to argue with the communists...they always have an answer." At the time, my impression was that this was a spiritual way to live. YIKES! I had absolutley no frame of reference other than comparing spirituality to the way the Sisters of Mercy (ha!) conducted their lives around me when I was in Catholic school. And I for sure didn't want to wind up like them!

Wordwolf's "take" is very good. I was in the 2nd Corps in 1971-73 and VPW was at HQ with us most of the time. Thankfully I missed out on the motorcoach, but we did meet in the Fireplace room in VP's home many times when he'd sit and talk about the problems in the ministry, appeal to our sympathy, and drink drambouie. We also met outside under the trees by his house, sitting on blankets etc. for teachings. The back of the BRC was an informal meeting place, also, as was the dining room, of course, when he'd sit up on the back of his chair and liken his ministry to Paul's. As we all know, the idea was we'd learn his "heart" on how to run the ministry, live the Word, and work like dogs. The book, "The Way: Living in Love" captures a lot of that closed-in atmosphere, only in a pollyanna way - totally idealistic and white-washed propaganda. What appealed to me (at 19 years old) was the claim that I could learn more of The Word through the Corps experience than anywhere else because I'd learn directly from the man of God for the world! WOW! Starving for "answers," you couldn't keep me out! BTW - the Corps principles were not published until after we were in the Corps. AFTER we were already in the program we found out that Dr. would assign us to wherever he wanted us to go as leaders and workers after graduation. Surprise! But by the time we got that news, I was so idoctrinated that I simply accepted that fate. This was God's ministry, after all...:-)

Hi Linda Z - happy birthday! Enjoy!

Ohmygod! Your story, your life just hit me like a ton of bricks. Some days I just weep when I come here and find stories like yours and I continue to weep all day long, it seems. But I am thrilled you have landed on your strong feet and are creating such a wonderful new life as an artist! Again, I'm so sorry for the awful treatment you endured. Believe me, you are not alone, if that makes you feel any better. Keep on creating and teaching art! You go, girl! Much love to you, penworks

Howie, Please check your email for an important message. Thanks!

Thanks so much for providing this link. What a fabulous site he has! I remember him, too. The pen is mightier than the sword.

Just sending my happy birthday greetings along to you, too. Enjoy your day!

Success. Thanks everyone for your help!

I found her and we're having a great reunion!

Thanks, Linda Z. I've tried sending him an email from his profile so we'll see if that works...

Thanks!

Oakspear - who is "the family tables guy?"

Dave, I've been trying to find you so sent you a PM. Did you change your email address? You can contact me at cooees-91643. I'm curious about HQ in 1971.

I appreciate the tips!

Happy Birthday! Even though I don't know you, I wish you lots of happiness today and everyday. Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius power and magic in it. ~Goethe

I meant to thank you for this info. I sent a PM but so far I haven't heard from him.

Thanks everyone for your input on this. Wish me luck. penworks

I'd like to get a copy of the ROA '72 video. If anyone has one and wants to part with it or make a copy of it to send me, let me know. I'm willing to negotiate a price.

If Pam Tompary Craley (divorced but now has another married name) is around GSC or if anyone knows how I can contact her, I'd love to get in touch with her. Thanks, penworks

A very interesting and insightful thread going here. I have more comments, but they would be off Copenhagen's topic, so I'll say goodbye on this one. You've all caused me to pause and think, which to me is a sign of a good discussion, so I thank you and I thank Pawtucket for this and all forum opportunities. Be well one and all. Ciao from my desk, penworks

Ah, yes, I understand what you mean now. I see from so many posts here that after the big exodus of the late 1980s that the system encouraged being meaner and meaner in a lot of ways... penworks

Ditto to what Belle and Rascal have shared! It's a brave adventure you are on, Copenhagen, but remember some of us have gone before you and done it already, so it can be undertaken - just one baby step at a time...

Rascal, I understand a lot of what you mean about the bullies remaining after so much dust settled, but I have to say that I was around EARLY on in the 1970s, in the Second Corps, and experienced a good deal of personal bullying from the founder of TWI. I have to be fair and say he started that bully ball rolling. It didn't just appear in the 80s. What we see today is an inevitable outgrowth of the seeds planted in the 1940s. When I examine my experience (which I've been doing the past 20 years) I see that groups like this can only be what they are. Huh? I mean, that to expect them to be able to maintain kindness in the face of challenging questions, for instance, is close to impossible. Questions are threatening to them. This sort of fundamentalist system is afraid by its very nature of any non-compliance. Fear is the lasso used to rope people into their corral and tie 'em down. Anyhow, I second the motion for Copenhagen to branch out and try to meet new friends. To keep the old may not be possible. But the world is full of good people who can show up in our lives when we least expect them, so let the universe provide for you, Copenhagen. The key word is "let"!