[Jerry]

This story is about my brother . I live in Ontario Canada where he lives in Alberta Canada . Its about a 4 hour plane ride across the country . My opinion on religion is that I believe in God and Im a follower of Jesus Christ ! Which makes me a Christian .

Now my brother is basically the same as me . He loves Christmas ie putting up the Christmas tree ...decorating the house , singing carols the whole 9 yards you no what I mean ? As well as his 3 grown kids .

His wife was the same as him untill 2 or 3 years ago when she changed her beliefs and became a Jehovahs Witness ! This apparently turned there family inside out. There still together but sleep in separate bed rooms. Its just a matter of a financial conveniece that there even in the same house ! I was talking to him on line last night and he said hes not looking forward to Christmas this year ...I asked him why and he told me.his wife with her belief dosnt celebrate Christmas or anything else for that matter! He said that his wife goes out of her why to ruin Christmas for him and his kids...doesnt let him decorate. If he wants to watch a Christmas Specail on TV or listen to holiday music, she makes him go to his room to watch it ! It was his daughters birthday today and he told me his wife didnt attend her party!

I realize everybody has the right to chose there religion but in some cases , it gets kinda sad ! I dont no what to tell my brother to cheer him up....as I said...Its an Interesting Situation ! Anybody have any comments .. Id be happy to read them.....Jerry

[DocSanae]

Difficult situation to say the least. Unless you can go visit and see what it's like in person, I think it best to say nothing, really, but just lend a sympathetic ear, and say, oh, so such and such a situation makes you sad/mad/upset (whatever), I am sorry to hear you have to go through such thoughts< I'll always be hear to lend you an ear to vent, something like that. Be sure not to judge one way or another, marital spats aren't always what they seem like at a glance, as I'm sure you'd know.
Probably the most important thing is, how is he dealing with the situation, how are the children dealing with the situation, and how is his wife dealing with the situation, for the matter (she may have her own reasons for turning that way, that once you hear her out, you might be able to understand, even if you don't agree) and what each person wants to do about it.
Just be a good brother you your brother, it's best pretty much to be what it's like here--support.

[A new me]

Jerry I can kinda understand what your talking about. A really good friend of mine got married for the second time and her new husband is a jehova. she is catholic. At first everything seemed ok but now more and more I can see the tension with the family due to teh two different religions. they had a child about 6 months ago and that is the hard part that is making it hard for them. My girlfriend was always the type to celebrate birthdays and holidays to the hilt. Now she really doesnt. If she does she goes to her families house but without him. but they dont celebarte. I recentely sent them a cute baby outfit that was all decorated for a holiday. My girlfreind called and thanked me but said she couldnt use it. I totoally forgot about the no holiday thing.
So it does make it hard.
Sorry i cant help more Jerry but maybe someone else has some more opinions.

[MsVickie]

Jerry I cant help you either. Im a christian and my hubby is catholic. I have learned alot about his religon from him. Ours however dont clash because when you get right down to it its the same. The only difference is he belives Mary played a more inportant role with things. My sister in law is a pastor of a church. Alot dont belive in women doing this but considering the fact she has had so many expericnes even since she was a child I do think it was her destiny.

In all your brother will end up having to make a true decison of his own. Its going to be hard but im sure when the time comes he will do the right thing for him. Im sorry I dont have any advice for you beyond this.

[Jill]

Jehovah's Witness is a very "off branch" of Christianity. Their belief system does not allow them to make one day more important than another -- so no Christmas, no birthdays, no Easter, no nothing. Unfortunately, I truly believe their beliefs are misguided and have nothing to do with a loving, giving God. Since your brother's wife is the only one in her family that has these beliefs, I believe its time for your brother to assert his right to happiness and the happiness of his children and grandchildren. If his wife does not want to participate then she should be the one sent to her room, not the other way around. If he and his children and other relatives want to decorate the house, sing carols and watch Christmas specials on t.v., then they should do that and if she says anything, he should just tell her that she has a right to believe what she wants; but it is her beliefs and he does not agree with them and it is his home and he has every right to celebrate Christmas the way he wants to. May not be easy -- but doing the right thing hardly ever is. I hope he makes it through this tough time. I would also suggest that they seek active, Christian based marriage counseling. There are plenty of good counselors out there and here's a site he could start with to try and find one... http://www.christiancounselingsite.com/

Good luck -- God Bless -- we'll send up a prayer for perserveance.

[Blankmama]

Everyone has their beliefs. I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I think that your bother and his wife need to discuss matters between themselves and decide on the best course of action. I do also agree that you need to just be there for your brother and also that you should talk to your sister in law and find out why she feels the way she feels. As for sleeping in separate rooms, it sounds like there are other problems in that marriage than just religion. I hope that everything works out for the best for your family. Good Luck.

[Blankmama]

Hey Jerry, I am sorry that you have to deal with hearing your brother complain. I do understand to a degree. I have a brother and a sister of my own. And not everyone in my family is a Jehovah's Witness either. As for your sister in law, her head is still your brother and she should be showing him the respect and honor that comes with that position. And the good luck statement was meant for you. take care.

[grandiose16]

Jerry, So sorry to hear that yet another person's home is being broken up and saddened by off the wall religions. I have seen this happen so many times in my lifetime. I work with a Jehova witness now and it affects all of us in different ways. She does not want me to put a U.S flag out front of our business because her "people" knows she works here. No patrotic pictures. We live in a small town. Her poor kids can't participate in school activities that have to do with holidays or even eat a cupcake. They look so sad when they come down to the office after school. I feel so sorry for them.
Christians and Catholics and others base their religion on believing and having a gray area that you have to trust God with. Other religions seem to appeal to people that want everything explained in black and white. Whose explanation? Anybody that wants to interpret "their" way. This is not being realistic. It is more brainwashing. It is called cults.

Mattie