Courage

by Wordly Andre 2 Replies latest jw friends

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  Wordly Andre

  I've read posts from many of you on this board, some still have to hide the fact that they have left the org, some have really hard time with family and people who were friends. I was not baptized, I never believed in the Truth and fought my parents till I left home at 17. I think it was difficult for me, but I didn't have a period of guilt or fear of being destroyed by Jehovah, instead I felt like the whole world was open to me, no more hiding, can finally be myself.

  I know that a lot of people here fought with leaving and still do, its a huge emotional mess, I think it took tremendous courage for many of you to even get here, to this website. I just wanted to say to all of you good luck and welcome to the rest of your life.
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  Arthur

  Thank you for that Worldly Andre,

  Yes, it really is a difficult emotional "roller-coaster" that many of us go through. Just last night, I was out with some friends and by chance, I happened to meet a woman who used to be a Witness. She said she was DFd when she was a teenager. I don't know how old she was, but I'm guessing she is now in her mid to late thirties. After all of this time, she said she still has many emotional hang-ups. Even though she doesn't believe that it was the "truth", she still has those phobias of being destroyed at Armageddon. It's very sad to see.

  I always tell people to establish an emotional support system; and supportive, caring friends. For those who have just left the org, this can sometimes seem impossible, because everyone that they ever knew is in the org. But the internet is a great resource for finding support groups as well as appropriate counselors.

  I think that this site is a great starting point.
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  Wasanelder Once

  When we invest so much in so few, we lose a great deal when they are gone. From friends (?) Circuit wide, to NONE in a matter of days, its quite daunting. The lack of trust for others is overwhelming too. This is where bitterness turns to hatred for an organization that has zombified its people.

  Rebuilding takes time. I'm still engaged in the struggle.

  W.Once