I'd love to walk up to one or two specific elders from my congregation and say: '"See that? It's been 6 years since I left "jehovah" and all your fear-inspiring predictions for me have proven no more true than your end-of-the-world predictions. You've disfellowshipped me during this time, but outside of losing my parents, it has not affected me like you said it would.
You said if I left "jehovah" that I would lose control of my children - that without "jehovah" in their life they'd become promiscuous and drug abusers. They'd have no goals in life. You said that if I left "jehovah" my world would fall apart, and would probably not be able to financially survive without having "jehovah's blessings" in my life.
And look, my kids are turning out better than some whose parents are still together and attending meetings. My oldest daughter is 19 today, in her 2nd year of university, drug-free, and working part-time and currently reading the bible (not NWT) on her own. My 2nd will be 18 in January, 3rd 16 in February, and 4th 15 in May - all working, all on the honour roll in school, drug-free, don't drink, and are home every night. No one has STDs, or had an abortion - in fact, they're all NOT even sexually active. My 5th, 13, and 6th, 9, are still too young to predict how they'll be, but so far, my kids are better than even I expected when I left. They're probably better than if I had remained in "jehovah's" loving (NOT) organization and driven them crazy with all your crazy rules and time-consuming commitments.
I did not lose my ablility to cope - like you said I would without "jehovah's'' support. I have managed to get through college as a single parent with a 4.0 G.P.A, obtain a great job in the field, and have been employed there for 5 years now. I still have my home, in spite of the fact I receive no child support (and the fact that some of your members are responsible for allowing my ex to work for them for cash to avoid being guarnisheed - breaking the law - using theocratic warfare strategy?)
I am appreciated rather than viewed as a burden. I have respect from those I respect in return. I've had more love and support from those in the world who barely know me than the "loving family" in which I grew up. Even more than the gifts of money I have recently recieved, are the gifts of words received from those who actually COMPLIMENT and SUPPORT me on what I've managed to accomplish. This includes doctors, teachers, social workers, and preachers/pastors (even though I'm not involved with any religion at this time.) It's nice to be viewed as actually meeting society's standards - rather than never being able to measure up to the 'Society's' rules. I can make personal choices for myself - and not get criticized for them.
I'm off of all the antidepressant/anti anxiety medications I was on while still attending meetings. I've regained my ability to communicate and to think for myself. I've regained some self-esteem. (Probably too much by the contents of this post - it's just once I started writing this reply, it became therapeutic and passionate! Honestly, I'm not trying to brag - it's just what I'd like to say to those elders.)
Ha - I've proved you all wrong. You should be ashamed you ever attached 'jehovah's'' name to your haughty predictions for me. Now I see yoür words as "jehovah's holy ones" as no more than words to incite fear in me to remain non-thinking compliant drone with my kids following in my footsteps. I'm so glad to have broken free and my children thank me for having got us out from "Jehovah's spiritual paradise - his loving organization's'' control.
Oh, wait..."jehovah'' is nothing more than a book publishing corporation that supports nothing but its own interests. Too bad I lost its blessing. It's worked out well for me."
Sorry, for that rant. Take it for what it's worth - not much...It just felt so good to write it...
Rose
Okay...should I push the post button on this one? Ahh, well what the he## here it goes...
