That is precisely why I can't come out and say anything. I'm scared sh!tless of my family dropping me out of their existence. Chicken little has nothing on me. I'm more chicken-er. I'm a pathetic wimp.
The only family member brave (or stupid) enough to "reject" Jehovah publically with the family happened to reject our whole family, too. He's an idiot for burning his bridges. I suppose that I would be OK because the only people at all to shun my df'd grandmother was her own daughter (who turned her in). I guess shunning doesn't really run in my family, but the harrassing sure does. Looking down their noses at others who are different does, too.
I sure admire your bravery and gumption.