Hello,
This is my very first post to this forum. I am begging for some much needed encouragment and support by those who are kind hearted and know exactly the PAIN shunning causes. First off, let me tell you a little about myself. I am a 30 year old former Jehovah's Witness and a mother of two beautiful girls. I am an honest, loving, strong, smart, open minded human being who loves everyone for who they are. I treat everyone the way I would want to be treated and I strive to be a good person in general. I was baptized at the age of 13 ... why? Because at the ripe age of 13 I thought for sure that I was dedicating my life to JEHOVAH and ONLY Jehovah. I was not at all aware that I was dedicating my LIFE to the watchtower society. I also wanted to because there was a lot of problems in my home life and I wanted to make my Mom and Dad proud of me and everyone else in the kingdom hall. It was just the thing to do. If I knew then what I know now....man, even typing this out is scary all in itself. I can NOT believe that this is even happening. It is a nightmare. I need to note: I have always been there for my family. I have always excepted their faith and have not even said a word about it to them. I respect anybody who has faith in anything. who are we as humans to say what one can believe in ??? I had nothing but profound respect for my dad especially because of his undying faith. I just knew inside that it was not for me. But at the same time... I kept it in the back of my head as to always keep an open mind about it, afterall I was born into this religion and it was all I knew. UNTIL.... the shunning began 3 weeks ago. (Ironic isn't it)
This pain is so overwhelming. I describe it as a toxic substance that is constantly flowing through my soul. I feel violated and sucked dry. I am a human being and this is just so wrong on so many levels. This is spiritual abuse and psychological torture. If you are wondering why I am being shunned... just ask. But in the meantime... can someone out there who has experienced this incredible pain send me some encouraging words? Can someone out there please advise me on how to grieve over family who are still alive?
thank you for taking the time to read this...