Hi there,
Long time lurker, first time poster. I'm really glad I can join your community because I've been in the WTS for the last 14 years and now I'm on my way out and it's great to meet like-minded people!
About me: I started learning JW ways when I was in my teens. I came from an atheist family, and was baptised a JW at 19. I went to university and got received my education degree when I was 23. I've always been an exemplary sister used as an example to the young born-ins because I had 'worldly' parents.
I've been through hell, I've suffered depression, I've been tempted, yet I've always tried to do the WT thing, except for getting educated of course. Years of cognitive dissonance has tired me out, and when I lost my permanent job in Nov last year, for the first time pretty much since getting baptised 13 years ago I've had time to think. And boy, what I discovered was amazing, and you know the rest, and now I am here with you all! I feel I know some of you already.
Right now I'm 'fading' and thinking of joining the nice Presbyterian church up the road. I love Jesus and my independent reading of the Bible has truly shown me how reprehensible the WTS is in putting themselves in His place!
The biggest challenge, the reason I don't just walk and leave 13+ years of friends behind (none of my family are JWs thank goodness, and yet they are the most Christian people in the world) is that my husband is still a believer. I love him to bits and want nothing to come between us, so while he knows my doubts and respects my opinions, he is still a believer. I'd walk but for him, and by going to the meetings with him it makes him happy and I can point out the BS that comes from the platform.
Anyway, I'm looking forward to being a member of your community. I've always had a brain, but for the last few years I've allowed it to atrophy 'for the truth' and I was such a martyr. No more. I'm awake, and looking forward to being in the light with new friends.
Julia, Australia