I've always felt guilty for not attending meetings, service & so on. Now I'm starting to feel lots better. I like the portion where it says that if I had been informed completely I would have never joined. I was only 8 when my grandmother gave a JW the okay to study with me the 'great teacher book' eventhough my grandma was & is a Catholic. I guess it gave her some 'rest' time from me. I love my grandma so much that I would never hold it against her.
I don't remember my catholic background. I only remember celebrating x-mas once when I was 6 in 1977 & my birthday cake that was given to me by a non-JW for my 8th birthday & how I thought she was trying to break 'my new faith on Jehovah'. I remeber feeling SO guilty for having to blow out the candles.
I was saddened to read how I was 'robbed' of true identity from age 8 to now (31). It is so true. I have so much 'trouble' trusting people. In addition with my divorce to a JW, (going on 10 years divorced next march) I can't 'trust' any man. I'm so afraid.
I also agree on how JW's are indoctrinated to 'self destruct' if you leave. That is so Horrible & wicked. & it's true that any legitimate organization lets it's members decided if they no longer want to be a member & lets them walk away.
I did like the idea of thinking about the positive aspects once you leave. I learned a 2nd language fluently. I gained public speaking skills how to dress professionally. It also saved me from using drugs, alchohol, getting into gangs, partying, sex & so on.
I'm soooo happy that I survived & that now I can think for myself and make my own decisions.
Capp
