Thanks Guys! I appreciate your thoughts.
I am not ashamed. I was 5 when my mom joined. Since Busha Sofia was an evil slave from way back, it seemed to be accepted family methods to exclude her from everything.
I was explaining being a JW to friends last night. They knew I had been one, but did not know why I joined. I explained the family history and the part about Busha Sofia really freaked them out. They asked me how I could ignore my great-grandmother that way? As they asked, they were looking at me with scorn, pity and disbelief. I tried to explain the theory of Satan and demons. They started to get it when they finally understood the JW to be a doomsday cult. They asked how and why I got out.
All of them used the word cult. None said religion.
They were fascinated by the door to door work...they thought we were paid to go out in service!! They also said the dubs seem so friendly when they come to the door. I asked them to accept a back-call next time, let me know, I'll show up and tear them apart. They all agreed that if the dubs come to their door, they will get the mags and try to get them back.
They also asked how I knew so much history of the JWs and all the failed prophecies, etc. I talked about this site and all the other online resources that have helped so much.
When I heard myself rattling off facts to them, I was amazed at all the factoids I picked up.
Thanks to everyone who has contributed information on the JWs. It really came in useful.