Hey,
I'm new too, I guess the saying, "misery loves company," is true in some ways. In reading some of the posts...I see a very sad and common theme of extreme depression and loneliness. I am very much among that group, too. I fail to understand how throwing away friends and relatives is very Christian, just because some one falls or walks away from a religion. After 7 years of separation, then divorce, I remarried a wonderful woman, they all liked her. Then, just before the wedding I'm informed that no one is coming or will have anything to do with the wedding. It's been 3 months with no contact from about JW 25 relatives. You see, she wasn't a witness!
My X was told she had NO grounds for divorce, she did it anyway. Since the divorce was not 'scriptual', my marrying could get me DF. In any case I'm definitely 'marked' and stopped going a few years ago. No action (official) has been taken, but, my family says I should have remained celibate OR and get this: "only marry in the Lord." Guess how many dates I could have gotten with JW women? Right...! So-o...'Catch-22,' huh?
I am being pretty much treated like DF.
Does anyone have any experience with stuff like this? What is likely happening right now? What is likely to happen? One of my relatives...trying her best to explain their actions to a non-witness, said they will continue to talk to me at regular family gatherings, then more ominously, "unless something changes..."
So, though I am not glad to see others misery, at least don't feel like 'I'm the only one.'
Sincerely, Lee PS: I just read 'Dave's' repost of: My Two week consulting trip to Bethel. It was very good and reminds me of things that have happened and IS happening in my life right now. I do not agree with all his conclusions and personal judgments about the Witnesses, but, THAT is the beauty of True Free Will, isn't it? I highly recommend reading it...