and if I say mines you better not say Im an apostate either.
all teens unite here
by crizlee 18 Replies latest jw friends
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Lehaa
is it wrong to have doubt?
No not at all. I think it's wrong to ignore your doubts. You need to sort things out for yourself. You need to do what you think is right for yourself.
I know this site will help but don't be too swayed by what others think, you need to make decisions for yourself on certain topics.
I agree what Cassie says though you need to be cafreul about how much personal information you post here as there are spys.
I think that this is a great thread and that teenagers need to get togehter and talk freely about what they believe and their doubts.
Welcome and I hope you find something to help you here.
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crizlee
ok what assembly are you going to next weekend?
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Obviously Secret
Hey criz come into the chat we can talk there.
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Balsam
Hi teens,
I'm a mom and have two sons one 20 soon to be 21 and a 16 year old. Their Dad is an active witness along with their new Step Mom. Both of my sons are out if the Witnesses control.
Now let me explain: I their Mother have been disfellowshipped now for 3 years. My sons and I all promised that come what may, we would never shun each other. My 16 year old chose to continue living with his Dad because he didn't want to leave his friends and childhood home. Now came the tough part. 6 months ago Dirk was getting sick wanting to escape going to meetings and service, he wanted out. His Dad cannot kick him out of the house it is against the law until he is 18 yrs old. So one day when his courage was running strong he told his Dad he was not going to attend meetings or service anymore. His Dad told him he need to move and and live with his Mom (me). But Dirk spoke up and said, "Dad you can not kick me out, I want to stay right here. I will continue to do my chores, and follow curfew, but I will have friend outside the witnesses and live a normal life". So this up coming school year he plans on making more friends of the kids at school. He has done ok, has a part time job. He got his ear pierced while he was staying with his Step-Dad and I. He loves being here with us but still wants to be in his own home. We support his efforts to find his way, and to enjoy high school, and to date when he is ready. We have talked to him about safe and responsible sex, and he says for now he is not ready for that. We take him to ex-jw meet-ups and he has made even more friends. It has given him courage and knowing he can be ok without the JW religion.
His older brother has been a great help because Dirk stays with his Brother on the weekend sometimes when he isn't working. And then of course it is summer and he spends more time with me. He starts 11th grade this new school year.
Teens, makes sure you do not leave this web-site on your favorites on you computer. Depending on how computer savy your parents are, you need to use caution. Don't be too trusting of folks on the internet, even here. You never know who might be lurking to do you harm. Be smart, and cautious.
Make lots of friends at school, even if you can't bring them home. Those outside friendships are the ones that will be your support when you ready to leave the JW organization and you parents control. At the same time be respectful of your parents and their desire to be JW's. Soon you will be adults and able to chose for yourselves what you want out of life. The JW kids Dirk goes to school with are still going to meetings. They are amazed his Dad is not beating him up to get him to go to meetings. Dirk is much stronger and larger than his Dad, and he has an attitude of don't mess with me. He still talks to the JW kids. The Elders have been trying to get him to disassociate himself. But that carrys the same consequences as disfellowshipping so I've told him to just don't do anything. His oldest brother was disfellowshipped about a month ago, and we are not sure how their Dad will treat him. Time will tell.
Be strong all of you and smart like a fox,
Balsam
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Bubbamar
Crizlee and Obviously Secret - I wish I could just give you guys a hug! You are like prisoners doing time until you can be free and live your own life. Good for you both that you are here exploring life and reclaiming your mind!!! You've been given good advice by some others about being careful with your anonymity. Its great that you have each other for support. The convention is a good idea...you can tell your folks that's where you met.
Hugs and Hang in there!
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northtxjim
Hi Crizlee, I too was raised in the religion, baptized at 10. Growing up, I had many responsibilities and very few friends. I was pretty much a loner. I wasn't part of the 'popular' groupgs so I was left out of most of the congregation functions. So the only thing I really had to rely on was my privleages at the hall, which at one point or another, was everything, from sound, to literature, to even auditing the accounts one time. This is probably what kept me in for so long. I too only prayed with the congregation, and just underlined my publications to it would appear I have studied, and I would prepare a couple of comments and that was it. I always prepared my comments toward the end of the meeting, that way by that time, the regulars that have been called on several times, and the conductor on the stage is looking for "new" hands so it was a sure fire thing lol. However I cannot count how many times Regular pioneers were called on several times when my hand was up many times and I never was called on. Oh well lol, I got off topic here. Anyway, I became inactive, and pretty much left when I was 23 in 2000. I will be 27 next month and I just do not see how I did all what I did for so long. My mom would not let me date at all until I was 18. I had a girlfriend when I was 21, but that lasted 2 months. Which I'm glad because I think she's a very depressed person. I haven't dated since and really haven't had the interest to. The personal friends I did have mostly as a child growing up were older people which most have died. I hope you'll find needed support here, and I'm sorry you're having to go through what you are. It's sad. JW should be labled "tattle tales" because it seems you cannot do anything without being told on. One time I was at the book store just browsing the sexual books, which nothing is wrong with that, and apparently someone saw me and went to an elder and the elder approached me wanting to know my intentions. =\ What difference does it make??? Lord have mercy. At least It wasn't the porn magazines lol. Oh, btw, I'm in Texas too, I'm near the Dallas area. Take care, ~Jim
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Smyler
Hey guys,
I've been 'out' for just about a year now and I'm only 15! Real rebel here, lol. If you wanna talk via MSN, just pm me with your email.
Smyler
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Carmel
Nothing will serve you better than healthy skepticism. Question everything! This world only moves forward by each generation re-examing the assumptions of the past generation. Religion is no different. The easily accepted dogmas and doctrins of religion are often distortions of the prophet's intent. Every reality has is permutations. You need to find what is reasonable, logical and functional. If it doesn't work, it's likely crap. If it works, brings people of diversity together in harmony and love, it likey contains a lot of truth.
wish you well, my young friend
carmel