Why Are You Here?

by larc 76 Replies latest jw friends

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  Nathan Natas

  I felt that what Englishman said kinda summed up my reasons, but I should personalize it a bit.

  I left two decades ago, when everyone else that I knew was in and considered me a lost sheep. For a long time i was content to pretend that I was, This was made easier by the fact that my frequent honest statements of (dis)belief were met with incredulity by those who really wished I'd "straighten out." they didn't want to hear; they couldn't hear; and I didn't want to SHOUT. I'm hoping that some other person a bit like me may come here and I be able to express soemthing that helps them.

  I'm also here because I am angry; angry for myself and all the other kids I grew up with who are now dysfunctional adults in one or more ways. I savor each expression of independence from the Borg that I read, wishing that I might see the collapse of this foul false prophet, but knowing that I probably will not.

  I'm here to mock spiritual insanity, to reveal absurdity by being even more absurd.

  There are some here for whom I feel great admiration, male, female, straight, gay, atheist or heart-felt christian; but none with whom I've yet developed any friendship. Lack of socialization skills, you might call it. I spent all of my formative years being the good witness kid, avoiding everything and everyone that didn't have the WTBTS imprimatur on it; still I was never really good enough for THEM, either. I *know* I'm different, you see; I *know* you wouldn't like me. I don't really like myself.

  ...and I'm here for the chicks!
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  JAVA

  Like many have already expressed, I hang around the forum because it's mostly a group with shared history. Non-Witnesses cannot fully grasp the mind-set of JWs; how can they understand the issues involved with leaving? Indeed, there are many issues that can surface after doing hard time in the Tower. A forum like this helps folks identify and work through them (if they want to). I visit this forum because I understand that, and the shared history we have as former Witnesses.

  --JAVA

  counting time at the Coffee Shop
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  Esmeralda

  I came here to work on getting over my phobia of shyness and fear of speaking what's actually on my mind. It hasn't helped me much, though.
  Farkel

  ROFLMAO! Love ya Farkelmeister!

  To answer larc's question, I come here to enjoy the writing talent of my friends. To offer a kind word now and then. To read others offering kind words, because it helps restore my faith in the goodness of people.

  I also really feel for the lurkers. I always think of them when I post. I write everything as if my JW relatives might be reading it. My family is so huge, and spread out over the US that someone in my family probably is.

  I get a lot of mail from lurkers. I'm happy every time one of them steps from the shadows and starts to post, because it takes such a burden off of their shoulders. They really know and feel that they're not alone once they start to share their experiences.

  Keep coming out, guys. It's not as scary as you think.

  Very interesting thread.

  essie
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  Vitameatavegamin

  I came to this site just to make sure I was not crazy. I began to realize that there are many others experiencing the same emotions I am. I was very reluctant at first, even guilt ridden. But as I read all the different topics posted, I could'nt stop reading.

  Forums like this are a wonderful outlet. Without this, many of us would never get to express our thoughts and feelings without the danger of being ostracized. It has been an incredible journey through knowledge for me. All the things I was thinking but never said were all here!

  I hope to continue and enjoying future posts. Thanks!
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  Ranchette

  I'm here for many reasons,most of which have already been stated.
  I'm here to learn, to heal,to make friends with persons who have a simular background as mine,to encourage others and be encouraged,for fun and entertainment,for healing and comfort.I'm sure I could think of more but I'll stop now and let someone else have a go.
  Before I do though,I'want to say that I'm very thankful that we have this place to come together.
  Ranchette
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  AMNESIAN

  I'm here, usually lurking, occasionally posting, because I have nowhere else to go to try to make sense of the tremendous heartache and grief and depression and despair I am burdened daily with having now finally, after many years of questions and doubts, admitted the real truth to myself. "Here" is a place I searched out ---after I came to my own conclusions about the WTBTS--- in order to connect with others who understand the reason for my anguish.

  While some of you are here as helpers---and I am very grateful--- I come as one seeking help, still in shock and disbelief and bitter anger. I am not young anymore---I was very 30 years ago when I embraced this religion. I don't expect to live long enough to thoroughly recover all that I have lost.

  Lauralisa, how your thoughts reflect so many of my own. Thank you for posting them.

  -AMNESIAN, sad beyond ability to express
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  jonjonsimons

  larc,
  I'm not sure why I'm here. I started lurking a few weeks before I started posting and it's become addictive. I walked away from the borg when I was 16 and in the process walked away from my entire family and everyone I had ever known. Now that I'm a much older man (ok 36 isn't that old but sometimes it sure feels like it) I have finally come to grips with the entire situation and I hope that maybey my being here will help someone else who has had a similar experience. The one thing I didn't expect was to find the many warm hearted fantastic people that I have found on this DB. And that is what makes me stick around here!
  Peace and love to you and yours,
  Jon
  PS email me. We live in the same town, we might as well meet. I'm not really that scary in person, I swear....haha!!!!
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  Grunt

  I am here primarily to learn, and I do. I have learned a lot. From how cow blood via bio pure is ok to the ways the legal dept. has changed the baptizmal vows of new Witnesses, to the fact that the Witnesses are being forced to stop protecting child molesters.

  I come here for the latest news on the Society.
  I keep hoping one day I will come on and find out that Brooklyn Bethel and Patterson have been sold to the Salvation Army to pay legal debts and that the buildings will be used to give beds to the homeless and the elderly.

  I also come here to try and help any I can and vent a little every once in a while. I type five times as many posts as I make, not because I am too shy to post them but because they get too long! It helps me to write it too. I answered Lisa on another thread and probably wrote five pages before paring it down to a couple of paragraphs.

  There is a lot of good company available here. I don't begin to read all the posts and frequently am away from the board for good stretches of time, but the ones I read I really enjoy. I am glad I seem to have dodged a lot of the filth. There is absolutely no reason to call people some of the names mentioned in this thread and I'm really surprised anyone did. To me using that kind of language is kind of like a pervert standing on the edge of a highway exposing himself to everyone that passes. I guess it meets some kind of need within them but only at a cost to others. Maybe that cost raises their value in their own eyes.

  I also feel it my obligation to stem the rising tide of Norwegian Nationalism and divert it into the healthier avenue of pictures for potential tourists. Which has worked by the way, I would love to attend a parade like the one Jan sent pictures of or sit "on the dock of the bay" close to Kent's place.

  I develop patience by not replying when someone like the Englishman says only one in six Americans have been to a foriegn country when more than one is six Americans are FROM a foriegn country. It makes me feel mature not to jump in and point out flaws in the country of whomevever makes the jab. I have gained a lot of information on everything from the Boot Boys and the King's apology to the Sami, to the racial tension where the poor old British D-Veteran was beaten to a pulp, but just gained the info without arguing, which is good.

  I enjoy the names, the topics and care about the people behind them from the old timers to the newbies there are a lot of high quality people on this board. Some of the best of H20 came over and that gives it a good feel too.
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  patio34

  Ianano,

  I hope your mood improves tomorrow! Best thoughts coming your way! And don't say anything foul to me :-)

  Pat
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  AngelofMuZiC

  I am here because for once in my life, I have found a group of people who understand what the hell I am talking about when I ramble about the field ministry, or the district conventions. I am here because I have found a common ground to stand on, so now I don't feel so alone. I am here because it is fun chatting with you all, and I 'enjoy your company' in the writing sense. I am here because I love aussies, and there are a lot of you here. I am here because the information I have learned has been extremely helpful, and I want to know more. I am here because most of you give really good advice. And that about sums it up.

  My Regards,

  Joanne