Christmas Lights...

Steve Egner

Christmas lights remind me, that we're closing in on the second anniversary of our disassociation.

Two years ago, around this time, "gifts in men" from our old congregation paid us a visit regarding our Christmas display. We invited them in, ushering them slowly past our decorated tree, and seated them at our dining room table. They said that it had come to their attention that we appeared to be celbrating Christmas..."Indeed we are," I saiid, "as we have for the last four years." We had a lively discussion, and relished their discomfort as they tried to explain why this had been their first visit to us in almost seven years. This is the link:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/42954/1.ashx

Now, every Christmas display I see serves as a reminder of the freedom my family and I now enjoy. Knowing that my children's futures will never be stifled by the ridgidity of a religious cult, priceless.

It was a great feeling, in those years before our disassociation, displaying those lights. It proved that no one had control over us, that we lived our lives openly and honestly, and by our own standards. I would smoke a cigar while putting them up, daring the shepherds to come by.

So the lights are a special anniversary reminder. They also scare away demons, and guide in Santa.

Any other holiday displays out there? Can you post pictures?

Light 'em up!

Steve

doodle-v

Very kewl Steve!!! The lights look great! I've been wanting to put up ours but dang it wont stop raining the roof is too wet

I'll post a pic as soon as we get ours up..

Merry Christmas and J and I can't wait till the post xmas fest!!

-Doodle-V

Steve Egner

Hey Doodle,

Yup, rain sucks. I don't know what got into me, I got ours up Thanksgiving weekend, while it was still dry.

We're looking forward to the party too. Something to take our minds off the weather? See you and Jason there!

Steve

p.s. Be careful on that roof.

jimbob

Hi Steve. We got our Christmas lights up before Thanksgiving....but the wife wouldn't let me turn them on til afterwards.... (yeah, I know it would've been a bit early) We too enjoy the freedom of enjoying our life the way we want. They have no control over us anymore, and if we were worried what our family or other JW's would say, we wouldn't have the lights on the house. (which I might add is better than last year's display) With the house lighted up, and the Christmas tree decorated, we enjoy and appreciate the little things much more than we used to.

You are Rachel are extremely fortunate in that your entire family is out. All of you have a bond that no man or religious organization can break. And what's even better is that your kids can grow up in a caring and loving household without the threat of a religious organization's rules hanging over your heads. Holidays are meant to be spent with family, giving gifts and seeing joy on children's faces as they open their Christmas gifts. It's too bad JW's will never see the forest through the trees.

The wife and I have discussed what could happen if they were to see our Christmas display, and we no longer care. Life is too short to not enjoy. We no longer hide anything we do. In time they will know, but it's who we are. When we first left, we were cautious, I admit. But now, we are stronger and love the life we have. We no longer have contact with any JW's, and the only person we both care about who is still in is my mother, who would not shun us. So we have nothing to lose, and everything to gain. However, my in-laws would shun us...and belive me, from my point of view...that's not a bad thing at all.. The only difference for me is, I would never invite JW's in to my home or speak with them. I shun THEM now. They can't do anything to us...and if they feel the need to announce anything, that's their business. I can't control what they do, anymore than they can control what we do. We have a new life free from JW'isms.

We're looking forward to seeing you and your family after Christmas. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

seattleniceguy

Hey Steve,

Wow, your house looks great! The house I'm staying in right now (I rented a room in a house in Redmond to be closer to work) has put up lights, and Christmas decorations in the living room. It just feels so homey and nice, it's hard to believe that only a couple years ago I would have seen these items as satanic. Ah, but life in the real world is refreshing, isn't it?

SNG

P.S. I just wanted to say, I'm always struck by your posts - they exude a calm, honest happiness that is warm and inspiring.

Princess

Any other holiday displays out there? Can you post pictures?

We want pictures!

I love Christmas lights. Can't wait for them to go up after Thanksgiving, can't wait for them to come down after New Years!

jimbob

Okay...here's a couple pics of our house in the daylight. It's obviously better at night. And notice the snow.... It's snowing here this morning!! YEAH!

jimbob

Okay...that didn't go so well..let's try again.

Mulan

Jimbob, those photos are so pretty. I love the reindeer too. We don't have any lights outside...............maybe next year though. We are getting a bit old to climb onto the roof I think. I like the reindeer though................some of our neighbors on the next street have them and they look so pretty all lit up.

I envy your snow too. Usually I hate snow, but this year I want some.

I have lots of lights inside but no digital camera, so I can't share. I keep hoping Santa will bring me one.

Steve Egner

jimbob,

They have no control over us anymore, and if we were worried what our family or other JW's would say, we wouldn't have the lights on the house.

Great attitude!

The wife and I have discussed what could happen if they were to see our Christmas display, and we no longer care. Life is too short to not enjoy. We no longer hide anything we do.

Excellent. A fine philosophy to embrace. A bold example to other faders, as well.

We're looking forward to seeing you and your family after Christmas. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Thanks! Your home display is grand, and by the way, I too, envy your snow. Bring some with you to the party?

SNG,

The house I'm staying in right now (I rented a room in a house in Redmond to be closer to work) has put up lights, and Christmas decorations in the living room. It just feels so homey and nice, it's hard to believe that only a couple years ago I would have seen these items as satanic.

Isn't it great, living life without all that ridiculous mental baggage? The lights do scare away demons, though. Ask any of 'em.

And thank you for the nice compliment.

Mulan,

I have lots of lights inside but no digital camera, so I can't share. I keep hoping Santa will bring me one.

Maybe you could ask for copies of the telephoto pics the J-Ho spies are taking right now....from across the street! You've still got some time, though. It took them months to save enough for a camera, they couldn't afford a digital, and it will be weeks before the congregation has enough to pay for film developing. Perhaps Santa will come through by then.

Princess,

can't wait for them to come down after New Years!

Reliable sources inform me, there is a movement afoot, encouraging us to leave the lights up year 'round. It's being promoted as a labor-saving measure, but I suspect they're just real scared of demons...

Thank you all! Happy Holiday wishes, from the Egner family.

Steve

Christmas Lights...

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