by out of the box 14 Replies latest jw experiences
I know that is why I liked this board right away!!! YOU ARE ALL STANDING UP FOR WHAT YOU REALLY BELIEVE IN! We were not content with following the 'accidental' elders we happened to fall under... Or... merely accept what we were told to accept! We were not content to be one of many voiceless and non-thinking drone sheep! We are individuals! It would be VERY HARD to fool US again! Thank you Soooooo much for the support here!
out of the box
So.... being a JW for 9 years did good to you, and posting here has done even better to you?
:)
observador,
YES I guess you could say that over the years since I was a JW I have not talked about it much other than the exit deprograming by a phychologist.
This is the first time since, and I would say it has been 20 years since I exited. Would you have believed it was that long ago? I can still quote some scriptures. I can hold myself up to any discussion of the bible or basic religious topics. And I had quite a few bible students, did 20 hrs a week in service and volunteered for many brothers and sisters with hardships. What I learned from all my experiences is that I was actually trying to be a good Christian! I feel I still am. Not a practicing one in a church, but to my physical neighbors and co workers and family. And I was that way BEFORE I became a JW. The girl who studied with me told me she had hit the jackpot with me!
I believe ALL the experiences I have had over the years that were negative (meaning not pleasant) made me strong in my resolve. After all I EARNED where I am in life. Of course I wish I had things to do over... don't we all. But basically I believe that most people are good or at least want to be part of the human family if you just give them a chance.
I have visited the local orphanage. This is the choice I am making for my next Church work. Doing service there will be 'God's work' for me. Just validating someone can change their lives! Imagine it can be that simple. Isn't that true Agape?
out of the box.
Yes Outobox, you can make lemonade out of lemons! I learned a great deal from the "ministry school". I have been in positions of leadership my whole life because I wasn't abashed about speaking to groups, large and small. The whole JW experiance also gave me the confidence to investigate reality for my self and when I have a conviction that is "unconventional" not to allow my peers to sway me from what I precieve to be truth.
Many years after leaving the Borg, I joined a "minority religion" and have no problem with that, even though it has had its moments. But being my "own person" really came from facing the ridicule as a dubby kid.
carmel
Carmel,
What have you found in this minority religion that satisfies the soul? What was it you were looking for? What do they lack if anything by way of spiritual food or fellowship?
Hope you don't mind my asking, I am curious.
out of the box
