One of the few memories from Wally World that makes me smile when I think about it. I was the first in my family to give any kind of talk on TMS. Evidently I had never witnessed anyone giving a first talk. It was customary in those days (not sure about now) for the audience to applaud for one's first talk. It surprised me, I couldn't figure out why everyone was clapping.
DisArmed
JoinedPosts by DisArmed
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What was your first public bible reading? And when?
by Mandrake ini perfectly remember that, rehearsing with mom, trying to read with enough emphasis and in a proper tone.
i was 5 years old, back then in 1996 i think, and the portion was james 5:1-13.... i found today that i still know the first verses by heart!!!
it's actually a cherished memory for me, i came to memorize those because mom had me starting the reading all over again until i got to read it properly... and in time!!!
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Prince is dead.
by DATA-DOG inhas anyone heard about this?
that really sucks.
lots of dubs are talking.
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DisArmed
Sometimes I don't think we appreciate the talent and genius we have living among us in our lifetime. Prince was to music and entertainment what Einstein was to physics. -
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Where is the Rebel.
by The Rebel inwho cares?.
the first time i was in distress with the watchtower, i was fortunate to find this place.
my ego thought ,i was somehow special, that my posts were reaching a worldwide audience, and most of all i felt at ease, maybe home is a better word.
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DisArmed
Good OP Reb,
Before arriving I had been in a place where I rarely gave Wally World a second thought. Out of curiosity and as the result of a friend's recommendation I tuned in. I found the forum to be a place that maybe, through my experience, I could somehow in a small way help a few. I still hope that is true. I noticed though that what I have to say has usually already been said by many. That's okay with me, it just means there are a lot of ex- JWs that have similar experiences. I still tune in, just not quite as much. The arguing, name calling and mean spiritedness seemed to have taken over there for a while and that was disheartening. I thought if current JWs were lurking they might think that that is what happens to people who leave WW or maybe they think those on the forum were already mean spirited and that's why they left. Lately though it seems to have turned yet again. The ones that have their own agenda come, try to exercise their agenda, then leave. They come and go. I hope the lurkers can find some info, good experiences, helpful advice and encouraging words to help them escape Wally World and, like me, rarely give that world a second thought.
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Still feel weird about things....
by FeelingFree inso i'm loving the fact that my little one gets to be a "normal" child and take part in everything at school.
however i still have that stupid niggling in the back of my head that she shouldn't be doing it and it's wrong etc.
at the moment she is rehearsing for the nativity play and keeps singing the songs at home (she is going to be an angel!
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DisArmed
FeelingFree,
We all deal differently with exiting the cult. But what seems to be common among us is that as time goes by we think less of Wally World and more of the real world. Eventually WW isn't even a fleeting thought. Hang in there it just keeps getting better and better.
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Leah Remini's book, "Troublemaker"
by DisArmed injust finished leah remini's book, "troublemaker.
" very good book that easily resonates, i'm sure, with anyone who has exited a cult.
her life in scientology and eventual exit was a nightmare.
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DisArmed
Just finished Leah Remini's book, "Troublemaker." Very good book that easily resonates, I'm sure, with anyone who has exited a cult. Her life in Scientology and eventual exit was a nightmare. Much of the writing could easily have Scientology crossed out and WTB&TS substituted and the writing be true. I don't know much about Remini other than what is in the book, but I thought it was well done. Excellent read and flowed well.. I recommend to any current or former cult members. Anyone else had the chance to read and have an opinion? -
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Intro and Thoughts
by ThinkerBelle ini've been lurking on the board for almost a year now and i think i'm ready to come out of hiding (although, i'm so nervous as i type this).
i'm not ready to share everything about my story, but the basics are that i'm a born-in, elder's kid, baptized as a teenager because i was tired of hearing people ask me "all your friends are baptized, when are you going to get baptized?
", married an unbeliever (was df, but came back shortly after) and we have two kids.
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DisArmed
Welcome ThinkerBelle!
Take your time, things tend to fall in place. You have already taken some big and bold steps. Rest assured, the farther away from Wally World, the picture continues to get clearer. Good luck on your journey.
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The 1995 Generation Change
by sloppyjoe2 ini was just a teenager and have a vivid memory of sitting in a chair doing a microphone for the sunday meeting.
everyone was commenting that it didn't mean the end was far off, and it didn't change the condition of the dead, or the 144,000, or the trinity so we should still remain faithful.
this is my first memory as a kid being just a teen that i ever had a single doubt.
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DisArmed
That was the last straw for me. I started my exit immediately. I can remember my best elder friend and me discussing that either the big A had to come pretty soon or doctrine would have to change. Well low and behold we know what happened. When it comes to changing doctrine, I don't see the GB as sinister as some do. I think they are just fumbling idiots. Either way, I don't want to be following them. -
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Hello Everyone
by MarieK ini hope everyone is having a good saturday.
i've visited this many times in the past month or so, joined yesterday and finally got the nerve to post!
needless to say, i'm super nervous, being new to this whole experience.
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DisArmed
Welcome Marie!
There is no doubt, it takes great courage to do what you're doing. Anytime you research something knowing the result can "blow up" your whole infrastructure is frightening. Hang in there, rebuild, the ride ahead will be the time of your life.
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Getting it out of my system, a VERY long introduction/outpouring..
by adimmedlight inwarning, novel ahead:.
after a few months of lurking on this site, i've decided to take the plunge...i don't really care so much about introducing myself, but somehow there is some relief in the thought of getting my little story out there, just getting it out of my system.
i am the oldest of 5 kids.
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DisArmed
"Warning, novel ahead:"
Welcome adimmedlight!
Don't worry, we all have a novel in us.
You wrote, "Actually, I've felt a bit of relief being away a while." that statement should speak volumes to you.
Anyone or anything that is supposed to bring relief and hope and does the opposite should be scrutinized fiercely.
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Where Is The Jehovah's Witness Zeal?
by minimus init seems to me that the religion is nearly dead.
or dying.
very little pulse exists for the organization.
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DisArmed
"It is a tired religion. It is on automatic pilot. It is tiresome."
It has occurred to me that Walley World has probably run its course. All the info is out there. Anyone looking for a reason, and we know there are many, to leave has done so. Anyone who is staying isn't doing so for lack of new revelations or evidence of a cult. So pretty much, IMHO, those that have found reason and want to leave, have done so or are in process, or at the very least are mentally out. Those that don't want to leave, if they haven't found a reason by now, what on earth would it take? I doubt there will be anymore defining moments that will be the last straw or final nail. It has all been said, done, written, talked about, processed and documented. If what we know now is not enough to leave, then there will never be enough.