@ JamesThomas,
It is interesting that you talk about a story, was wondering if you read anything by Debbie Ford, I know she has some interesting books on psychology, - I've been planning to read a particular book by her, but did not find the time, yet.
I am a person who believes that God exists, that he cares for us and that he gave Jesus as our savior. And I believe the Bible is the word of God.
I believed these things before my encounter with jw's. I believed them even if my parents were not religious. I found a bible when I was a kid and starting reading it, and listened very closely whenever people were saying something of God.
My believe in God has little to do with the jw's, I think on the contrary, they made me feel further away from God.
My awakening is about the fact that they are not the representatives of God, and some (or most) of their doctrines are not supported by the Bible. And their spirit is Pharisaic. Their spirit and attitude has so much more to do with the pharisees in the Bible than with Jesus. How did I not see this earlier? I actually saw it ... but have no idea what I was thinking or hoping ...