Sometimes. It depended on my age and current mindset. When I really thought I was doing the right thing and experiencing the 'love of the brotherhood' I was happy.
But when I started reading xjw sites, that changed everything.
Hmmmm.....
Posts by alias
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32Were you happy as a witness?
by JH inthe few years that i was an active witness, i can't say that i was very happy.
i really didn't mind missing a meeting.
i always felt that a meeting every 2 days for the rest of my life was a little exaggerated.
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54
Other peoples happiness.......
by obiwan init's so sad sometimes to see people question anothers happiness.
there have been posts made about good things happening to our fellow posters here.
posters questioning good fortune and happiness.
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alias
Ah, the filters of life.
I am happy for people when good things happen.
Especially when they've worked hard for it or just outright deserve it.
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44
Fibbing about your time
by SC_Guy ini'd never thought about this... but last night my father asked for my time.
and i told him i didn't have any.
he didn't seem to mind so he went ahead long his way.. .
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alias
I never fudged on my time reports. I even went without reporting time many months because all I had was 15 or 30 minutes and didn't feel it was honest to round up or make up the time "next month." Such a shame the 15-minute arrangement didn't exist then.
I hated getting "the call" at the end of the month too, and feel like I had to confess my spritual deficiency to the brother who did the time reports. What a humiliation.
Honestly, I despise the whole aspect of keeping count of hours, placements, rvs, and the like. I find it contrary to the whole point of being a Christian (if that's what you want to be) and an abusive form of control that makes many people feel guilty and others self-righteous.
And drives some to be dishonest. Sigh.
How many JWs would gladly visit or spend time with "weak" ones or inactive family members if they could only count the time on a pathetic slip of paper. Or better yet, not have to count time at all and be rewarded by their heartfelt motivation instead of keeping up with the national average.
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18
Lies and the Lying Jehovah's Witnesses who tell them
by joelbear ina visit home recently brought me back up against the destructiveness of the watchtower society.. far from being happy, my parents are exhaustingly sad, angry and bitter.
they spent the weekend.
chopping first at each other and then at my brother and i. how we had disappointed them.
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alias
"its all about being at peace with themselves"
I believe that's the key for everyone. JWs, former JWs, never JWs.
Mann377, enjoyed your post.
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40
My Best Friends Still Love Me
by Piph ini had a talk with my best friend (who is still an active jw) the other day, and told her that i wasn't interested in remaining an active witness any more.
i knew she would accept my feelings, because she's a wonderful person and is actually very emotionally healthy, but was afraid because i didn't really know how tight a grip the mind control had on her, and didn't know if she would feel obligated to back off in our friendship any.
i was deeply afraid of that, because we're as close, if not closer than, sisters.. to my pleasant surprise, she not only totally accepted my feelings, but she already knew what i was going to say before i said it.
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alias
Piph,
Losing our closest friends when we want to cease involvement in the JW faith is one of the toughest pills to swallow. It's a sad thing, but almost inevitable due to the cocoon they insist on living in. Ironically, it's always their decision, not ours.
I know all of this will get easier for you and Euph. It's the intial months of separation that hurt the most.
My best to you,
alias
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50
Delurk
by Euphemism inwell, this isn't quite a delurk, since i've made several posts already.
but i figured it was worth introducing myself anyway.. i'm 21 years old, and was raised a dub.
had very loyal and active dub parents... there was just no question growing up that i was going to pioneer, reach out for privileges, etc.
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alias
Euph & Piph,
Welcome both of you!
I lurked on the 'zone until it disappeared (couldn't meet the criteria for registering!), but wanted to express my congratulations to both of you on your recent marriage! I am amazed that all of these undercurrents were happening under the "My big fat greek wedding" facade.
I know it must hurt losing all of your JW friends and other issues that happen when you walk away, but you will find so many people here with open arms and empathy. It's a strange and scary transition, but we all have to be true to ourselves.
I'm so glad you have eachother. You are both in a great place.
My warmest wishes and belated welcome,
alias
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65
I Am Mine
by Euphemism inwhen the pearl jam single i am mine came out a little over a year ago, i was still a witness.
it's easy to see why the lyrics appealed to me at a time when i was subconsciously trying to free myself from the mind control.. i know that i was born and i know that i?ll die.. the in between is mine.. i am mine.. .... we?re different behind the eyes, there?s no need to hide .
.... the sorrow grows bigger when the sorrow's denied.. i only know my mind.. i am mine.. freedom has been a gradual process.
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alias
OMG!
THE Dang?
:::picks self off the floor:::
So what's yer Kersey type? ;)
Congrats on your new marriage and finding someone on the same wavelength.
Wow.
alias
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26
Witness parents?
by happysunshine indo any of you have witness parents?
if so, how do you deal with them?
i'm not fealing really great about the way everything has turned out.
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alias
I do and they are need-greaters, pio, and elder. Our relationship is quite estranged as they moved states away to knock on strangers doors.
Since I'm faded, they still touch base with me here and there. But the conversations tread lightly.
To preserve any relationship whatsoever with them I just let things be. They seem happy. Now me, that's another story...
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48
What Makes You Read & Post On This Site?
by minimus inonce again, there's a lot of new people on this board as well as us "oldsters".
what was the original reason for you looking at this site and why did you make your first post?
and why do you stay here?
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alias
a connection to others with shared experiences.
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55
So, what's stopping you from going to the hall?
by JH in2 elders came to my door today, at noon sharp, and i opened the door to let them in.
they didn't want to come in, so they stood at the door and asked me, "what's stopping you from coming to the hall"?
they only come once a year and always around christmas time.
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alias
The immediate expectation to progress and do more.
One meeting is not enough. arg.