Hello!
~~~when did you leave?
In 1998. I was raised a witness. Was babtised at 13 years old, quit school and pioneered for years. I gradually stopped attending meetings over a period of a few years. I disassociated myself and have had no regrets since.
~~~What prompted you to doubt/leave the organization?
The plain fact that I never found out for myself if the JW's doctrines were true or not, I always took the GB's and elders word for it and never questioned that they spoke the truth until I started to feel the ostracism because I became inactive. I thought to myself: arent the "weak" supposed to recieve extra help? I thought that the scriptures admonished us to support those that needed help. I was ignored and looked down upon because of my inactivity. EVen the elders promised to regularly visit me to encourage, but they only did once! Once in about 5 years time. I felt that I did not matter any more and that was the first sign to me that perhaps not all things were right in the organization. I then started to examine my doubts that I always pushed aside. I found out that the JW interpretation of the Bible was not accurate, and eventually found out for myself that the Bible, no matter what translation or interpretation, is not necesarily true.
Leaving the JW's has truly opened my mind. I now examine things in search of truth, not with a specific defensive agenda in my mind. I have come to the conclusion that the Bible is just a book made up by man.
I am a very spiritual person, I just believe in my own way. I do not believe in God and have no problem finding fulfillment and happiness in my life.
Never let anyone make you feel bad for your beliefs, religious or not. This is your journey, and your conclusions are your own, keep an open mind and be proud!
~~~~For those who have already left how did you go about doing it?
Once I made up my mind that I wanted no further association with the JW's, I wrote my letter of dissassociation. I realize that that is the route that they want you to take if you want to leave, but I also respect others that leave in thier own way too. I called up the one elder that I was closest to as a person, and told him I had something important I needed to discuss with him. He came over to my house. I started it out by being very blunt and to the point, with no regrets or hesitation. I said that I wish to dissassociate myself immediately and that I had my letter written. I gave it to him to read. He accepted it and then asked if this is what I wanted to do for sure. I said yes, no doubt in my mind. He then got all sad and teary eyed and said that he would miss me. I said I understood and would miss him too. We hugged (in front of my x-husband) and he left.
I got a call from him a few days later, and he asked again if this decision was final. I said yes, I did not want to change my mind. He then told me that 2 other brothers were on the phone as well, a 3 way telephone conversation. He then asked the other 2 elders if they were convinced that I was serious about my decision. They both said yes, they believed me. He then concluded the call.
That was the last I heard from anyone that was a JW.
It bothered me at first that I lost all my friends. I had no other friends than the JW's. It was difficult. But, another sister wanted to leave, and I had the priviliage of assisting her to follow her goals in leaving.
I now have many non-JW friends that are very good people. I was scared at first, because I still had some residule brainwashing from the JW's about "worldly" people. I have now realized that they had a doomsday attitude about everything, and that this world is as positive or negative as WE ourselves CHOOSE to preceive it.
Since I have left the JW's , I am a very positive person. I look back and still am amazed at how negative my life and my former thinking was.
I wish you very well in your upcoming choices with leaving the JW'S. You are not alone, and there is much support here!
Take care!
Cari
If I fail or if I suceed, at least I'll live as I believe.~~W.Houston