the fact that you were a witness, did it actually "ruin" your life?
?.
"RUINED" sounds so final. Maybe my head was reeling, maybe I was winded, for awhile. But I walked away, yet with my own better brain that still worked freely and a heart that still could be happy.
I successfully got my 5 children out of that "hole" to go on with their lives, free minds and hearts.
the last time they visited me they kept talking about how their brothers and sisters aren't very close to them anymore (on both mom and dad's sides of the family).
i wanted to say, "do you think that's because you joined a cult and have held them at arm's length for decades now?
" anyway, i think they also worry that if something happens they will be taken care of by their children.
It will be so sad for the grandchildren of JWs, to at some point learn they never got to know them was due to the grandparent shunning their (the grandchild's) parent because of a cult. I think the grandchildren will know and be the wiser about the reality of the negative effect of cultism.
three days ago i became aware that my daughter was arrested.
again.. here's a little history.
we adopted this child when she was 2 months old.
so i officially realized today that i am paranoid!!
everytime i hear a car door slam outside i peek out the window.
my blinds are closed and the telivision is on low.
well finallyyy i was able to create an account here after trying several times and being unsuccessful.
thanks to the mods for helping me out.
i have been hanging around this site for several months now.
Congratulations on your researching and re-evaluating about JWs! Since you have family in, I hope you can take your time, one day at a time. Perhaps you can figure out a plan to avoid being DF'd or DA'd. Everyone has their own unique circumstances and must be respected for their process of 'fading' or leaving the organization as they choose. So many best wishes in developing your own 'free mind' and personal conscience.
dear all,.
i discovered this site only a couple of weeks ago and i already feel affection for you.. i am a 48-year-old woman and i live in spain, where i was born and raised, so i apologize in advance for my inevitable lack of style and possible grammar mistakes, due to english not being my native tongue.. i grew up in the truth and jehovah and the congregation have filled my whole life.
i've had little contact with the outside world.
I am so happy for you and that you have retained your joy of life. In your immediate family, is it only your sister? Is she talking with you? I hope that the elders don't pursue you for another meeting with you. They could (if they haven't already) very well announce to the congregation that you no longer want to be a JW and then they will shun you. Keeping your inner peace and being true to yourself is most important.
So many best wishes in your 'free' life now!
from the watchtower november 15 study edition.. 19 when we are being represented in public prayer, we need to display reverential "fear of god.
" (1 pet 2:17) there may be a proper time and place for some actions that would be inappropriate at a christian meeting.
(eccl 3:1) for instance, suppose someone sought to have all in a group link arms or hold hands during prayer.
Of all the real issues the Governing Body needs to be concerned about changing and correcting, they come up with this nonsense! They probably sat around a month or two discussing this between each other, all nine, and came up with six (2/3 majority) of them to vote for this. Of all the global concerns, they have such small minds to make this an international issue.
ive had doubts for years had my mind opened and over the past year have decided enough is enough.
sick of the lies and double standards no longer believing in what ive been told cant even step into a kingdumb hall i just feel like screaming ive decided to d/a, best decision ive ever made a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders no more pretending to others finally free.
the announcement is being made this week.
i decided to join the group though im reading this forum since years now.
i almost know you all....by nickname i mean..... my husband joined you a few years ago already.
but i do not feel so free of speech because english is not my mother tongue, but i read a lot english books, have some relations with english speaking people, have a nice friend who is active on this forum and very known (because of her discoveries), so i will try to do my best.
So many best wishes for you in this endeavor of informing your family of your own personal thoughts regarding the Watchtower Society. It sounds like you are ready to accept your family response? I hope it won't be the typical response of JWs, but it is likely. Wow, your husband has been busy with his writing and obviously stands by his strong conviction. Fortunately, you have each other.
why some people are better off in cults.
familiesthe family unit has always been the core of mankinds strength to survive sometimes insurmountable odds against nature, other men and the arbitrariness of life.
when you stand alone, you have no one there to hold you up, defend you or take care of you.. if, on the other hand, you are part of a nurturing family, you have access to the helps of others, and in turn are obligated to be there when another in the family suddenly needs you.
I, too, am hoping for more JWs, to get more information with the "information age" on the Internet. Some do seek "truth" and maybe that will only be limited or in degrees. Many will always insist on their cult "crutches" (thinking they are better off in their dependency) but some will suspect they don't really need the JW "crutches" and with time and reading, they'll exercise their individualism and independency.
Some will learn they don't need the 9 Governing Body members and they don't need the 7 million JW "brothers and sisters" and don't need even 100 or so of the local JW "brothers and sisters". Having a handful of true friends, supportive and understanding and good reading materials will become more sufficient and fulfilling than all the "junk" literature of the WT and abundant conditional JW friends.
At least I hope and am seeing people, not JWs yet, going online to find out about Jehovah's Witnesses. People are more 'investigative' in many ways nowadays. This will impact the WTS' future.