Hello Done4Good,
I enjoyed reading your experience and thank you for sharing it. The reality is that when dealing with our JW friends, we cannot take any part of our relationship with them for granted. This does not mean that we should not try to keep the remnant of our damaged relationship with them. Yet, we must take into consideration the reminders that our friends are receiving on a regular basis with their church: “Your friend Done4Good is out to destroy your relationship with Jehovah. You must therefore choose between your God and your friend!” Fortunately, through the years, I have found that many JW will take this admonition lite heartedly if you are willing to respect their beliefs.
Of course, this will not address your profound urge to share your findings about the organization. Unfortunately though, doing so directly will immediately bring the automatic “cult persona” to the scene and you will lose all chances to make a difference.
Jesus made it clear: “By their fruits you will recognize them”. JW love to brag about their fruits, nothing prevents you from doing the same. For instance, have you helped your neighbor with something? Have you received selfless help yourself? You may also share some facts that do not contradict the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, but raises questions such as: “I’m glad that the crime has went down in my area. I don’t even know how my dad lived with it 20 years ago.” Or, you may even express faith in things you have in common.
Just about every articles the watchtower has printed in regards to preaching to family members in silence would apply here.
