When I first joined this forum, I also questioned why an active JW would be here and post. I queeried it to myself for a little while, then realized that I was actually thinking like a JW.. horrors of all horrors! My experience of departure was sudden, there was no time to think of it. But if I had stayed, which I likely could have for many years if I hadnt experienced sudden disalusionment. I am unsure as to what I would do if I had a wife/husband or children involved in the organization. I consider myself to be a very honest person, but in this situation, I would likely search for the best way out, doing so diplomatically in order not to lose my immediete loved ones. I am not sure if it is more painful to live with something you do not believe in, while seeking a way out, or to have my experience of immediete shunning. As a mother, my daughter comes first in my life, I doubt that I could openly alienate her from myself due to a change in my beliefs. I would very cautiously plan, and hope to sneak away with our relationship still in tact. Or better yet, take her with me. Such a tough situation, I am glad I don't have to deal with it.
I try hard to live by the following quote by Hermann Hesse, by doing so, I cannot judge, only empathize with my fellow humans even if I do not agree.
"It is not our purpose to become each other; it is to recognize each other, to learn to see the other and honor him for what he is" Hermann Hesse
LTF
