For me this is a really sad concept, I left young at 16 and felt for many years that I would die, and that this life we live offered me nothing as I was taught. Looking back, I am saddened by the years lost. The years thinking to myself that there was no point in progressing as an invidual personally or advancing intellectually or career ways.
Now today at 43, I see a future, and am not afraid of death. I no longer see death as the end, I see my life as simply a page or chapter in my existence on this earth. I was one of those good little JW girls, doing all that was right, believing in all the teachings, but am so thankful that I left and had the chance to learn about life on the other side.
I no longer believe in the teachings I grew up with. I have educated myself enough to know that there is so much more out there than most of us realize, and may never understand totally until we can see that there may be another place.. another plane of existence that we were never told about.
In my opinion, there is not one religion, nor belief out there that has God or a higher power as their main main supporter. That God, or supporter is there for all of us, no matter what religion or faith we may believe in.
I believe that all that have a good heart will end up somewhere good! Perhaps I am dissilusioned, but I do not believe I am.
For me, believing that the basic goodness of mankind is noticed by whomever may be in charge of this whole fiasco we see here on earth helps me to see a future. Perhaps it is a "faith" moment I never thought I would have, but I do believe that goodness will be noticed.
I have let the past go, the teachings I was taught, let them fly away.. and believe that goodness will be recocnized!
LTF
p.s. I had an interesting converstaion with my boss last week on this topic.. death.. where do we go ect. She, as well as I have felt lost loved ones come to us after death to let us know the lost one was okay. I know that death is not the end.. I have experienced a lost loved one come to me to let me know they were okay. Whether anyone believe this or not is quite fine with me. I though know what I experienced, and am at peace!